Restructuring funds support savings

Savings of approximately £420,000 per year will be made across four departments over the next 2-3 years as a result of implementing five projects. These savings form part of the savings target set by the Comprehensive Spending Review and will also support the public sector reform programme.

In order to help the Environment, Chief Minister’s, Health and Social Services and Economic Development Departments make changes to the way they deliver services, the four departments have been allocated a total of £700,000 from the Restructuring Provision. This fund was set up to help departments change the way they work, meet savings targets and contribute to the reform programme.

The Treasury Minister has agreed to transfer a maximum of £534,300 in 2012 and has allocated £144,000 for 2013.
The money for 2012 has been allocated to: -
• £140,000 for the Environment Department – to reduce cost of file storage and introduce online planning applications
• £62,000 for the Chief Minister’s Department – to manage the introduction of a replacement HR system
• a maximum of £127,000 to Health and Social Services – to assist in a restructuring project
• £205,000 to the Economic Development Department – to set up the new independent body, Jersey Business

The money will come from the Treasury and Resources Restructuring Provision of £10 million, which was approved in the 2012 Business Plan to support the Comprehensive Spending Review process and to help departments meet their savings targets.

Senator Ozouf said “In setting up the restructuring provision, the States recognised the need to invest funds to achieve savings as significant as £65 million over 3 years. The funds set aside – £6 million in 2011 and £10 million in 2012 – are essential for departments to fundamentally rethink the way they provide services and to help them take the action necessary to reform their processes.

“This request for a total of £678,300 over the next 2 years for five projects in four departments is supported by the Council of Ministers and will ensure CSR projects are successfully achieved. These projects will result in sustainable savings of £420,000 per year.”

Tags: 2012 Business Plan, Comprehensive Spending Review, States of Jersey

Category: Community