Alderney's e-gambling money could allow cost-cutting

TREASURY and Resources minister Gavin St Pier has suggested that Alderney's improved infrastructure could mean diverting its e-gambling money to cash-hungry services such as its loss-making airport.

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission generates money from issuing licenses to online gaming companies, and revenues last year topped £2m. The money is used solely to fund the island's infrastructure projects.

Deputy St Pier, pictured, said that in the light of 'considerable progress' made to its infrastructure, the money could potentially be spent on the services that Guernsey delivers in Alderney.

In addition, he has indicated the possibility of a 10% cut to Alderney's Guernsey-supplied revenue budget.

Alderney States politicians and its chief executive reacted unequivocally to his suggestions, questioning his belief in a newly robust infrastructure and the appropriateness of including Alderney's budget in its departmental cost-cutting programme.