With three months to go before Guernsey’s second fully island wide election, campaigns are being launched with Future Guernsey the first out of the blocks.
The political movement is expected to release its full manifesto at an event tonight.
Ahead of that it has announced some of what it has called its “key policies which will headline the manifesto”.
These include “getting Guernsey’s finances back on track”, assuring the public that all possible cost savings have been met, and giving under-30s “significant tax breaks”, if policies are adopted.
Future Guernsey also wants to scrap document duty on starter homes, and it wants to see redundant greenhouse sites developed
The political movement is also pledging support for an offshore wind farm and it wants to align with Jersey on taxing businesses rather than profit streams – that could see 0/10 replaced with 0/15.
Future Guernsey’s Political Adviser Gavin St Pier says that could bring in more much needed revenue for the island, and it could also prevent Guernsey having to repay millions of pounds in tax taken when mistakes are made due to the differences in how we and Jersey tax businesses.
“Anyone who follows local news may recall that a local bank’s error in its tax computation has effectively required a tax refund of £29m. It seems this was because it had misallocated non-taxable business profits as taxable profit streams. If we move to align with Jersey’s system of taxing types of businesses rather than types of business profit, this will not happen again. Instead, we would raise more revenue without harming our competitive position one iota.
“The £29million figure from just one institution alone gives the public an idea of how much this fiscal policy might contribute to the island’s coffers. It’s just one proposal that shows the many benefits of getting local experts around a table to put forward deliverable and actionable plans, which – if adopted by candidates – will help Guernsey move forwards positively during the next political term.”
Future Guernsey Board member, and founder of First Central Group, Mike Leonard, said the manifesto has been developed after they listened to the public about what is really wanted and needed.
“In our talks with the community, including with business groups, they have been clear that Guernsey is at a crossroads,” he said.
“Last year, the States approved a partially funded budget. Without action, our reserves will run out in just seven years. Difficult decisions lie ahead including finding more revenue, but we cannot reasonably expect the public to get behind these decisions and tax rises without first ensuring the public service’s own house is in order.
“The policies we are putting forward have been researched and honed by local subject matter experts in economic and tax policy and former public servants. They believe these measures – and countless others in the full manifesto – are achievable to address the black hole in our public finances, something which is essential for the future wellbeing and success of our island.”