"The Policy & Resource Plan is bringing greater transparency, accountability and gives the States, and in turn the community, clarity in terms of priorities, the States’ progress against those priorities, and the role of each political Committee in supporting those priorities" he said. 

"It is clear what the States has achieved, for example with digital connectivity and the Children & Young People’s Policy. And in some areas the foundations have been laid which will mean greater visible momentum is possible over the next 12 months, such as in the Seafront Enhancement work, the Health & Social Care Partnership of Purpose, and the Disability & Inclusion Strategy. There are also areas where a lack of progress is evident, such as strengthening transport links and certain savings within the Medium Term Financial Plan, and these will be given closer attention."

The Chief Minister was referring to key aims agreed in the P&R Plan which can be read here.  The update which is now live at gov.gg gives a step by step account of work done in various areas of government policy including those issues which continually come up as areas of concern highlighted by the public.

This first review has been described as "a baseline exercise" to give a clear view of the States’ current activity in respect of the 23 priority areas which are all listed within the P&R Plan. It also aims to set out how the States will "monitor and report on progress" in future years. While the Policy & Resources Committee has concerns about the overall deliverability of the 23 agreed priorities, in a statement they say they do not believe that reprioritisation is necessary at this stage.

Deputy Lyndon Trott, Vice-President of the P&R Committee, said: "This process of providing the community with an update on our collectively agreed priorities has helped remind all Committees that we need to focus first, and use our limited resources, on areas of work agreed as a priority.

"What is clear, however, is that the Policy & Resource Plan is starting to achieve the objective of fostering more cross-Committee working as demonstrated in priority areas such as Brexit and the Supported Living and Ageing Well Strategy. Enabling more cross-Committee working is critical in delivering the States-agreed priorities and facilitates sharing of resources and expertise.

"It is clear that we need to establish a consistent way for Committees to worktogether on shared priorities that enables a dynamic approach and proper governance and accountability. The Policy & Resources Committee will be consideringthis and setting out recommendations in due course."

Pictured: Deputy Lyndon Trott

Deputy Jane Stephens, who is the social policy lead on behalf of the Policy & Resources Committee, added that it is "heartening to see confirmation in the Policy & Resource Plan update that the States’ agreed priorities on social policy development have been the subject of much cross-committee work."

She said: "This States is investing and prioritising resources – financial and people – in work to try and reduce the problems those who are less fortunate in our community face every day. It is also trying to involve the third sector and other experts in a meaningful way as much as possible.

"I strongly believe there is a greater focus on social policy in this States than has beenthe case in previous terms."