David De Lisle

Manifesto

KEY POINTS

• Retain our existing primary schools 

 

• Build affordable homes for local families and key workers

 

• No to GST or further unjust taxation 

 

• Control our government spending and cost of living increases

 

• Continue to reach out to new business opportunities  

 

• Protect our environment and preserve the islands natural beauty

 

As an active Deputy having served the island community four terms I offer my experience as: 

 

• Former Environment Minister leading in Waste Management and environmental philosophy together with service as a Member of Economic Development, Education, Legislation, Scrutiny and Transport Licensing Committees

 

• Consultant and advisor to international businesses and national governments 

 

• University lecturer in economics and teacher at the secondary level

 

I have this term placed three requetes in the States: 1.  to direct the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture to reinstate primary education for children for the benefit of the Herm Island community and its businesses; 2. to reduce mooring fees  and ensure the States' Trading Supervisory Board consults fully with the Boatowners and the Marine Traders for a fair deal in respect of future increases; and 3. to  introduce a restriction preventing the general sale of glyphosate products given its impacts on our water supply and local environment 

 

ECONOMIC PROSPECTS

Growing and diversifying our economic base is key to increasing tax revenues and reducing the need for new taxes.

 

 We need to promote island renewable energy and new initiatives in the finance industry.  The Government’s strategy for investment, innovation and growth should also include the arts, festivals, shows and events.

 

The States are making advances into solar and wind power but need to consider tidal energy technology as well. I formed working groups populated by States members to explore solar, wind and tidal power which resulted in scoping reports being submitted to the States on renewable energy opportunities for the Bailiwick.   We need to be aware of the NH1 project supported by an EU grant of 31 million Euros, which will capture tidal energy in the Alderney Race.  Assembled in Cherbourg, the tidal plants will produce 34 GWh per year of clean, sustainable and predictable energy. 

 

I will continue to oppose the introduction of GST.  This tax will take two to three years to recover the cost of implementation both in staffing and equipment. It will add a cumbersome burden to everyone on the island already fighting the high cost of living. We need to reform the zero ten Corporate Tax Policy. All businesses should pay an annual tax on profits earned in Guernsey; the burden of taxation is currently falling too heavily on the individual.  We must cut the tax caps to high-net-worth earners.  Hikes to domestic TRP must not exceed the cost-of-living index.

 

HEALTH

Health and Social Care must focus on preventative health care to reduce the risk of premature mortality. We must provide more skilled physicians, new operating theatres and modern diagnostic equipment to reduce costly interventions, and long waiting lists. At long last after my many campaigns the decision has been taken to shut down the clinical incinerator at the PEH spewing toxic fumes in the very area where people are trying to recover from serious illnesses. 

 

There is an urgent need to increase the number of care beds to cover increasing demand.  The next term of government must reform long term care and provide more choice and assistance to the elderly to remain in their homes.

 

Pensioners should not lose their health benefit grant for GP and nurse visits and exemption from prescription charges.  Nor be forced to sell their homes for long term care.

 

EDUCATION

In the review of primary education next term all our existing primary schools must be retained and maintained to current standards with no closures.  They maintain high standards and form an integral part of the soul of our island community. 

 

As an educationalist, increasing class sizes, declining exam results and lack of discipline within our secondary schools are of increasing concern and has led some families turning to the private colleges. Squeezing the front-line teaching force, constant upheaval with substitute and agency staff and a growing bureaucracy is not acceptable. 

 

Neither is converting the purpose built sixth form centre into office space and shuttling students into outdated facilities at the Mare. Our students are being denied the best education including the International Baccalaureate and this is not right. 

 

Doing away with the States Grant to the Private Colleges is reckless for both the future of our young people and our economy.  The Colleges provide excellent value for money and bring substantial benefits to the community.

 

COST OF LIVING PRESSURES

Wage packages and those living on fixed incomes are not keeping pace with the cost-of-living pressures on households. The government and its trading boards must consider this before hiking tariffs and charges higher than inflation.  We have been subjected to unreasonable hikes and charges particularly in TRP, electricity, water and ports mooring fees without independent regulation. Until this government tightens its belt and reigns in spending there should be no further increases in taxes or new tax schemes introduced. 

 

There is urgent need for newer initiatives to encourage local participation in work.  The connection with regional universities and further education facilities provides opportunities to many in the community to extend their horizons and skill sets.   Local young people returning to the island should be provided the same benefits as new employees on license.

 

The shortage of housing must be overcome with programmes to encourage families onto the housing ladder. We must build affordable homes for local families and key workers through both public led schemes and private sector developments.  The land is available, and the planning permissions are in place for these projects to be built and become reality.  Regulation is required to address land banking preventing timely development of much needed housing and infrastructure projects.

ENVIRONMENT

Having campaigned for higher environmental standards since entering the States much remains to be done. Our environment is precious to our health and well-being.   Contamination from firefighting foam (PFOS) and glyphosate in our drinking water still needs to be resolved. And the continual flushing of raw sewage and chemical contaminants into our coastal waters must be stopped in a comprehensive environmental clean-up. 

 

The agricultural community has a deep-rooted connection with the land and regenerative agricultural practices. They carry the responsibility of preserving the Guernsey dairy breed and dairy industry and need ongoing support.  The industry has an important environmental, economic and cultural role in Guernsey. 

 

We must protect our island from overdevelopment and protect our biodiversity.  The current planning system needs reform to direct future development onto brown field sites to protect green fields from further development.  Currently fields outside the agricultural priority areas (APA’s) need protection.   New redevelopment builds need to have their footprint reasonably contained.

 

CONNECTIVITY

Reliable, sustainable and affordable air and sea links are key to freedom to travel as well as capturing long and short stay holidays to our islands and to sustain our economy.  I applaud the work Brittany Ferries is doing in France to promote our islands and especially Guernsey.

 

Our town centres need adequate parking for residents and for the success of retail, hospitality and financial businesses.  Looking forward there is need for sensitive regeneration in both St Peter Port and the Bridge.    We need initiatives to promote the vibrancy and footfall in our towns. Only by working together will we pave the path for a prosperous Guernsey full of hope and opportunity for all.

 

I would appreciate your consideration for my candidacy and elect me as your Deputy.