[Economicsl] Merge public services to save cash, says economist

[FRIDAY THE 13]

 

Guernsey and Jersey's public services should consider working together to save money, an economist has suggested.

Chris Brock, principal advisor at research firm Islefact, said it costs about £2bn to run the Channel Islands each year.

Mr Brock said, given the combined running costs of the islands public sectors, work was needed to "improve the relationship and perhaps have a combined public service".

Pan-Island Commissioner for Standards Dr Melissa McCullough said any collaboration would need "equal partnership".

Mr Brock cited healthcare, education and general administration as three areas where the islands could work together more closely.

"One of the things I focus on is where best practice is being applied in other islands around the world," he said.

"In the past, the Channel Islands in particular had been immune to external pressures - those external pressures are growing daily... there's a problem every week or every month at the moment.

"With an ageing po[CENSORED]tion demographic, artificial intelligence, all of the issues that are relevant in both islands, I think it's a perfect opportunity to try and say, 'Right, well where can savings be made?'."

About 30% of the £2bn was spent on healthcare, while another 20% was spent on general administration, said Mr Brock.

In terms of education, he said there was a labour shortage across both islands and a pan-island plan should be considered.

"There are many islands which have got one administration over several islands... that could be applied in Jersey and Guernsey," he said.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4y47xw4lvo