Sark government review finds need for public service

A consultation is due to be carried out before the report goes to Chief Pleas

Sark's government needs to adapt to preserve its unique way of life, an independent review has found.

It recommends a reduction in the number of committees, the setting up of a small public service and the drawing up of a long-term strategy for the island.

The review found a lack of dedicated administration and clear line of communication with other governments.

It was commissioned to see if further reform was needed after the island held its first democratic election in 2008.

The £7,000 review involved the views of more than 60 respondents including current island politicians.

Its author Belinda Crowe, a former senior civil servant responsible for the UK's Crown Dependencies division, also suggested Chief Pleas adopt the six principles of good governance.

She noted "no real evidence of government business being joined up", a "perceived" lack of transparency, a lack of "real data" on which to base decisions and a need for more engagement with residents in developing policy.

Ms Crowe suggested in the review that Sark should use its position as "one of the few national economies that does not have a budget deficit" to enhance support for politicians to allow them to focus on policies, rather than administration.

A copy of the review has been sent to every household in Sark and is due to be posted on the government website.