Chief Minister Alf Cannan faced scrutiny in Keys today over mechanisms ensuring ministerial actions are “mutually compatible,” following recent instances where ministers appeared to act at cross-purposes.
Jason Moorhouse questioned the Chief, citing examples where competing ministers appeared to be pointing in two different ways.
He said: “In March, two ministers appeared to be acting in polar opposite ways. The GA announced the imposition of a 20-mile-an-hour zone, costing £400,000.
“At the same time, the Health Minister announced health pathways for island residents were being paused.”
He asked if discussions were held to avoid the government appearing “chaotic and inconsistent.”
Mandates
Mr Cannan replied: “Ministers in departments make their own decisions in line with their political mandates.”
He emphasised the Council of Ministers’ role as the “main mechanism” for policy coordination but acknowledged, “I’m not saying the system is at all perfect.”
School
Concerns were also raised about housing developments in Ballasalla, where the primary school is nearing capacity.
Mr Moorhouse asked if Mr Cannan was “concerned about silos” in government with The Chief Minister confirmed a planning application for a double mobile classroom was underway, adding, “Any further housing developments would require further consideration by the Department of Education.”
Committees
Julie Edge proposed a “policy hub” to centralise decision-making, but Mr Cannan defended the current structure, refuting claims that there’s “20 committee”s” saying there is “about four,” and offered to review membership.
Lawrie Hooper also questioned progress on a central decision log for ministerial actions, promised in 2024 but still pending.
Mr Thomas cited the Government Departments Act 1987, reminding Cannan he could “take responsibility for any department” if needed.
This led to the Chief Minister to quip: “There’s a very simple mechanism to take control of a department: get rid of the minister.”
9 Comments