Entertainment allowances
51
The subject of entertainment allowances arose indirectly in the course of the Committee's deliberations, although as it is not strictly a fringe benefit it does not fall within our terms of reference.
We feel, however, that an observation arising from our discussion would not be inappropriate. Such allowances do contribute to better understanding and communications both within the Civil Service and between it and the community at large. While we were pleased to note that the departmental allowances had recently been increased, our overall assessment was that many of them remained unrealistic. Some specific examples are Home Affairs Department, Education Department and London Office. It was also felt that with the expanding size of the Civil Service and the greater stress on staff relations, a more flexible approach should be adopted to the question of expenditure by an officer in entertaining his own subordinate staff.
Directorate rank titles
52
There is a growing tendency for departments to give titles, other than the formal rank titles, to their senior Directorate posts. This is often justified for public presentational reasons, but there is danger of confusion if titles are used implying an authority not intended for the post. Proper control is required, and should, we think, be exercised by the Secretary for the Civil Service. We do not favour the general use of the title "Director" below Head of Department level, but it would be premature to make a definitive ruling. Where it is so used there should be a prefix (e.g. Operations Director) to avoid confusion with the true Head of Department.
Implementation date
53
We recommend that changes to salary levels and revised rankings be implemented with effect from 1st January 1980.
Costs
54
If our recommendations on structure, salaries, and gradings are accepted, the additional annual cost is likely to be of the order of $30 million.
Acknowledgements
55
We are much indebted to Mr L.W. Gordon of Price Waterhouse & Co and Mr D.E. Connolly of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co for their assistance with the private sector survey. We should also like to record our thanks to the Honourable Martin Rowlands, Secretary for the Civil Service, who has served as our Adviser ex-officio, and to Mr D.H. Mace, our Secretary.
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