1800 Cost Saving Suggestions From Islanders

Monday, 17 July 2023 11:36

Over 830 people have responded to surveys from the States asking for ideas on how it can slash the public sector bill.

The new 'Reducing the Cost of Public Services' Sub-Committee released two surveys last month, as the island grapples with a £135m deficit.

One which was open to all Guernsey and Alderney residents received 637 responses and 1416 suggestions.

A second survey, which was only open to public sector workers, saw 196 respondents who gave 394 suggestions.

The questionnaires asked people how the States could:

Generate more money
Change public services to save money
Restrict access to some services to save money

Savings of at least £10m-£16m per year are needed by 2028.

Chair of the sub-committee, Deputy Dave Mahoney says he's grateful to everyone who filled out the questionnaire.

"The amount of responses we’ve had is great and shows how engaged people are in wanting to find solutions to the very serious challenges we face as a community, as the make-up of our population goes through big changes.

The suggestions we’ve received will now be reviewed. It will take some time, but we’ll provide an update on the themes and trends that come from the surveys once we’ve done some of the initial analysis."

In February, Policy and Resources tried to pass a Goods and Services Tax to raise additional revenue, but was voted down in the States Chamber.