States Chamber

In a meeting which lasted just under two days deputies managed to make their way through the month's billet, making few changes to the proposals in front of them - although there were attempts so.

Firstly, during the debate on the Social Security Department report on contributions and benefits for 2009, Deputy Matt Fallaize attempted to increase the upper cap on social security payments from 69,000 to 115,000.

It would have affected around ten percent of the working population - and brought in around 5.7 million pounds. But the States didn't go for it.

Some deputies felt more information was needed about the impact of this on individuals, and that it will hit some families with big mortgage re-payments that are already struggling financially. The Treasury and Resources Minister, Charles Parkinson, warned it would make the island less competitive compared to Jersey, the Isle of Man and even the UK - and in the end seriously damage our economy.

But here's what was voted for: pensions and other contributory benefits like sickness and unemployment will go up by 6.5%, supplementary benefits and family allowance will go up by 5.5%, and among other proposals the supplementary fuel allowance will go up to £22.70.

It was quite a meeting for Deputy Matt Fallaize - on day two he lead a successful requete to delay student loans.

It means they now won't be introduced for at least three years, and during that time the Education Department will do a full report into funding options. An attempt to put tighter controls on the budget the department has to stick to during this time failed.

No one really spoke in support of the loans system currently on the table - but some deputies did say they weren't opposed to a student contribution if it is needed. It's just the method and this particular scheme that some members were questioning.

The normal arguments that loans would put people off going to university were given - with Deputy Jane Stephens saying one less nurse, one less teacher, one less doctor lost to our island is one too many.

Deputy Carla Mcnaulty Bauer broadened the arguments out saying yes, support students, but the States need to do more for life long learning for everyone. She felt there needs to be more training opportunities locally so we can up the skill level of our workforce.

Another interesting point Deputy Peter Gillson raised was that although he supports as many students going to university as possible, do the States need to provide funds for all courses? For example accountancy degrees - where excellent training can be provided locally.

The only other major report this month covered law enforcement. Under the proposals, which were accepted, police and customs officers will work much closer together. A law enforcement commission, similar to the UK Police Authority, will also be set up.

The Home Minister, Geoff Mahy, said it's essential to bring the authorities up to date, and putting a system in place that will not only allow them to tackle local crime, but provide the level of service needed to combat international high level crime. Although all of this won't happen over night, and the Home Department now has to go away and work out more of the details.

Other than that there were some fairly straightforward reports - one making some minor changes to the income tax law, one updating the Guernsey's fire laws and deputies also gave the go ahead to a project which will improve Alderney's water supply.