The Public Accounts Committee will scrutinise States' spending

Vale Deputy Geoff Mahy says changes in government and possible tax reforms mean now is a good time for the island to examine how it handles its budget.

He acknowledged the reduction of the 43 States committees to 10 departments will allow for some savings, but believes more can still be done.

Meanwhile, the island's Public Accounts Committee has had its first meeting.

At the meeting on Friday, the committee discussed its mandate, functions and responsibilities and how it would operate.

Committee Chairman Rhoderick Matthews said: "Guernsey's new Public Accounts Committee has a crucial role in ensuring that islanders get value for money from States' expenditure and that public assets and revenues are safeguarded.

"I look forward to working closely with the other members of the committee to achieve this aim."