Public Accounts Committee
The Public Accounts Committee determines whether public funds have been used efficiently, effectively, and economically to deliver value for money for Islanders. One of its key tasks is to assess whether the funds have been applied for the purpose intended by the States and whether sound financial practices have been maintained.
The Public Accounts Committee's role is to receive reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and to report to the States upon any significant issues arising. It also assesses whether public funds have been applied for the purpose intended. These reports may concern:
- the results of various audits
- the annual accounts of various States Funds
- the results of investigations into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness achieved in the use of resources by States funded bodies, independently audited States bodies (apart from those that are companies owned and controlled by the States) States aided independent bodies
- the adequacy of the corporate governance arrangements within the States, States funded bodies, independently audited States bodies, and States aided independent bodies
In addition, the PAC retains the right to examine issues other than those arising specifically from the reports of the C&AG.
The PAC assesses whether:
- public funds have been applied for the purpose intended by the States
- effective action is being taken to eradicate waste and inefficiencies
- sound financial practices are being applied throughout the administrations of the States
The core activity of the PAC differs from that of other Scrutiny Panels. Whereas Scrutiny Panels examine the development of policy and legislation and consider the effectiveness of existing policies and laws, the PAC examines how States' resources are utilised in the implementation of policy. On that basis, Scrutiny Panels ordinarily direct their enquiries to Ministers, whereas PAC tends to direct its enquiries to Director Generals or other Accountable Officers.
The terms of reference for the PAC are defined in Standing Order No. 132 of the States of Jersey.
Chair: Deputy Inna Gardiner
Vice-Chair: Deputy Kristina Moore
Committee and Panel Officer: Andy Harris (01534 441076 / a.harris5@gov.je)
Research and Project Officer: Jospeh Brannigan
The next meeting of the Public Accounts Committee is
Wednesday 15th May 2024
Quarterly hearing transcripts
