States members – including from the senior committee, Policy & Resources – were there to hear pubgoers’ thoughts on the tax and spending challenges facing the island.
But the St Sampson’s hostelry was less busy than usual and at times deputies seemed to outnumber punters.
Many of the people who did attend were particularly interested in P&R’s proposal to introduce a 3% goods and services tax, and the senior committee seemed to have a hard time convincing them of its advantages.
‘I don’t want it coming in,’ said Joc Mechem.
‘I don’t say that just for me, but for everybody else as well. Life is dear enough as it is.’
She spent time talking to deputies from both sides of the debate.
Haley Camp, Garry Collins, Rob Curgenven and David Dorrity were among the deputies who were there, as well as the five members of P&R.
Deputy Camp said later that it was disappointing to have seen so few people at the pub, especially as she was hearing a lot about tax while out and about talking to voters.
Having heard talk in the bar about the possible impact of GST, La Fontaine landlord James Ferbrache had invited P&R members to speak to his customers.
P&R president Lindsay de Sausmarez was pleased to have another opportunity for her committee to speak to the public about its proposals.
‘We were invited by James and I thought it was a great idea,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.
‘People have lots of questions and we are here to answer them. It’s also a good opportunity for us to get an idea of what people’s concerns are and what people understand.’
The States’ landmark tax and spending debate resumes on 30 September, with at least 40 amendments expected against P&R’s proposals, which as well as GST also includes reductions in income tax and social security contributions.
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