Tourist Tax & Paid Parking Part Of The 'Fairer Alternative'

Tuesday, 10 October 2023 16:34

Three deputies have lodged amendments to Policy and Resources Funding and Investment Plan, which will be debated next week.

The 'Fairer Alternative' deputies, former Chief Minister Deputy Gavin St Pier, Deputy Heidi Soulsby and Deputy Sasha Kazantseva Miller, want to see government savings, caps on committee spending and taxes that aren't goods and services.

Deputy Kazantseva Miller says that the committee doesn't have the backing of islanders to introduce GST.

"Tax increases that P&R are proposing are to the tune of £85 million, and without an economic strategy and vision or plans for growth, I don't believe we have the mandate for such significant tax hikes."

Instead, they want the top committee to raise revenue from other forms of taxation, including raising the corporate tax to 15%, in line with the OECD's plans.

Deputy Kazantseva says Fairer Alternative is also suggesting bringing in taxes on motorists and tourists.

"We think this will be a simple and easy solution that could bring in the region of £2-3million of revenue from visitors and actually so far the consultation that Economic Development has been having with the tourism sector of that concept.

"In relation to transport taxes, it could include parking and vehicle taxes. I think we are one of the only jurisdictions that do not have such taxes.

"They are important for behavioural and environmental reasons."

She also believes that paid parking could contribute to the East Coast Redevelopment.

Politicians will debate P&R's Funding and Investment Plan next week, with the top committee hoping to bring in a blanket 5% GST to fill the looming States deficit.