Falklands : Legislative Assembly Report
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 15.01.2010 (Article Archived on 31.01.2010)
Jan Cheek tells us what happened during this month.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
By Jan Cheek MLA
Assembly members’ meetings this week have included a presentation from Keith Padgett on budget strategy and another on the means testing of children’s allowance and other payments initiated by the last Assembly. An interesting discussion followed but more detailed information is needed on the various implications before decisions can be made. Members wish to address urgently some anomalies that have arisen from the imposition of means testing.
Members also had a presentation from the Chief Executive on the Review of Government. Much of this was in place by the end of the last Assembly but there are areas where the new Assembly can have input without incurring greater costs.
On Tuesday members had a brief discussion on priorities. Obviously working towards a balanced budget is important to everything we do and must top our list, but we recognise the need to invest in our next two priorities. These are housing and the whole interlinked field of education, training, succession planning and localisation of more posts. Other priorities are the Rural Development Strategy and FIMCO, roads and tracks, communications, the review of employment law and ensuring that we have an efficient and affordable health service. Work on these will now continue with officials, as will individual members’ priorities within their portfolios.
Portfolio meetings continue for the rest of the week including Mineral Resources Committee.
Jan Cheek MLA 14TH January 2010 Members of the Legislative Assembly will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday 26 January 2010, 5pm in the Court and Assembly Chambers, Town Hall. This will be an open meeting. Should you have any questions that would require research please could they be sent to Gilbert House on email assembly@sec.gov.fk by Friday 22nd January.
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