WORK to unpick the former government chief executive’s controversial ‘OneGov’ system has begun – with the Chief Minister having confirmed that a new Cabinet Office is being formed.
To mark 50 days since the formation of the Council of Ministers, Deputy Kristina Moore has outlined progress made on her action plan for the first 100 days of office – and said work on other areas, such as free school meals and a review of the creation of a public-services ombudsman, would be announced shortly. She also revealed that a report on the Our Hospital project was expected imminently.
As part of her plans, Deputy Moore confirmed that the Office of the Chief Executive, the Chief Operating Office, and Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance would be brought into a combined department to better co-ordinate and support the delivery of the new Council of Ministers’ objectives.
One of the other early actions of the new government has been to progress what the Chief Minister has previously described as ‘a more accountable structure within government’ to introduce direct lines of ministerial accountability. Former Environment Minister John Young successfully brought a proposition which proposed rolling back many of the OneGov reforms championed by former chief executive Charlie Parker.
Deputy Moore said: ‘Jersey’s Cabinet Office will allow ministers to set the political direction, strengthen our decision-making, and drive improvement and efficiency across government.’ The Cabinet Office will be led by chief executive Suzanne Wylie, alongside two assistant chief executives – States treasurer Richard Bell and director general for SPPP Tom Walker.
Mrs Wylie said: ‘This is a really exciting opportunity for employees to work closer with ministers and drive forward their political agenda.
‘The Cabinet Office will have a focus on delivery, service improvements and performance. It will directly support the Chief Minister and her Council of Ministers.’
As part of her 100-day action plan, Deputy Moore promised a mini-budget to help Islanders struggling with the cost-of-living crisis – which is due to be debated later this month.
She said: ‘After setting an ambitious 18-point, 100-Day Action plan, we are now delivering on it.
‘In early August, we announced a proposed Mini Budget, which aims to put money back in Islanders’ pockets and helps to address the rising cost of living.
‘Our progress in delivering on these 18 actions highlights that we are listening to Islanders, and that we are committed to making the changes they want to see throughout the term of this government.
‘I would like to thank all those working on the 100-Day actions for their continued hard work in helping us to deliver them within the ambitious timeframe we have set out.’
