Chris Blin

Manifesto

About Chris Blin

I was born in Guernsey and am the proud father of two sons. I was educated at Elizabeth College before graduating with a degree in Modern Languages and Economics. I am involved in several businesses across recruitment, finance and consulting. I was previously a St Peter Port Douzenier.

My States roles

- Chair of the Offshore Wind Sub-Committee: Head of the team leading a bold renewable energy initiative for Guernsey to assure substantial future revenue and economic diversification through seabed leasing. To clarify, simply leasing less than 10% of our seabed on our 6-12nm area could generate £40m per annum in revenues (Source: gov.gg/offshorewind - Net Present Value - NPV).

President of the Overseas Aid & Development Commission: Ensuring Guernsey’s support reaches those most in need and proving our global values through well-managed humanitarian partnerships.

- Member of the Development & Planning Authority: With my colleagues on planning I have worked on practical reforms to make housebuilding easier whilst at the same time ensuring we protect our Island character. These include suspending barriers like GP11, issuing guidance to simplify building regulations for homes built with modern methods of construction, and working with constituents to help them overcome obstacles to new developments.

- Vice-President of the Transport and Licensing Authority: Nominally, we were responsible for determining applications for air route licenses and carrying out transport licensing and regulatory functions. However, since 2018 the requirement for air route licenses has been suspended mostly due to Open Skies policy, so I would consider suspension of this Committee to simplify States operations. I have represented Guernsey on the BIPA (British Irish Parliamentary Association) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. I believe in community and giving my time. Prior to standing I was an active crew member of Channel Islands Air Search and a long-time member of the Guernsey Round Table. I am also currently an advisor and mentor for Apollo, a social enterprise empowering disadvantaged young people through activities and mentorship. I also am a member of the Guille Alles Library Council, Fairtrade and the World Aid Walk Committee.

Offshore Wind and Energy Opportunity

I have been involved in the Offshore Wind Group since its inception in March 2023 and am honoured to chair this ambitious project. It has been a privilege to work alongside a highly dedicated team (including Deputy Meerveld and Deputy de Sausmarez ) supported by a solid team of officers and expert consultants, all focused on unlocking the economic potential of leasing part of our seabed to a wind developer. This is a key economic enabler:

• Assuming we develop the full 610 km² of viable seabed. Based on independent experts’ calculations, the lease income could be over £150 million a year, around twice the revenue of a 5 % GST and a 10 % rise in income tax combined.
• It will diversify our economy, create skilled jobs, and stabilise future energy costs.
• It helps accelerate our journey toward decarbonisation and a cleaner, greener Guernsey.

We must move decisively, and at pace, to complete the groundwork and begin delivery.

I am determined that Guernsey captures the benefits of offshore wind.

Housing: Prioritise Supply, Reform Delivery

We do not have enough homes for the people who live and work here and delays in planning, policy and delivery compound the problem. I was part of the Development & Planning Authority that suspended clause GP11, a well-intentioned but deeply flawed block to the delivery of private housing. Now we must:

- Embrace Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) for quicker, cheaper builds.

- Launch a States-backed Housing Scheme to unlock capital.

- Reform partial ownership rules to allow full progression to 100% ownership.

- Increase supply in the affordable, key worker and first-time buyer markets.

- Support grants and loans for young islanders.

Tax and Fiscal Responsibility:

Reform First

GST is not a quick fix to our fiscal problems. I opposed it and though it has been voted through, I believe in reform first. We must collect what is owed and cut inefficiency before asking islanders to pay more:

• Review government spending before implementing GST.
• Push for zero-based budgeting across committees.
• Improve tax collection and compliance.
• Keep tax policy fair, targeted, and protective of the vulnerable.
• Stay competitive with Jersey, the Isle of Man, and key partners.

I will continue to press for government reform and value for money to build public trust.

Economic Growth:

The Engine of Guernsey’s Future

Economic growth is Guernsey’s foundation. Without it, we cannot fund public services, solve the housing crisis, or protect the vulnerable.

As a businessman I can turn ideas into action. Guernsey needs to be faster, bolder and keenly focused on delivery. We need to support local enterprise and attract new opportunities. We must:

• Cut bureaucracy and modernise States systems.
• Invest in digital finance, AI, green tech and future industries.
• Strengthen air and sea links to drive trade and tourism.
• Promote Guernsey as a world-class visitor destination.
• Leverage our position to build partnerships with France, the UK, and the Islands.
• Unlock States contracts for local firms and entrepreneurs.

I want an economy that rewards hard work, encourages innovation and delivers growth.

Public Sector Reform and Government Efficiency

Guernsey does not need a bloated bureaucracy. It needs focused, efficient administration.

I want the States to:

- Introduce KPIs and performance targets for all departments.

- Create transparent public dashboards to track results.

- Require all new policy proposals to include more detailed cost impact assessments.

- Foster a culture of delivery by streamlining management layers.

At a political level, we need a government of purpose and urgency, not one that is paralysed by process and factions. I support exploring a move to executive-style government, one that empowers faster, transparent decision-making yet upholds Guernsey’s consensus-based principles.

Population and Migration Policy

Guernsey depends on inward migration to support essential services and fill jobs, but our approach must be well-regulated, proportionate and sustainable. There has been an increase in inward migration since the removal of the Medium-Term Employment Permit and the reduction in extensions of the Short-Term Employment Permit. This has put pressure on housing and infrastructure, and it needs to change:

• The Employment Permit Policy (EPP) must be reviewed urgently to restore balance and control.
• The current system lacks the safeguards needed to manage long-term population impacts.
• Every new arrival must be a net contributor to our community and economy.
• Housing and workforce policies must be integrated to avoid unsustainable growth.
• Improved forecasting is needed to match immigration with sector needs and infrastructure capacity.

I support a fair and enforceable population management system that sustains Guernsey’s economy while preserving the Island’s unique character.

Commitment to Service

I am here for service, not for personal glory. I have met hundreds of constituents, attended countless meetings and supported individuals and businesses throughout the last term. I’ve built relationships across government and helped drive policy delivery. But I have also witnessed what holds government back and that must change. Guernsey needs Deputies with experience, independence and a strong work ethic.

Please support me with your vote!

Chris Blin - Independent Candidate for Deputy, 2025