Representatives from the States of Guernsey visited Alderney on Monday to provide an update on the proposed 2026 Tax Reform Package and explain the significant developments made since the proposals were first presented to the island last year.
The visit included meetings with States Members and representatives from Alderney’s business community, providing an opportunity to discuss the revised package and the feedback received during the extensive engagement and consultation process undertaken across the Bailiwick over the past year.
The visit was led by Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez (pictured), President of the Policy & Resources Committee, together with members of the Tax Reform Programme team. Briefings were held in the Anne French Room at the Island Hall, enabling States Members during the morning meeting, and members of the business community during the afternoon session, to hear directly from those responsible for developing the proposals and ask questions about the changes that have been made.
The sessions formed part of the wider programme of engagement taking place across the Bailiwick ahead of the States of Guernsey debate on the proposed package in July. Attendees were provided with an overview of the proposals, the financial challenges facing the Bailiwick, and the measures being proposed to address the projected funding gap.
The Tax Reform Programme team outlined how the package has evolved since the initial proposals were presented, reflecting feedback from States Members, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders. The updated package seeks to balance the need for long-term financial sustainability with the views and concerns raised throughout the consultation process.
The proposed package includes a combination of expenditure reforms and revenue-raising measures, including changes to personal taxation, social security contributions, transport-related taxation, corporate taxation and the proposed introduction of a Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The briefings also provided an opportunity for attendees to discuss the potential implications of the proposals for Alderney residents, businesses and the wider community. Discussions were positive and constructive, with participants engaging on a wide range of issues and seeking clarification on the changes that have been made since the original proposals were presented.
Jeannie Cameron, Chair of the Policy & Finance Committee, said: “We were pleased to welcome Deputy de Sausmarez and the Tax Reform Programme team to Alderney to provide this important update. The visit gave States Members and local businesses the opportunity to hear directly from those developing the proposals, ask questions and gain a better understanding of both the package and the changes that have been made following extensive consultation and feedback.
“It was particularly valuable to hear how the proposals have evolved over the past year in response to comments received from communities and stakeholders across the Bailiwick. As part of the Bailiwick, States of Alderney Members will also be involved in the debate on the proposals in July, making it important that both Members and the wider community have the opportunity to understand the detail of the revised package and the issues it seeks to address.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the discussions. The engagement was positive, constructive and demonstrated the strong interest people have in understanding the proposals and their implications for Alderney.”
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez said: “I’d like to thank everyone who attended the session and took the opportunity to engage with the proposals. There were some excellent conversations that explored both the principles and the practicalities. We’re keen to ensure that people across the Bailiwick understand the challenges we face and the measures we’re proposing to make our public finances more sustainable and support public services now and in future.”
