Unfortunately Policy & Resources are still not listening to the public and are yet again (only a few months after the last debate) trying to get GST passed. I appreciate that it is not easy for everyone to attend, however if you can, then please do protest outside the court on Tuesday 17 October from 8:30 to 9:30am. 

Please remember that unless you make an active stand, it will be far too easy for them to get this through. What concerns me the most is that we are in a cost of living crisis and now is not the right time to put added pressure on islanders and families. Also, once it is passed then they can ratchet the amount up each year! It may start at 5% but be prepared for them to change it to a 10% rate a few years later (or higher).

Over the years they have been taking more money from us than ever before. Through the usual annual duty increases (fuel, alcohol, tobacco etc), to huge increases in TRP (they are proposing a 17% increase for 2024), to rising social security charges each year. Plus phasing out mortgage interest relief on income tax and adding taxes on new car registrations (remember the protests on North Beach). They want more and more and more! 

If you don’t wish to be squeezed further then please make a stand. They clearly haven’t done enough to reduce their spending and review services.

Thanks for your support.

Marc Breton