Future Guernsey manifesto includes pledge to make States savings
Guernsey’s newest political movement is pledging to pursue more savings in government and to get more tax from the island’s corporates.
Future Guernsey, the movement expected to become a party by June's election, will publish its full manifesto tonight.
But it shared a few elements of its plans this morning, including a commitment to make more savings within the States as part of balancing the island’s budget and having enough to pay for infrastructure work.
It said that a commitment to cut 1% in public service baseline spending would be saving more than £25m. over the period 2026 to 2029.
It has the idea of engaging islanders with a proven track record to advise on savings, rather than consultants, on an independent Performance & Reform Council.
Future Guernsey has engaged more than 50 supportive members of the community to advise on the development of its policies.
‘The policies we are putting forward have been researched and honed by local subject matter experts in economic and tax policy and former public servants. They believe these measures – and countless others in the full manifesto – are achievable to address the black hole in our public finances, something which is essential for the future wellbeing and success of our island,’ said Mike Leonard, pictured, founder of insurance business First Central Group and a member of the board of Future Guernsey.
Future Guernsey believes it is possible to take more tax from the corporate sector, proposing to talk to Jersey about increasing the zero-10 tax rate to zero-15, and that the island moves from taxing profit streams to taxing businesses.
‘We would raise more revenue without harming our competitive position one iota,’ said Deputy St Pier.
‘It’s just one proposal that shows the many benefits of getting local experts around a table to put forward deliverable and actionable plans, which – if adopted by candidates – will help Guernsey move forwards positively during the next political term.’
Future Guernsey also has ideas on housing development, including savings plans for young islanders, a pledge to abolish document duty for first-time buyers paying less than £600,000, incentives for developers, and plans to make more creative use of some redundant greenhouse sites for housing development, and supports the development of wind power.
Future Guernsey launches its manifesto tonight with an event at the Performing Arts Centre from 6pm and on its website.
