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The 1948 Agreement review should involve the UK's Ministry of Justice, one of Alderney politicians has argued.
After this week's States meeting revealed the depth of tensions between some of the political representatives for the two islands, there appears to be growing support for the review of the relationship between Guernsey and Alderney to happen sooner rather than later.
The review was first planned five years ago, but it was halted in early 2020 as dealing with the covid pandemic took precedence in both islands.
After this week's States meeting, Alderney States Member Steve Roberts told Express that there is no date set for it to resume, but Alderney will now insist that the UK's Ministry of Justice is involved.
He said it's because of the recent changes to the air subsidy imposed on Alderney residents by Guernsey's Committee for Policy and Resources.
"These measures will impact heavily on our island and are unacceptable," he said.
Pictured: The 1948 Agreement can be read HERE.
During the States meeting this week, Deputy Lyndon Trott had to answer questions on Policy and Resources' decision to reduce the subsidy paid for air travel for Alderney residents.
The Chief Minister was asked if he had considered the impact of doing so on the least well off residents. He said no, as that wasn't what P&R had been directed to do, and he said that Alderney residents already get a large amount of money each from Guernsey's taxpayers.
"...each and every resident of Alderney currently receives a subsidy equivalent to £5,000 per capita per annum. £5,000 that is in excess of what Alderney residents pay into the common purse," he said.
Deputy Trott went on to accuse Alderney's e-gaming industry of costing Guernsey more than it makes for Alderney.
All money earned through the sector is retained by Alderney, but any allegations of improper use or conduct are investigated by Guernsey's Financial Intelligence Unit. Deputy Trott said nine out of every 10 suspicious activity reports made to the FIU are linked with Alderney's e-gaming industry.
"The manpower required to deal with those is significant and may now exceed the value of the Alderney Gaming Commission receipts that Alderney enjoys," he said.
"It's a complex situation, but don't lose sight of the fact that the subsidy is already in excess of £5,000 for every permanent resident of Alderney per year and growing."
During the same debate, Deputy Trott said Guernsey's P&R "should be lauded" rather than criticised for cutting the air subsidy paid to Aurigny on behalf of Alderney residents.
He said that is what P&R had been directed to do in 2022, supported by the island's two representatives in the States of Guernsey.
"...this is an ongoing problem, in my view, with the way Alderney engages with its community, trying to blame everything on a few individuals in the States, despite the fact, as we learned earlier, that both both the Alderney Representatives in this Assembly voted to direct the Policy and Resources Committee to liaise directly with Aurigny in order to bring down the PSO contract. That is what we have done. Far from being criticised, we should have been lauded."
During this same question and answer session it was highlighted that the subsidy paid to Aurigny for Alderney's air links with Guernsey and Southampton is not part of the 1948 Agreement at all.
That prompted other deputies to query whether the time is now right to review the post-war contact.
The 1948 Agreement between Guernsey and Alderney underpins the relationship between the two islands in the post war era.
It doesn't just ensure a cordial relationship between the larger and smaller communities - it sets out the political responsibilities each island has and how they must ensure they are met.
It sets out details concerning the collection of income tax, the provision of public services, and ecclesiastical matters. It also sets out the way Alderney States Members and Guernsey deputies work together to this day.
Pictured: The 1948 Agreement sets out the political relationship between the islands.
Alderney has nine States Members - while Guernsey currently has 38 deputies.
Of the nine Alderney States Members, two serve in the Guernsey States of Deliberation too.
Alderney also has four representatives on Guernsey's States of Election.
Guernsey's States of Deliberation discuss and debate reports, or policy letters, draft legislation and other matters. They are elected by the public through an island wide vote.
The States of Election have one traditional purpose - to elect Jurats to serve in the island's courts.
The two islands also share a co-ordinating committee - currently known as The Alderney Liaison Group which provides a forum to raise issues and concerns.
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Co-operation called for as 1948 Agreement is reviewed
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