‘Let’s be honest, GST is not going away’

I think it is fair to say that no one wants a GST and it is such an emotive subject that the main voices being heard are those members of the public that are adamant that there should not be a GST, especially on online forums where there are certain people that are pushing their own views on others that are not correct. There are no tangible solutions being presented by those shouting the loudest that offers another alternative that achieves the same objective and amount of revenue. I also think it is fair to say that those of us who feel differently are not prepared to speak up for fear of being roasted online. I would encourage all members of the public to do their own research to understand fully what is being presented and understand the inevitable implications should the can continue to be kicked down the road.

If GST does not happen what should we expect as members of the public – further tax rises on various things that impact us, and then when that isn’t enough everyone will realise GST was the option but now it would be implemented with all the additional tax rises we would now be paying, and probably at a higher rate as the deficit would have grown. The rate that has been set is 5% and deputies should be making sure that this rate remains in place rather than fighting not to have a GST.

I voted for deputies who I believed would vote for the right course of action for the Bailiwick regardless of public opinion. I voted for deputies that would research and do their own homework so they can make an informed decision. I did not vote for deputies who are just going to kick the can down the road to remain, in their view, popular, so that they get voted back in – that is negligible in my opinion.

There is an opportunity here for deputies to put in relevant safeguards and support for lower earners, which is what is outlined in the current proposal. This is the opportunity to keep the GST rate low. If this package is not approved, the next package that will be brought forward will not have the same safeguards or low rates. And let’s be honest, GST is not going away.

Whilst I understand that there are definitely savings to be made within the public service deputies need to be careful not to strip it back so much that it is detrimental to the level of service the public expects, as we will be the first to complain when applications take longer, when waiting lists increase, when buildings look awful and have health and safety concerns. And we certainly should not be in a position where front-line staff are reduced that operate across HSC, Home Affairs etc.

People of Guernsey need to wake up but the politicians need to even more so. There is an opportunity here to make a difference and it is not just a GST that is being proposed and I think people are forgetting that. If it is not brought in now it will be later but at a greater detrimental cost to us all. I hope this letter sparks some proper debate and allows others that feel the same to voice this to our deputies.

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