Call for independent government spending watchdog

There is a call for Guernsey's government to create a new watchdog to scrutinise public spending.

Deputy Sally Rochester plans to bring a proposal to the States in February which would introduce an independent Auditor General role to analyse the use of public resources.

It follows IT projects costing £42m being described as an "unconscionable waste of public money" by a senior politician in 2025.

Rochester said the role was common in "most other western economies" and was an important piece of the puzzle for "good governance".

If Deputy Rochester's requete is approved, the new auditor general would be responsible for overseeing financial statements and ensuring public spending gives value for money.

"It's an important part of parliamentary process", said Rochester.

"It's set up through legislation, it's entirely independent, reports into the parliamentary body.

"I think its a really important piece of the puzzle, of good government and good governance that we just don't have here in Guernsey."

Rochester said the idea was prompted by recent reports into wasted government spending.

"When those really disappointing headlines came through at the end of last year and looking around government in my first few months as a new deputy, it seems obvious to me this is a really important body," she said.

"Even if we don't agree to put it in place, we should debate and consider it at a states debate level."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].