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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY S. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 30th JUNE 2009
Question
Following on from the Strategic Plan, what sector, if any, in his department's service delivery does the Minister plan to privatise or outsource and how many jobs will this effect; further still, what savings are planned?"
Answer
As stated by the Chief Minister on 16th June 2009, in response to an oral question from Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier , all organisations change and adapt as technological improvements, economic conditions and other innovative opportunities arise. This applies equally to the public sector which must change and adapt, particularly in the current economic conditions. All departments need to keep the provision of their services under constant review, which must include whether there are more commercial ways of working or opportunities for wider private sector involvement. As such opportunities arise Departments will be expected to implement them as a means of improving efficiency and keeping costs down.
In the past the Chief Minister has informed States members of a good example of this in the recent exercise tendering for the improvement and upgrading of the States website in his own department. As a result a consortium of private companies successfully bid for and are now undertaking not only the development but also future provision of web facilities.
The Economic Development Department as the States lead-department in terms of delivering productivity and support for business continues to explore how it can most cost-effectively deliver its broad range of services. For example, the Department grant-funds Jersey Finance Limited (JFL) to develop the interface with the finance sector and carry out promotional activity on a global basis that will raise the profile of Jersey as a transparent and effective global finance centre. In addition, EDD grant-funds the Jersey Consumer Council to deliver effective consumer representation.
Members will also be aware that the Department is evaluating with the JHA and others, a proposal for the potential introduction of a public-private partnership for the delivery of marketing and promotion of the Island as a visitor destination, along similar lines to JFL. This proposal is currently the subject of a review by the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel. A key element of the proposal is the delivery of a more effective and productive organisation grant- funded by the Economic Development Department, with an increased contribution from the private sector