Dear Deputy Jones,

 

 

Thank you for allowing the CGi to participate in the consultation process for this issue. However we do feel it is worth mentioning at this stage that it would have been more appropriate if we had been able to participate in the consultation prior to the States approving the introduction of the charges, not just the amount of the charges.

 

We are generally pleased that the Housing Department recognizes the need to recoup some of its operating costs. We note the intention to streamline the administrative process by Housing upgrading its computer system and also reviewing its method of operation. This is a business like approach that any of our members would support and emulate in its normal course of doing business.

 

It has always been the position of the CGi that States Departments need to do more in the reduction of their administrative costs. We do agree with the introduction of charges for housing licenses for all categories other than for the 9 month and 3 year short term categories and we will explain this exception later in our submission.

 

You are asking business to step up and pay for the Department’s services up to approximately £500,000 and we are prepared to do our part in supporting this. To ensure the success of the Island’s new tax regime, there must be a partnership between business and government and it is in this context that we challenge Housing Department to match our commitment and diligently seek to reduce its operating costs by an at least an equal amount, i.e.: £500,000.

 

Furthermore, to maximize the potential of Housing Licenses applicable to the business community, a further streamlining of the system should include dialogue with businesses to better understand our needs and how we can add value and support efficiencies. Charging for services should not be regarded as a solution in itself as we feel more efficiencies and transparency is vitally needed in the whole process.

 

You will also have received a response to this consultation from the Guernsey Growers Association. The GGA is an associate member of the CGi and their president, Alan Dorey is on our executive committee. We have had joint discussions on the issue of charging for licenses and the difficulties that GGA members will face with your proposed charges for both 9 month and 3 year licenses. We (CGi) are in full agreement with their response and strongly urge that you consider their views and the potential damage these proposals will do to an already fragile growing industry. You will appreciate that the charges proposed as a proportion of individual labour costs are more significant to our members who are growers.

 

The future of the Island is in the hands of both the public and private sectors and we believe it is crucial that we work together to ensure the betterment of all Islanders. We trust you will find our comments and suggestions constructive and helpful to the process.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

Philip Duquemin

Chairman

Confederation of Guernsey Industry