The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
19-21 Broad Street | St Helier Jersey | JE2 4WE
Government Plan Review Panel States Greffe: Scrutiny
Morier House
St Helier
Jersey
JE1 1DD
4th September 2020 Dear Chair,
Thank you for your letter dated 25th August. I am happy to report that since the briefing held with the Government Plan Review Panel we have now published the 6-month progress report.
As you are aware the Council of Ministers are meeting throughout this week to finalise decisions intrinsic to the plan, therefore I have ensured that any questions you have raised which have yet to be discussed have a firm deadline of 11th September to get the information to the panel. If the details are finalised prior to this date, then we will ensure information is forwarded to the Panel. Similarly, I will be in a position to share further information with you regarding income and duties.
I have responded to each of your questions as listed below.
- Are there any areas of the Government Plan preparations that are taking longer than expected to develop?
As I indicated at our meeting on 24th August the Council of Ministers is currently carrying out its Government Plan decision-making process. We are on target to provide you with the word draft of the Government Plan by 28th September in accordance with the MoU.
- When is it envisaged that draft chapters of the Government Plan will be sent to Scrutiny?
As indicated at our meeting on 24th August, in accordance with the MoU ("interim draft chapters, or similar") it is our intention to provide you, in confidence, with information on decisions made by the Council of Ministers once made so that you can base your scrutiny on settled decisions rather than on unsettled drafting. We envisage that we will be able to do this in the week of the 14th September although we will do so before if we are able.
The final draft chapters in their entirety will be provided, in confidence, as part of the Word draft of the Government Plan on 28th September. Again, this is so that you can scrutinise settled drafting rather than a work in process.
- When will background information and Business Cases be provided to Scrutiny?
The draft Government Plan provided on 28th September will include detailed supporting financial tables in a separate annex.
The draft report containing summary business cases will be provided with the draft Government Plan on 28th September. At the same time, we will make available the full business cases.
- When will Ministers be able to confirm reprioritisation of the available public resources for allocation and use within the departments under their remit?
I can confirm that this information will be sent to you by 11th September.
- When will Ministers be able to confirm that Scrutiny can conduct confidential stakeholder engagement on decisions made by CoM?
The Council of Ministers are scheduled to discuss and agree their approach to this on 4th September. I will be able to update you by 11th September.
- Part of the Government Plan Review Panel's work will be to review whether the Plan, as approved last year, was implemented in accordance with the Assembly's direction. This cannot be undertaken meaningfully if we cannot measure against the Chief Executive's performance. Why has there been a delay to the Chief Executive's performance appraisal and when will it be complete?
The Corporate Services Panel wrote to the Chief Minister on 1st September, asking the same question. The delay has been due to COVID-19 and the need to prioritise the Government's response over the last few months. It is intended to publish the appraisal before the end of the month.
- Will his objectives include delivery of the Government Plan, and if so, what level of confidence do you have that the Chief Executive will be able to achieve this?
The Chief Executive, as he did last year, has ultimate responsibility as Principle Accountable Office for delivering the operational side of the Government Plan. However, as detailed in the 6-month report, there will have been delays in some areas as a result of COVID.
- Can you confirm you wish to hold monthly briefings alternately with SLC (on Covid matters) and GPRP (on the Government Plan), unless there are specific topics which arise? How will that work in practice?
If the Panel wishes to raise COVID related questions during our monthly Government Plan meeting, they are very welcome to do so.
- Despite chasing for responses, the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel have not received clarification of departments individual budget and its feasibility, including the viability and deliverability of projects within the department. When will Ministers be responding to Panel requests for updates?
I will remind Ministers of the importance of responding to Panels' requests and ensure that the outstanding information is provided by the Ministers by 11th September.
Kind regards,
Senator John Le Fondré Chief Minister
D +44 (0)1534 440636