Review of government departments on the way

The Chief Minister says he plans to take a close look at the current system of government by-department. 

A week ago today (9 Dec) Allan Bell announced plans to reduce the size of government - dismantling one department altogether and merging two others -along with a raft of proposals, including a new ministerial post to promote a more joined-up approach to government.

The changes are due to be debated in Tywnald in January.

But Mr Bell has already signalled the current system of separate departments with their own remits and budgets, may no longer be fit for purpose.

He says more far-reaching change will be needed to provide public services on a greatly-reduced income in future.

Mr Bell was asked on Sunday Opinion if the current system is still a useful model: