Economic Affairs - Approved Panel Minutes - 18 January 2017

Present

Deputy S.M. Brée, Chairman Deputy D. Johnson , Vice-Chairman Connétable J.E. Le Maistre Connétable M.J. Paddock

Apologies

Absent

In attendance

Mr M. Orbell, Scrutiny Officer

Ref Back

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Innovation Fund

The Panel met to discuss comments made by the Chief Minister during the  debate  on  the  Innovation  Fund  on  17th  January,  in  which  he suggested to States Members that the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel would be carrying out a review of the matter. As this had not previously been considered by the Panel, the Chairman called a meeting to discuss the issue. Members agreed that such a review would not fit into the normal role of Scrutiny, and could thus raise questions about objectivity. There was potential for damage to the reputation not just of the Panel, but also of the wider Scrutiny function if a review were to be carried out that exceeded Scrutiny's terms of reference under Standing Orders. In particular  it  was  noted  that  Scrutiny  was  generally  accepted  to  be forward-looking and focused on matters of ministerial policy; it was the task  of the  PAC  to  look  with  hindsight  into  issues  of  departmental performance and value for money.

The  Chief  Minister  had  already  announced  that  three  independent reviews were being commissioned into different aspects of this matter. It was also understood that the PAC would be following up the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General with a further review of its own into the operation of the Innovation Fund. As such, members felt that a further Scrutiny review would not be appropriate or justified. It was agreed that a letter should be drafted to the Chief Minister explaining that the Panel would not be carrying out a review.  

MO