THE former Social Security building in La Motte Street – which the government is currently trying to sell – could be used to house arms-length bodies and organisations, the chair of the Jersey Consumer Council has suggested.
Carl Walker has called for research into whether taxpayer money could be saved “by giving all these vital services one roof”.
Philip Le Feuvre House, which is currently on the market alongside the neighbouring Huguenot House office block, was once home to Customer and Local Services before the new government headquarters on Union Street came into use.
Mr Walker noted that there are approximately 140 arms-length organisations or bodies operating in Jersey “who receive taxpayers money to do their important work”.
“Yet, almost all of them are renting premises or office space at commercial rates, all paying for separate internet access, phone line rentals, IT services etcetera,” he continued.
“I’d like to know if a simple piece of work has been done to establish the accumulative cost to the taxpayer of these elements, and whether a saving could be made by housing all of the ALOs and ALBs under one roof in a government building, such as Philip Le Feuvre House.”
Mr Walker suggested that the government “could easily pause the sale of the property” and “work out if it will save the taxpayer money by giving all these vital services one roof and shared services”.
“It should be common sense,” he added.
A recently-released report by the Public Accounts Committee, following a review of how public money is used through ALBs and grants, stated that: “Sharing of facilities by arm’s-length bodies has at times been considered and reviewed.
“There is acknowledgement that this may be beneficial, and is taking place in some instances, however organisations have raised concerns on the potential impact on their operations and have indicated that any savings may be limited.”
It also noted “ongoing work with States-established independent bodies and office holders” relating to another vacated building, at Jubilee Wharf.
Panel chair, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said Mr Walker “raises a fair and sensible question”.
“Islanders are right to ask whether we fully understand the total cost of rent, IT systems and support services across all arm’s-length bodies,” she continued.
“Our review found that while governance rules exist, we do not always look at the bigger picture.
“We should regularly ask whether these organisations are operating in the most efficient way, and whether more services could be shared to reduce overhead costs.”
Deputy Gardiner explained that this was “not about removing independence”, highlighting that “regulators must remain operationally independent in their decision-making”.
“But independence does not mean they cannot be tenants in States-owned buildings,” she added.
“Where possible, regulators and other publicly funded bodies could be located in government-owned premises to reduce rental costs and make better use of public assets.
“In our report, we also raised concerns about Jubilee House. When public money is invested in property, there must be a clear strategy for how space is used and whether co-location could deliver savings.”
