Alderney the fall guys for first cut
IT COULD have been smokers, motorists, or the open market. Instead it was the people of Alderney who appear to be the first victims of Guernsey government austerity – though this is denied by Frossard House – delivered with no consultation and seemingly just a courtesy of a few hours’ notice.
While we’re cutting – and/or raising charges – to make ends meet in these unprecedented times, we better get used to this.
Because while Alderney has already complained to the Ministry of Justice – that’s not going to get anywhere but it’s embarrassing for Bailiwick relations – there is very likely to be much more of this to come.
We could say that Alderney is a soft target, with next to no threat of losing votes, but it’s far more complicated than that. We hear warnings that in trying to recoup £600,000 to £1.1m., Alderney’s economy might be damaged.
In fact, much of the argument is economic, but claims that Guernsey might lose more in Alderney tax revenue than it gains in savings appear rather far-fetched.
But this is going to be tough, especially in Alderney, and it will hurt. But so will every other cut or increased charge will hurt across the Bailiwick.
Which is why, although time is of the essence, cuts and charges will need proper planning and packaging across the next two years in the financial wilderness while we wait for GST.