Just who is a Sark resident?

RESOLVING land ownership issues, introducing fairer taxation and creating a uniform definition of a 'resident' have been prioritised in a report titled Securing Sark's Future.

The cross-committee report, which will be presented to Chief Pleas in January, aims to provide a 'stable platform' for government to form medium- and long-term plans for the sustainable economic health of Sark.

'This policy, Securing Sark's Future, represents the wishes of conseillers to address issues of land ownership and use, the definition of a resident, fairer taxation, revenue generation, sustainable affordable energy, enhanced broadband and, just as important, if not more so for the future of Sark, the further protection of, and creation of opportunities for its children,' the report said.

'These issues contribute to developing a society, for both individuals and commerce, all of which equitably contribute to and benefit from the activities of the Sark community that Chief Pleas governs.'

The report said that defining what was meant by 'resident' was one of three main priorities highlighted by conseillers.

This was because a uniform definition would be useful when determining entitlement to certain benefits and services.

The other two priorities were devising a development plan, to designate land use, and encompassing a fairer system of taxation on both residents and properties.

Sustainable affordable energy and enhanced broadband were also highlighted as key enablers.