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10/07/2013
Reform Will See Ministers Hand Picking Civil Servants
Ministers will the power to hand pick their own civil service staff, in a controversial move being introduced by France Maude.
Concerns over the plan have been raised as civil servants are meant to give ministers politically neutral advice, their impartiality guaranteed by continuity of service, no matter which party is in Downing Street.
However, critics say allowing ministers to hand pick staff could lead to the politicisation of the civil service.
Mr Maude however is understood the be frustrated with the pace of change within the civil service.
Speaking to the BBC News Channel he said: "Ministers' offices are meant to be there to serve the ministers. All we are saying is we should formalise what should be the case, that these offices are appointed directly by the ministers and accountable to them."
(MH/CD)
Concerns over the plan have been raised as civil servants are meant to give ministers politically neutral advice, their impartiality guaranteed by continuity of service, no matter which party is in Downing Street.
However, critics say allowing ministers to hand pick staff could lead to the politicisation of the civil service.
Mr Maude however is understood the be frustrated with the pace of change within the civil service.
Speaking to the BBC News Channel he said: "Ministers' offices are meant to be there to serve the ministers. All we are saying is we should formalise what should be the case, that these offices are appointed directly by the ministers and accountable to them."
(MH/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have a dry day. A lot of cloud expected through the day. A little brightness breaking through at times along the coast. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear periods. Light southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
