Steve Falla

Manifesto

I am standing for election as an independent candidate.

I will build on the experience gained during my first term as a Deputy, hit the ground running and provide continuity.

I will bring focus, collaboration, vision and energy to the areas of Guernsey life that concern members of our community. I love the island and where there are challenges I want to concentrate on what can be done over the next political term to change things for the better. 

Guernsey has so much to offer and we must capitalise on that and develop initiatives, policies and enterprises that will result in a healthy, happy and productive island. 

Having been vice president of Economic Development, business and the economy remain a key focus for me and, if elected, I will put myself forward for the presidency of that committee. I am prepared to serve in whatever capacity best suits my skill set.

Housing

Housing and staffing were deeply impacted by Brexit and Covid but the Housing Action Group did not deliver any new solutions and progress has been too slow on all fronts. We have a bank of social housing sites waiting to be developed but we seem incapable of disentangling ourselves from the bureaucracy that rarely allows us to exceed a snail’s pace.

My objectives are

• A scheme that will encourage and allow people to obtain their own affordable homes, be they modular, self-build or renovations
• A reset of restrictive rules, even for a limited period, in respect of housing – exceptional circumstances require exceptional action.
• A fresh look at the 150 football pitches worth of redundant glasshouse sites
• Minimal building on green fields while there are brown field sites available
• To challenge the prescriptive Strategic Land Use Plan
• A change of regulation around flats above Town shops to help rejuvenate the High Street
• To value and maintain the environment and green spaces for the enjoyment and wellbeing of all

I did not support the formation of a new Housing Committee but I will get fully behind it and bring challenge on the issues outlined above.

Tax and The Economy

I have never voted for GST which is due to commence in July 2027. Whether or not that resolution of the States survives, there is a need for broader tax reform where we are not just increasing the burden on individual Guernsey residents over and again. 

• There is still a need to identify and act on inefficiencies in the States ways of working
• I support the planned fundamental services review
• Any change to corporate tax must be in lockstep with Jersey
• We must strive for economic growth by encouraging and supporting business 
• It is positive that we are pursuing the opportunities that a wind farm could bring
• Can we find a way for wealthy Guernsey residents to provide capital for infrastructure investment for a fair rate of return?
• Continue the Guernsey Enterprise Investment Scheme to support early-stage businesses
• Continue to partner with the financial services industry through grant support to Guernsey Finance, building on our Moneyval success
• Tourism remains important for the Bailiwick and needs continued support
• Work with and communicate better with industry sectors like construction and retail
• Work harder on giving people the skills needed to enable business to thrive and contribute
• Support more effective commissioning and partner with the third sector along the lines of the Association of Guernsey Charities Bailiwick Community Strategy

Education and Health

These are our two biggest costs and the current approach is unsustainable.

Our Education provision must be viewed more holistically, recognising and valuing the contribution of the private colleges and leveraging synergies between them and the High Schools. Health and care needs a smarter approach including a reinvigorated conversation about partnership with Jersey.

 

I remain committed to a community that gives all islanders fair access to what they need.

It’s time for a review of our system of government, including the number of deputies and whether Island Wide Voting remains the best way of electing States members.

I am a full-time Deputy and I promise to work conscientiously on my responsibilities, constituency work and preparation for debate, driven by conscience, values and common sense.

I am grateful to my proposer, Allister Carey MBE, and my seconder, Carol Goodwin.

 

CV 

Education: Grammar School for Boys

Career:

1980 to 1988 – Journalist at The Guernsey Press and Oxford & County Newspapers

1989 to 1996 – Public Relations Practitioner at White Knight PR

1996 to 2017 – Founder and Managing Director of Orchard PR

2017 to 2020 – Freelance writer and contractor working six months part-time on an engagement project at Health & Social Care

2020 to present – States member - Vice President Economic Development; Committee member Employment and Social Security

I am an unpaid Director of Guernsey Finance, a former Director of Elizabeth College and I held committee positions on business groups for 20 years, including The Institute of Directors, The Guernsey Chamber of Commerce and the Young Business Group of which I was president. I am a Fellow, Chartered Practitioner and former national board member of The Chartered Institute of Public Relations. I am a former member of the interim Guernsey Language Commission.

My interests include running, performing music, acting and writing.

I am a Christian and a member of Holy Trinity Church. 

I am married to Lois and we have two adult sons. We have lived in St Peter Port and St Andrew’s and we recently downsized to St Martin’s.

 

Thank you for reading my manifesto. If you’d like to make contact please use one of the methods listed on this web page.