The Public Finances Law was presented on Tuesday and aims to improve the accountability and transparency of government spending.

For the first time, there will be penalties if the law is breached.

If approved, the new law will change the way States' departments get their annual budget as it will link States spending to an annual business plan.

Spending approved

At the start of the year ministers will put forward their spending estimates, which will be available to the public and a scrutiny panel.

Those estimates will be debated and approved by the States and in December the House will debate taxes.

Accounting officers in each department will be responsible for managing its funds and ensuring value for money, and departments can be fined if they breach the law.

Also under the plans the island's Capital and General Reserve Funds will be closed and replaced with a Consolidated Fund.

The role of the Civil Emergency Liaison Officer in Jersey's parishes is also to be abolished, it was announced on Thursday.

Vice-President of the Emergencies Council, Deputy Gerard Baudain, said the duties would now be carried out by the honorary police.

One area of responsibility that is still to be decided is who will monitor radiation levels. The Comite des Connetables have been tasked with finding a suitable replacement.

Meanwhile, St Helier Deputy Geoff Southern has become the new chairman of one of Jersey's States scrutiny panels.

He was elected unopposed after Deputy Jerry Dorey announced his resignation in the States.