States Chamber

Short and sweet. If only all States meetings could be like this one. This was of course an extra day, tagged on to the January debate because deputies failed to get through last months agenda. But now billet number two of 2009 can be ticked off.

And it was an interesting one - a meeting during which we found out the Public Services Minister will not swim in Belle Greve Bay, heard moving personal accounts from members about mental health... and learnt there are a few fans of BBC Guernsey's Eddie Parks in the chamber (or at least his hidden heritage series).

So on with the details, and firstly here is one which might make you sigh... another new charge. Did you know that on average 90 percent of the water that arrives at your house will leave as waste water? And now your going to be paying to get rid of it.

On average homeowners will have to pay one hundred pounds a year, and that includes a set fee that everyone has to pay... that is unless you are a farmer or grower. The proposals were changed to make if fairer for anyone with a horticultural or agricultural business who has a water source for say feeding their animals, but does not have any link to the mains drain or a cesspit.

One more thing on this waste water charge. If you are one of the many people that would like to see Guernsey have full sewage treatment then there is good news. Fifty pounds from each household will go towards starting work on this - paying for things like planning enquiries and environmental impact assessments. And the Public Services Department had better get on with the work as it has made a commitment to bring back proposals by 2012.

The PSD Minister will not swim here

Another issue is whether Guernsey will have improved facilities for islanders with mental health problems or learning disabilities for 2012? Well the States gave a strong indication they want that to happen. We heard lots about what is wrong with the local facilities - "not fit for purpose", "embarrassing" and that if it were not for the staff the Castel Hospital would be closed. Phrases which have been sadly linked with mental health for too long.

Therefore no one objected to the Health and Social Services departments plans to improve the situation. The next hurdle is getting the funding - something that will be decided next month. One thing HSSD has in its favour though is that it wants to sell the Castel Hospital site eventually, which could retrospectively help towards the costs. And they are one step ahead, as there is already someone interested in buying it.

But there are other projects competing for a share of the taxpayers money - and high profile ones like the airport runway and Les Beaucamps school. And then there are smaller projects like protecting the Island's heritage - which was the third and final item debated this week.

The National Audit Office says the States are not doing enough, and this is largely recognised by the States. Problems with storage and the display of artifacts were big talking points. But it is a case of watch this space - as a report is due back before the States next month on a purpose built museum store. It will not come cheap though costing in the region of four to five million pounds.