§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many new positions are needed to run the new delegated pay systems which the Government has introduced for each department in the civil service.
§ Sir George YoungResponsibility for the pay and grading of almost two thirds of civil servants is delegated to Departments. "The Civil Service—Taking Forward Continuity and Change" (CM2748) confirmed the Government's intention that all Departments will become responsible for their own pay and grading arrangements below senior levels from I April 1996.
It is not possible to give an assessment of the administrative implications of the changes. However, the Government believe that there is considerable potential in the civil service for further improvement both in quality of service, within what can be afforded, and in efficiency. Greater delegation of decisions will enable local needs and circumstances to he taken more fully into account in devising pay and grading systems, will allow Departments to manage and motivate their staff more effectively, and will further strengthen links between reward and performance.