Assembly needs to be equitable

We are a wealthy island relative to many other parts of the world. But it is sometimes easy to forget many in our community are not. After the monthly bills have gone out, there is little left. Paying the rent or putting food on the table can be a challenge. Hard choices have to be made.

It is to this backdrop that the next Assembly must really think hard about what is equitable when it comes to both devising policy and implementing it. Deputies, once elected, must truly channel the spirit of Guernsey Together – particularly with the many challenges facing us including the fall-out from the pandemic, Brexit, climate change and technological change.

To zoom in on climate change as an example, few would argue that we shouldn’t take action to mitigate its impact. But in the drive towards a more green future, we must try and take everyone with us.

Consider motoring. There is a clear direction of travel away from the combustion engine towards electric power. As a society, there is general agreement on this shift. However, EVs generally cost more initially to purchase. It makes them out of the reach for less well-off members of our society.

Given that this shift to a green future is a societal objective, the challenge for deputies will be how to ensure this is done in an equitable way to ensure social cohesion. Tax breaks, incentives or some other mechanism? Similarly, not everyone has access to a fast-charging plug. Equity would suggest an upgrade of infrastructure is required. There is also hope that EVs will become more affordable in time.

The law of unintended consequences also needs to be considered. Take motoring again. What happens to tax revenue raised through the petrol pump? Electric power suggests it will fall. How will lost tax revenue – which pays for public services – be replaced in a fair and sustainable way?

Then consider the pandemic, Brexit and technological change. Jobs, even the very way we live our lives, will change. The question of what’s equitable must take centre stage. Giving all members of our community the tools and routes to take new opportunities and benefit from the positives while helping them through the negatives will be key.