Guernsey States approves Strategic Plan

The States of Guernsey has unanimously approved its latest update to its five year strategic plan.

Comprised of a number of plans, including economic, environmental and resource, it sets out the direction of the States until 2016.

It also includes the funding of nine new services for the island.

Two moves to change the plan were unsuccessful with one withdrawn before debate and a second to change one word defeated by a majority vote.

The States' five year Strategic Plan was introduced in 2009 and is updated annually. It is designed to ensure continuity in the priorities of the government.

The latest update was formulated by a team led by Treasury and Resources minister Charles Parkinson.

The nine new services for the island that will be funded from 2012 are:

• Bowel cancer screening - £328,000

• Review funding and organisation of health and social care services - £235,000

• Respite service for adults with learning disabilities - £211,000

• Family and friends care - £206,000

• Implementation of competition law - £200,000

• Restorative justice service - £57,000

• Support for the Guernsey training agency - £30,000

• Hansard service for States' meetings - £20,000

Although funding has been agreed for the Hansard written records of States meetings, deputies have yet to agree to introducing the system.

The States was due to debate bringing in written records last month but due to a lack of time at that meeting it was one of two items put off for discussion until the end of October.