Views sought on tax, benefits and pensions before reform

MAJOR reform of personal tax, benefits and pensions are on the table as part of a consultation exercise launched today.

Social Security and Treasury and Resources are investigating ways to make sure public finances are sustainable over the next 40 or so years as the island copes with the impact of an ageing population.

They stress that nothing has yet been decided – accept that they will not introduce inheritance or capital gains taxes.

'To be able to balance the books in the long term, the States must overcome two challenges; clearing the short term deficit, and maintaining a long term balanced budget in light of the projected increase in the cost of old-age pensions and caring for an ageing population,' said Social Security minister Allister Langlois, pictured.