Gov comms cuts to generate over half a million in annual savings

Tuesday 01 October 2024

A decision to close the central government press office and cut the number of communications staff in half is expected to generate over half a million pounds in annual savings, it has emerged.

In an announcement to media yesterday, it was confirmed that the central government press office would close its doors – with enquiries now being handled directly by the relevant government departments.

The change comes not long after Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham cited the Cabinet Office, communications department, and roles in senior and middle management as potential areas where "re-sizing" of staff numbers could occur as he continues to place emphasis on curbing public expenditure growth.

Express has today learnt that the government's Communications Directorate now consists of 16 people, having dropped to around half of its previous size.

Pictured: The government has been placing an emphasis on the need to curb public expenditure growth.

Of the roles cut, 11 people were offered either redeployment, redundancy or voluntary release as part of a consultation process, while four communication heads have moved out of the Directorate and now report directly to government departments.

The size of the government marketing team has also been cut to just four people, which are included in the Communications Directorate total of 16 people.

More marketing work is due to be outsourced to local businesses in the island’s creative industry.

The changes are expected to generate over £500,000 annually.

During this morning's sitting of the States Assembly, the Chief Minister faced further questions about how he planned to deliver value for money and a reduction in public sector spending.

Deputy Farnham said: "We are not bringing in additional resources and only using existing resources wherever possible, encouraging departments to think hard about what activities they undertake and to align with agreed corporate priorities and key services."

Pictured: Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said departments were being encouraged to "think hard about what activities they undertake".

Future savings plans, he added, would be delivered through a number of measures – including a review of arms length and regulatory organisations, a removal of "management layers and extraneous activity" and reduced reliance on consultants and other third-party labour. 

Earlier in the sitting, Assistant Chief Minister Malcolm Ferey confirmed there were "currently no plans" to extend the nine-month recruitment freeze  – for civil servants across the public sector earning £66,000 or more – to other pay grades.