The Advisory and Finance Committee is to put forward proposals for radical changes to the way the island is governed.

Under the proposals, the present 43 committees would be replaced by nine new departments to provide services for the island.

These would be overseen by a policy council, which would be headed by a chief minister, who would act as political spokesman for the island.

Proposal support

Advisory and Finance says the proposals represent evolution rather than revolution, and they will go through.

Committee president Deputy Laurie Morgan has said he is confident the proposals will be well supported.

Data Protection Commissioner Peter Harris has said he agrees with the broad thrust of the plans.

Mr Harris says anything which is designed to ensure greater co-ordination, improved public services and a more rational use of resources is to be welcomed.

However he has said if the plans are to work effectively, then it is vital the data protection office retains its independent position to offer clear advice on how to protect people's privacy.