Call to limit length of speeches in tax debate

Guernsey's only registered political party will attempt to limit the length of speeches at this week's debate on tax reform.

Forward Guernsey want to make it so deputies have five minutes for most speeches and up to seven-and-a-half minutes for closing speeches, rather than 15 minutes.

In July deputies started debating Policy and Resources' tax reform package, centred on a 3% GST, but ran out of time - when the debate resumes on Wednesday there will be 40 amendments to get through.

If they do not finish the debate at this meeting business will roll over to 21 October, with some officials concerned a later decision on the tax package could lead to a delay introducing it.

Some deputies were criticised for filibustering during the last States meeting where tax reform was discussed.

Before States members can start to talk tax though there is a meeting of the States of Election to chose a jurat and some members have suggested re-ordering the agenda so some committee regular updates can be given before debate on tax resumes.

Party member Deputy Sally Rochester said her party's proposal would "provide ample opportunity for the arguments on each amendment to be clearly and fully set out".

Alongside Tom Rylatt, who is also a member of the party, Rochester said this would "help the debate to progress efficiently and recognise the assembly's wider obligation to progress other matters of government business in a timely manner".

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.