The PAG Charter lists three 'core principles' which should apply to the system of Government in the IOM:
- That it be open and accountable
- That there should be rigorous control of public finances
- That it should create a fairer society for all.
These concepts were devised at the same time (July 2006) that Tynwald agreed in principle of appointing a Tynwald Auditor General.
The person appointed was to have the function of safeguarding the interests of taxpayers and to promote better outcomes for everyone using public services. He/she was to sit independently outside of Government and act in a wider way than auditors of Government accounts do.
Move on five years and The Tynwald Auditor General Act 2012 was promulgated.
Another eight years have passed and we still do not have anyone appointed!
This month PAG has invited Speaker of the House of Keys, Juan Watterson to address a public meeting about this anomaly.
He is a firm supporter of having a Tynwald Auditor General.
Juan Watterson is a chartered accountant, chartered manager and Chair of Tynwald's public accounts committee.
Earlier this year he said (about the Budget process):
"There is an opportunity for an Auditor General to demystify the budget and provide independent advice to Members, provide independent assurance, and identify cashable savings that proved elusive to the SAVE programme.
The UK's Auditor General has a target of £10 saved for every pound it costs to run the office."
A spokesperson for PAG comments:
Having an Auditor General is not a new idea and we seem to be ignoring a chance to make real cost and efficiency savings. Why then has it taken so long implement the legislation especially as in the Programme for Government it states:
'We are financially responsible while providing services that meet the needs of our community'?
It is unlikely that any progress will be realised before a new administration is in place after the next General Election.
PAG raises this issue now in the expectation that the topic may form part of the discussion in the build up to that Election.
We hope that candidates will take it on board. Mr Watterson is a politician who is most knowledgeable about the idea.
We also hope that you and others will come along to the Legion to question him about the topic.
The meeting is free and everyone is welcome.
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