Guernsey's police, border force and fire service to be reviewed

The services will be reviewed to see what long-term savings can be made

Guernsey's police, border force and fire service will be reviewed to look at how efficiently they operate.

Home Affairs President Deputy Rob Prow said his committee had asked for it in an effort to find "longer term" financial savings.

He said there was "no question of redundancies" but all elements of the services would be evaluated.

The reviews will be done by Ruari Hardy, head of Law Enforcement and Jon Le Page, Chief Fire Officer.

'Transformation of services'

In a statement to deputies Mr Prow said: "There are limited opportunities for the committee to charge for its services. However, it does see the potential for efficiency, and longer term financial savings to be made through the transformation of services."

He also warned that "the pressure to make immediate savings in the 2024 budget may in fact inhibit future saving opportunities".

He said: "As a government what we must be aware of is that failing to invest in services will cost in the long-term."

Each committee was asked to make savings for its 2024 budget of between 2.5% and 3%.

Over the past year concerns have been expressed about police and border force officer numbers because of challenges with recruitment.

'Natural vacancies'

Mr Prow said: "We've been asked to look at savings and when 92% is spent on staff the only way you can look at these is by looking at staffing.

"We need to look at whether efficiencies will be made."

He said staff would only be lost through "natural vacancies", and "not replaced depending on the agreed model recommended by the review by the chief officers".

When asked whether this would definitely mean cuts to the budgets of the fire and police services Mr Prow said "not necessarily".

He added: "It may be with the same staff, less staff or even with more staff".

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