As the Deputy is aware, the Citizens Information Board (CIB) has statutory responsibility for Citizens Information Services (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) services countrywide. In November 2014, the Board of the Citizens Information Board decided to restructure the local CIS and MABS networks. In October 2016, the Board decided that the new structure should be regionally based. In February 2017, the Board adopted a recommendation that the current structure of ninety three individual local companies would be changed to a sixteen regional company model, comprising eight CIS and eight MABS companies. As a statutory body, the Board has the sole right to make decisions on its day to day operations as it sees fit. It would not be lawful or appropriate for me, as Minister, to seek to intervene in such a decision taken by the Board.
The aim of the change is to improve the effectiveness of the control environment, financial management, and governance of CIS and MABS service networks. I know that CIB has not taken this operational decision lightly. It follows almost five years of analysis and consideration of options and extensive consultation with all stakeholders.
The reorganisation process is expected to take up to two years to complete. An implementation group has been established by CIB to assist with this process, membership of which will evolve in line with specific expertise requirements as the project progresses. CIB has held a number of regional consultations on implementation of the new structure during the month of May, attended by 350 representatives of boards, management, staff and volunteers of local services. Following on from these sessions, CIB in recent days has issued a questionnaire to all board members, staff, managers and volunteers across CIS and MABS companies to capture further views and feedback, particularly from those who, for one reason or another, could not attend the sessions held in May. Consultation is continuing, with CIB planning to hold further focus group meetings over the summer period.
On foot of a recent procurement exercise, CIB is expected to shortly appoint an independent external provider to undertake a full Cost Benefit Analysis on the new regional model.
CIB is seeking to implement the Board’s decision in a consultative way and is making genuine efforts to allay concerns of staff and boards of local services in relation to the operation of the new structure.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
