Common Strategic Policy 2026 – 2030 (P.75/2026): twelfth amendment (P.75/2026 Amd.(12)) – comments
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2026 P.75 Amd.(12) Com.
COMMENTS
While the Council of Ministers does not support this amendment, it does fully endorse the principles that underpin the proposals, namely the importance of transparency, openness, accountability, civic participation and public confidence in Jersey's democratic institutions.
These are values that are fundamental to good government and are reflected throughout the Government's programme of work.
The amendment seeks to establish a new Priority 12 on increasing government transparency, openness and accountability, alongside a number of specific actions relating to public engagement, democratic education and support for the Automatic Voter Registration system.
However, while the Council of Ministers supports the intent of the amendment, it does not consider it necessary or proportionate to create an additional strategic priority within the Common Strategic Policy and therefore recommends that the amendment be rejected.
Under the States of Jersey Law 2005, the functions of the Council of Ministers include agreeing and lodging a statement of their common strategic policy. This sets out the highest strategic priorities of the Government for its term of office, while accepting that other work will also take place across the public sector. Much of this remains highly important as part of the daily business of the Departments concerned
Transparency, accountability and public engagement are principles that should inform how all priorities are delivered and should underpin all actions of States Members.
In relation to its own work, the Council of Ministers considers that these principles are already embedded across the Government's existing commitments and ways of working and will continue to be reflected throughout the delivery of the Common Strategic Policy as a whole, rather than being established as a separate strategic priority.
In relation to actions 12.1 and 12.2, the Government already has established mechanisms to support transparency and accessibility of information, including Freedom of Information arrangements, the publication of performance information, public consultations, annual reporting and the ongoing development of open data initiatives. Work to improve the accessibility, clarity and usability of Government information will continue so a separate strategic priority is not required.
The Council of Ministers also notes that responsibility for promoting democratic engagement and participation extends beyond Government alone. Action 12.3 relates to democratic and political education and support for the work of the States Greffe.
Ministers fully support the important contribution made by the States Greffe in this area. However, the promotion of democratic awareness, civic participation and public engagement already forms part of the Terms of Reference and ongoing work programme of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, which has primary responsibility for matters relating to electoral engagement, voter participation and democratic education. This does not therefore need to be replicated within the Common Strategic Policy.
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Similarly, the Council of Ministers recognises the importance of the Automatic Voter Registration system and remains committed to working with partner organisations to ensure that electoral administration remains effective, secure and fit for purpose.
However, the long-term operation, maintenance and development of the system forms part of existing operational and budgetary planning arrangements and does not require explicit inclusion as a strategic priority. The amendment itself acknowledges that such ongoing costs are already accommodated within existing budgets.
In summary, the Council of Ministers agrees that strong public trust depends upon government being open, transparent and accountable. These principles will continue to guide the delivery of all Government priorities. However, the proposed amendment would not materially enhance the Government's ability to achieve those objectives beyond the arrangements and commitments already in place. This is a shared responsibility with the Privileges and Procedures Committee.
Accordingly, the Council of Ministers recommends that Members reject this amendment. While doing so, Ministers commit to assisting the Privileges and Procedures Committee wherever possible to promote transparency, openness, accountability, civic participation and public confidence.
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