Review panel disappointed by response to report

Politicians reviewing government plans have said they are "disappointed" after ministers rejected most of their recommendations on long-term planning.

A scrutiny panel has been looking at how well the Government of Jersey is delivering on its 13 Common Strategic Policy priorities.

It made 11 recommendations calling for clearer long-term planning on a number of issues.

In response, the government rejected most of those suggestions - fully accepting just one, partly accepting two, and turning down the rest.

Ministers said their focus is on their current programme, with an election approaching.

The response said: "The Council of Ministers wish to thank the Common Strategic Policy Review Panel for their detailed review.

"The report of the panel recognises that there have been notable achievements. In other areas, it is understood that the panel believes that progress has been slower, uneven, or dependent on other decisions.

"The Council of Ministers disagrees. Across the board, substantial delivery has taken place."

It continued: "Measures have also been put in place to support Jersey's economy, increase competitiveness, and strengthen external relations, alongside substantial improvements in the speed and effectiveness of our planning system; and keeping government duties, fees and charges as low as possible."

The chair of the panel, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: "As a panel we are disappointed with the chief minister's response to our report and recommendations.

"The panel believe there are areas across government that require attention, such as addressing the ageing population, and it is important that Jersey sees some successful outcomes before the end of this political term.

"We understand that government are going to publish an update report on CSP delivery and that a future Council of Ministers may revisit the panel's recommendations when developing the next strategic policy priorities.

"We urge that these issues be given early and serious consideration in the next government."

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