States Set Out Government Work Plan

Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, managing the effects of Brexit and delivering 'recovery actions' are the three main priorities for the first stage the Government Work Plan.

The Government Work Plan sets the direction for the political term. The States are set to debate the outline on 17 March.

It focuses on how Guernsey's government can tackle the 'evolving and unprecedented situations' its facing over the next four years.

The plan is split into two stages, with stage one focussing on the island's 'recovery actions'.

After further assessment and discussion, the stage two policy letter will look at implementing any actions, priorities for capital and public sector transformation, resourcing, funding and investment requirements.  This will be debated on 21 July.

Policy & Resources Vice President, Deputy Heidi Soulsby says 'the need is great, the time is limited but there is a window of opportunity' for the States to invest in the economy to support Guernsey's recovery, enhance the island's infrastructure and ensure sustainability:

"It's not an easy time for any government right now, so what we have to do is really start working together collaboratively, and one advantage we've got is a consensus system of government. That is all about working together to come up with the solutions and this is a time when it really needs to come into its own."

Pre-existing challenges such as climate change, inequalities among islanders’ living standards, waiting lists for healthcare and Guernsey’s ageing demographic are also cited as issues that need to be addressed under the plan.

If approved, the Government Work Plan will mean throwing out many previous decisions taken by the States. 

In a move to release resources for 'priority activity',  the House will be asked to approve committees rescinding States resolutions that no longer reflect the pressing needs of today.

The policy letter lists 135 resolutions recommended be cancelled.

"The suggestions to be rescinded have been put forward by the committees themselves. There has also been information released to States' members in the background asking them to support these measures. The ambition of the new assembly is prodigious so it will need to make difficult decisions and these proposals prepare the way for that.

"This is about what the islands need. We must understand that these are going to be the priorities for government to do and it might mean that resources need to be moved around various parts of government to enable that to happen. 

"We must work together. We can't afford those turf wars, we can't afford what we had last term. We've really got to work together to reach solutions."