THERE could be redundancies in the cabinet office in a bid to ensure best value for the taxpayer, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham has told the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel.
But the body – established by previous Chief Minister Kristina Moore “to co-ordinate the work of government and strengthen government decision-making” – will be retained, although it might be given a name change as part of an ongoing review, Deputy Farnham said.
The Chief Minister told the panel that the government was considering returning some of the functions of the cabinet office to departments “because they could be delivered more efficiently there”.
Pressed for details by panel member Deputy Lucy Stephenson, Deputy Farnham replied: “There are a number of areas which I’d rather not go into detail now because it could involve staff changes, staff transfers and it could involve redundancies.
“We want to make sure in line with our Common Strategic Plan…that our resources are targeted in the right areas. Where we feel there is over-resourcing in some areas we will adjust them to make sure that the provision is redistributed.”
Meanwhile, Dr Andrew McLaughlin, whose nine-month contract as interim chief executive came to an end last month, could be reappointed with effect from next month for a further two years, the Chief Minister told the panel.
“We very much hope that he will be starting on a new contract in the not-too-distant future but…we are just waiting for all the details to be confirmed. I would think it would be in the next few days.”
He added that he would like to see Dr McLaughlin continue for the remainder of the current government’s term and into that of its successor because it was important for the Island’s stability and continuity.
Currently Dr McLaughlin has returned to his employer, NatWest – from which he was on secondment – and his duties have been assumed by a deputy chief executive.
