Giles Watling MP has today laid his Civil Service Reform Bill before the House of Commons which aims to improve the accountability of Civil Servants, and “break the deadlock” between Westminster and Whitehall.
The 10 Minute Rule Bill will be read in Parliament next week, and seeks to address the ongoing disputes between politicians and civil servants that have spilled into the media, as well as accusations of “jobs for life” which appear for Civil Servants. The proposals include the creation of a cross-party committee of MPs which will vote on and approve the appointments of the Heads of Departments and certain Government Agencies, as well as the introduction of term limits to ensure that top jobs are held by those with broad support of the House.
Speaking of the Bill, Mr Watling said:
“Civil Service reform is long overdue. I think it is time we put these disputes to bed once and for all and work to build a relationship between Westminster and Whitehall that works to deliver the solutions to the problems facing this great country.
Whitehall and Westminster should work in tandem, not against each other, and we should be taking proactive steps to reform the Service to make it fit for the modern age. When politicians antagonise civil servants, or civil servants frustrate politicians, everyone loses and nothing gets done. I say that this must end now, and with my new Bill – The Senior Civil Service (Accountability and Appointment) Bill – I hope that colleagues across the House and from all of the elected parties will support me in building a Civil Service that is fit for the political challenges of the 21st Century.
I hope that colleagues across the House will support my Bill and join me in calling for a bipartisan approach to the issue that puts the needs and interests of Great Britain above the frustration of Ministers and Civil Servants alike. Let’s consign the dramatics to Yes Minister – and start focusing on delivering effective policy for the people who need it.”