HSC aims to keep services provided free at point of use

The States is battling to balance its books after rejecting ideas to raise more revenue or cut spending and all committees have been asked to identify services for which charges could be introduced or increased.

Deputy Peter Ferbrache asked HSC whether it had any detailed proposals to impose fees on patients for services currently provided free of charge.

‘We have got no plans worked up to a detailed stage to increase or bring in any new charges at this time,’ said HSC president Al Brouard. ‘I would like to keep the position as it is now.’

Earlier this year, Deputy Brouard listed changes which could be required if the States forced his committee to increase income. They included charging old age pensioners for prescriptions, abolishing the £12 grant for GP visits, and putting up charges at Accident & Emergency.

Answering questions in the States, he urged other deputies not to force his committee to increase income and then run away from taking responsibility in the face of an inevitable public backlash.

‘If we find ourselves in the position that this States decides it wants to charge islanders for some of the services they now get for free, I’ll stand there with the banner, saying “that’s fine – you need to pay more as an island”, but please make sure that the 39 of you are behind me.

‘I don’t want to look around and find you’ve all gone to ground or you’re saying “not on my watch” or wearing a yellow campaign ribbon.’