Guernsey is not currently sustainable or fair. We need to fix that, together. We need to balance the books, build homes at record speed, produce our own energy and provide a good future for the young.
Manifesto
Tax Reform
We will run out of reserves by 2032 (according to data provided by public servants) unless we broaden our tax base or cut public spending and/or raise existing taxes to uncomfortable, self-defeating levels. The GST+ package isn’t meant to make life harder for ordinary people but though grounded in research, the outcomes remain projections, not guarantees. I do believe we need to restructure our tax in such a way that is fair and doesn’t risk driving out the most mobile contributors to our tax base. This could include a luxury goods tax, modest corporation tax (which over 60% of businesses who responded to the G8 survey support) and doubling the income tax cap. I would push the House to consider these options before resorting to revisiting the GST+ package.
Economy, Social Fairness & Sustainability
I believe we need to diversify our industry, produce and export our own energy, offer interest-free loans to households seeking greater self-sufficiency and lower running costs, put parental leave into law, further subsidise childcare and offer pooled, government-backed savings schemes for those in social housing, first-time buyers and those provisioning for their long-term care. I also believe there is more we can do to support our charity and hospitality sectors.
Deputy Commitment & Accountability
I also believe that States members should be dedicated to their role as Deputy. If the headcount of deputies were ever to be reduced to below 38, you will really notice who is pulling their weight and who isn’t. Voters deserve deputies who treat the role as a serious, full-time commitment. I also believe attendance in committee and assembly meetings needs to be tracked and published in the Guernsey Press and the States’ official digital channels.
Government Functions
There are efficiencies to be made by commercialising some States departments that are too top-heavy and lack frontline delivery. This would be great for States Works. Some commercialisation-privatisation hybrid model would work for STSB. I am completely against full privatisation, however.
Closing
These are all positions and ideas, not promises. The only promises I make, if elected, are to 1) work towards these aims; 2) work collaboratively with other States members for the common good of the island and 3) if the role of Disability Champion is reinstated, I will stand for it.
There’s more I’d like to say (especially about housing, cost of living, education and health) but for now, I invite you to visit my website, email me or follow me on social media.