Deputies Reject Proposed States Budget Freeze

Proposals to freeze the States budgets for the year 2025 have been rejected by deputies. The initiative, put forward by former Deputy Chief Minister Mark Helyar, garnered support from only six politicians, with 27 voting against it. However, deputies did endorse, in principle, proposals set to commence next year that stipulate “new employees are appointed on a static pay rate” and mandate the closure of any States post that remains vacant for a period of six months. Following the vote, Helyar expressed that he was “delighted” that certain aspects of his proposals garnered support. He further commented: “Unfortunately there was little support for spending restraint – it’s clear to me that the public wants more evidence of savings being made, hopefully that message is getting through.” It was noted that the two proposals that received initial support could still be rejected when deputies cast their votes on the final propositions within the 2025 budget. Throughout the debate, several politicians voiced criticism regarding the number of civil servants employed by the States. An anonymous civil servant subsequently stated that they felt “demoralised and humiliated” after the discussion, adding that “it has made me think about leaving the service.” The BBC has sought comment from Prospect, the union representing the majority of the island’s civil servants. Prior to the debate, the island’s public sector unions had sent a letter to deputies, advising against supporting certain proposals from Helyar. They cautioned that the closure of posts after six months of vacancy might lead to the “unintended consequence that managers will feel obliged to recruit any candidate out of fear of the role being deleted.” Furthermore, they warned that approving these proposals could “exacerbate” the “significant challenges in recruiting and retaining staff” currently experienced by the States. Deputy David Mahoney, who seconded the proposal, stated: “The amendment was a useful debate that highlighted just why the assembly has to come away from this debate with revenue raising measures.” He continued: “Just as important though is that the assembly took the first baby steps to showing that it is prepared to look at the other side of the coin by reducing costs and we thank the assembly for their support.” For further updates, follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Story ideas can be submitted to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.