States Chamber

To borrow, or not to borrow? It is a debate the States will have another month as they look at how to fund major capital projects like the airport runway. If they do go down that route though you will be pleased to know there are now some strict rules in place, at least unless a future States changes them - which is always a possibility.

What was decided at the April meeting was the fiscal policy framework. To many people that probably means very little. In basic terms it is an upper limit on how much the States can borrow, which thanks to an amendment by Deputy John Gollop is lower than first predicted. The States agreed with him that 250 million was too high, and brought it down by around 80 million pounds.

Les Vardes Quarry was also on this month's agenda, with deputies supporting plans to extend it into adjoining land. The idea is in future it can be used for water storage. Reassurances were given the the environmental impacts of extending the quarry would be considered, along with any concerns residents and businesses have. 

Changes to the allocation of student grants were also approved. It means the entire household income will be taken account, meaning if a pupils parents are divorced but have new partners both salaries are assessed. The aim was to make the system fairer.

Fairness was also the reason changes to the Island's inheritance laws were put before the assembly. The current laws force you to leave part of your estate to your spouse or children. The committee leading the review want a change so you can leave your property and possessions to whoever you like. Deputies agreed with the principle of this, but nothing is going to happen over night as firm proposals need to be drawn up and taken back to the States in due course.

There is always one emotive issue in each States meeting and this month it was the Island's wheelchair service. Deputy Mike Hadley has been pushing for a dedicated service to be introduced, and was asking the States to agree the extra cash should be set aside for this. Those trying to convince members gave compelling arguments including the waiting times locally, and the problems which result from people being in the wrong wheelchair. On the flip side there was concern about this being looked at in isolation when a report is due out in July looking at other services the Island needs.