Reporting lines, roles and responsibilities in the States are not well-defined, resulting in low accountability and opaque decision making. It needs to adopt a more business-like approach to bring clarity and restore confidence in how the government is run.
The Independent Panel on States Members’ Pay highlighted the fact there was no definition of the Role of Deputy. On that basis, how can anyone know their responsibilities and what skills they would be required to possess?
Similarly, we have public servants making executive decisions and spending taxpayers’ money contrary to the wishes of the public and without any apparent leadership from the States of Guernsey. This type of issue highlights the lack of transparency and accountability of many public sector bodies which needs to be addressed urgently.
The decision making process is far from transparent and it is clear from the last 4 years that, whilst certain States Members waste no time in publishing anything which makes them look good, they seem very reluctant for the public to be made aware of any bad news or financial information which may show them in a different light. The way the issue of the High School GCSE results was handled was an appalling lack of judgement and only served to heighten suspicion and create a distinct lack of trust in those who govern us. We don’t know what goes on in committee meetings and the decision making process in terms of the provision of contracts is opaque.
I want to change this and will fight for a more accountable and open government.