Break could 'change perception on tax package'

Guernsey's top politician hopes a break in the tax debate will help change the public's perception on the package.

Lindsay de Sausmarez said she had not ruled out making changes to her committee's tax package before it returns for debate in September.

States members have been debating the Policy and Resources Committee's (P&R) plans for tax reform - including a 3% GST, tax breaks for lower and middle earners, savings, the re-introduction of motor tax and higher taxes on some companies.

P&R President de Sausmarez said she believed the break was not a "case of selling it to our colleagues" but to the islanders.

She said: "I think it's an opportunity obviously to take stock of where we got to in debate so far and also to try to clarify some of the information about the package within the public.

"It's clear from a lot of the communication that we've had is that many of the key points about the proposals haven't really cut through, and that's something that I think we can use this time to work."

De Sausmarez said she understood "where people get upset and concerned" about the tax package.

She said: "I would be very much concerned as well at the idea of just proposing a standalone GST but that's not what the proposals are.

"Actually, when you stop and have a conversation with people and explain that, as I did... people do look at it a little bit differently and do understand the benefits, and also the problems that we need to address as a government."

She added the committee had an "open door" policy with other politicians to discuss any concerns about the package.

"Everyone is welcome to come and talk with us across political colleagues... That's something we've always made clear that we're always willing to talk with them."

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