The States finances watchdog has published a damning report on the way the government manages Islanders' money.
It concludes that there needs to be cultural changes, structural changes, better financial management skills and stronger reporting - and that there is currently a "weak link" between spending money and improving performance.
This is the second report on the subject, written by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) Karen McConnell, who is effectively in charge of making sure the States are delivering value for money to taxpayers.Her report calls for a fundamental review of financial management across the States:
Ms McConnell said: “There is a need for substantial change in the financial management of the States to support reform. Management of money should be better aligned to the management of performance and delivery. A cultural shift is needed in the approach to financial management supported by changes in systems, processes and structures and by the development of financial management skills of staff across the States. A modernised finance function will spend less time on transaction processing and control activities, freeing up resources to support decision making and change.” “This is a demanding agenda. Its implementation will take time. But it is essential to support the recent, planned and potential changes in the way the States deliver public services.”
The Chief Minister's Department were asked for a response, but haven't commented so far.
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