Deputy Charles Parkinson is to lead work on a new States’ sub-committee looking at ensuring Guernsey’s future tax policies are sustainable.
The politician campaigned for his re-election to the States on a promise of trying to reform corporate taxation.
Now, he’s sitting on the States’ senior committee and he’ll be Policy and Resources representative on the new sub-committee trying to solve the tax conundrum.
Earlier this week, the P&R President told the States that they have to work out what financial path Guernsey is going to take.
“One of P&R’s most pressing priorities is to further explore with a view to ultimately settling the issue of sustainable taxation – the importance of which was underscored by yesterday’s debate on the States’ Accounts,” said Deputy Lindsay de Sausamarez.
“Deputy Parkinson will lead a subcommittee that will also include Deputy St. Pier to look at the potential options for Guernsey and Alderney, and he is determined to make this process as open and transparent as possible.
“Deputy Parkinson is keen to include independent experts in the process, and to make them available to talk with and answer questions from the public and business community,” she said.
“He has plans to hold open meetings where that is possible and practical, in order to shine a light on his subcommittee’s workings and help the community to feel more engaged with the work that is being carried out, because whatever the eventual proposals, this public involvement and understanding is an essential component.”
Deputy de Sausmarez also confirmed that Deputy Chris Blin will continue leading work on the Offshore Wind project.
The pair worked together on this mandate in the last States term, with Deputy Blin now taking the lead for a second successive time.
“A project I will continue to be involved with is Offshore Wind – and Deputy Blin has kindly agreed to continue as the political lead on its delivery on behalf of P&R,” Deputy de Sausamrez said.
“It’s clear that this project does have considerable potential for revenue raising, but there is a lot of work to do before its feasibility and timelines can be confirmed, so I’m grateful to Deputy Blin for his commitment to continuing this work.
“I’m pleased to report that we are now working with Alderney on a more formal basis to ensure that we optimise the potential for the Bailiwick through this work, and cut out unnecessary duplication.”