Comment: Let government govern and Scrutiny scrutinise

Thursday 18 October 2018

The standard argument goes like this: government by ministers is efficient, speedy and decisive, whereas the old ‘committee-based’ system was a recipe for procrastination.

But some feel the creation of ministers has also fostered a ‘them and us’ culture, and marginalised those not in the charmed inner circle. Are proposed new ‘policy development boards’ the answer to making sure more elected representatives are included?

For Express columnist Andy Jehan, stringent and fully accountable policy-making can only happen when there's a clear line between government and Scrutiny...

"Our new government recently published their plans for the next four years. They seem well intentioned, with nothing spectacular included. It does appear that we are seeing a more collaborative approach than previous Council of Ministers. 

One thing I disagree with is the formation of 'Policy Boards'. It seems to me that the idea of Policy Boards was thought up in the last term by those involved in Scrutiny at the time, probably because they wanted to feel more 'involved' in decision making? 

Pictured: "It does appear that we are seeing a more collaborative approach than previous Council of Ministers."

I fully support those who question the current Ministerial set up, but don’t advocate a return to the old Committee system. Speaking to some former Assistant Ministers, it was apparent that not even they knew the detail of some Ministerial decisions made by their Ministers, with some departments not meeting on a regular basis. 

In Spring 2017, the new Chief Minister (in his previous role) chaired public Scrutiny meetings in the Parishes, on the topic of Electoral Reform - something his new team have said they will address. The use of Boards featured in these meetings, with myself and others suggesting that rather than returning to the old Committee system a new Board system could be introduced as a way of improving the current Ministerial system. 

As a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, I am well aware of the benefits of an effective Board, as well as the impact of ineffective ones! In my opinion if Ministerial decisions had to be approved by a "Board" made up of Assistant Ministers, with the Chair being the "Minister" it could allow for more input from those in Government. 

Mixing members of Scrutiny and Government on Policy Boards doesn't sit well with the Troy rule and could lead to less public debate in the Assembly with things going through on 'the nod'. 

Pictured: Express columnist Andy Jehan urges that government and Scrutiny need to be kept separate.

The composition of these new Policy Boards appears to be by invitation only, with no opportunity for election in the States. Reading the latest from the review Board on the Hospital, it appears to be a total waste of time and duplication, with individuals trying to score points against some including those who are no longer in Government. The Health Minister appeared embarrassed by the direction the group was heading. 

If the new CoM wants to introduce changes to process I would hope that they would instead focus on improving voter equity and also removing the non-elected members from the States Chamber rather than tinkering around the edges with new Policy Boards. 

In the meantime I respectfully suggest that government should do their job of governing and let Scrutiny do their job of scrutinising."

The views expressed in this piece are those of the author, and not of Bailiwick Express.