‘The CGi regards any initiative from the States to look at public sector reforms and cost savings as a prerequisite before it considers any changes in taxation. In our previous press release regarding GST we stated that States’ spending should come under review before significant tax rises were implemented.
This should include not only potential reductions in staffing across the civil service but a proper evaluation of any capital expenditure projects that are proposed over the next few years.
Consideration should also be given to using local firms to provide consultancy services to the States. Too often, external consultants, with little knowledge of the Island, are brought in at a huge cost when the expertise is more often than not available in Guernsey.
The CGi also hopes the States will be transparent in publishing the costs to the taxpayer of its public sector reforms.’