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6
WQ.110/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. LAWRENCE
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2019
Question
Further to the publication of the proposed Justice and Home Affairs Target Operating Model on 4th February 2019, will the Minister explain –
- what involvement he had in developing the final new structure as outlined in the consultation document and if any changes were made as a result of his input;
- how the reduction in the number of officers at tiers 3 and 4 in the Customs and Immigration Service, Fire and Rescue Service, and Ambulance Service is consistent with his comments, made in the Assembly on 3rd December 2018, that "we are not looking to reduce numbers any further" and "I am not looking for any further budget cuts";
- what action he will be taking to ensure that the proposed reduction of officers at tiers 3 and 4 in these services is reversed;
- what further action he will be taking to ensure that he meets the public commitments he has made to this Assembly and to guarantee that no further reductions in any of the other tiers are made; and
- how current service levels and public safety would be either maintained or enhanced through the proposed reductions in numbers at tiers 3 and 4?
Answer
I have been clear that the final new structure for the Justice and Home Affairs Department must at least maintain the current level of service and, in due course, lead to an enhanced level of service for the public. The Assistant Minister and I are providing political oversight of the development of the new structure and, for the avoidance of doubt, it will only proceed in its final form with our consent.
With that in mind, it is important to emphasise that the Target Operating Model published on 4th February 2019 forms part of a consultation with all staff in Justice and Home Affairs on the tier 3 and 4 roles within the Department, and is not the final new structure for the Department. The final structure for tiers 3 and 4 will take account of all views expressed during the consultation period. Accordingly, I encourage staff and other relevant bodies to continue sending in their responses to this consultation.
The numbers of officers at tiers 3 and 4 will be reviewed once the consultation has closed in order to ensure that any efficiencies initially identified within the management level of our services are consistent with the requirement to maintain, and preferably enhance, the current level of service to the public.
A further consultation will then take place later in 2019 on the remaining roles in the Department (tiers 5 and 6). I cannot envisage a situation where I would support any reductions in the number of officers at these tiers in any of our services.
I remain supportive of the principles on which the proposed new structure is based. I am also pleased that Scrutiny intend to review all the Target Operating Models for Departments, and look forward to working them in respect of my portfolio.