The agreement which sets out the relationship between Alderney and Guernsey needs to be improved, a new report says.
The Bailiwick Commission’s interim report, published today, details the work of the Commission, which was established in agreement with the governments of Alderney, Guernsey and Sark.
Sir Bob Neill, Chair of the Commission, said: “I am delighted to publish our interim report on our website today.
“This report sets out the work that the Commission has undertaken in the first phase of our inquiry, with our interim findings and next steps for our work into 2027.”
One of the key findings is that the Commission believes the 1948 agreement – a historic agreement setting out the relationship between Guernsey and Alderney – needs clarifying, developing and improving, with a particular focus on creating formal service-level agreements.
The report comes after the idea of Alderney seeking independence from Guernsey was floated recently, although politicians on both islands were quick to shut the idea down the idea.
Policy and Finance Chair Jeannie Cameron, the island’s most-senior politician, said she did not believe there was an appetite for full independence on the island, but acknowledged the people of Alderney were “feeling let down by Guernsey” in many ways.
Guernsey Deputy Neil Inder meanwhile called the idea of a Brexit-like ‘Aexit’ “nonsense”, and questioned whether the smaller island “should just say ‘thank you'” for the support it receives from Guernsey.
Sark transparency
The commission also believes that Sark should have a transparent agreement covering all services provided by Guernsey to improve the current relationship.
Sir Neill said the commission was pleased with engagement, “particularly in the two smaller islands,” which has involved it “meeting and talking to the people who live in the islands and know their homes well”.
The report sets out the commission’s initial thinking and proposals for what it should do next.
It includes suggestions on improvements which could create a better balance between the islands and areas it feels we could improve to allow us to meet future challenges better.
Sir Neill added: “There is still more to do, however, and we will continue this work as we move towards a final report and a full set of recommendations next year.
“I cannot encourage strongly enough the communities of the islands to have their say about the islands’ future relationships by contacting us and taking part in our events, as detailed on our website.
“To complete this work as thoroughly as we intend to, we must have the broadest range of views as possible. Thank you to everyone who has worked with us so far.”
