Public quiz Jersey ministers over plans to cut spending

Two States of Jersey ministers have faced questions from the public over plans to help the government save £50m.

All States departments have been asked to cut spending by 2% in 2011 as part of a three-year plan to deal with projected deficits.

Education Minister Deputy James Reed and Home Affairs Minister Senator Ian Le Marquand were questioned by the public during two hearings.

Both were asked to explain their proposals.

Spending cuts

Senator Le Maquand told the scrutiny panel that discipline within the States needed to be improved with regards to spending money.

His proposals to save almost £1m include a reduction in overtime for police and prison officers, and cutting jobs in the Customs and Immigration Service.

Deputy James Reed's plans include changing the special education needs service and stopping the subsidy for school milk.

Earlier this year, the Council of Ministers agreed £50m of public spending cuts as part of a Comprehensive Spending Review.

Restructuring of services proposed would see savings of £3.7m within health and social services, £2.2m in education, sport and culture and a further £1.9m recouped from social security.

Cuts totalling £12m have been proposed for the first phase of the scheme, which starts next year.