Alderney finances take "significant" hit

Wednesday 29 April 2020

Alderney politicians are looking to free-up as much funding as possible as the "breadth and depth" of the corona virus crisis' impact on the island's economy starts to become clearer.

A special report looking at the impact of corona virus on the current year’s budget has shown that many income sources, including fees for vehicle import, hire cars, property transfer duties, permits, licences and harbour services, will be below what was forecast at the start of the year.

The report set out that the current budget can be balanced taking into account the "adjustments" which are being made, such as freezing recruitment and cancelling planned activities which no can longer take place. 

However without further savings, in addition to those already identified, the current emergency could result in a budget shortfall, the report says. 

Alderney’s Policy & Finance Chairman James Dent said his committee has been advised of the need to identify and prioritise funds that can support the island's recovery from the Covid-19 emergency – sources of this investment could include the Alderney Gambling Control Commission funds, the Economic Development Reserve and re-prioritising the capital and revenue budgets.

"The financial implications for the States of Alderney budget are clearly significant,” he said. “The situation may change as we become more aware about the breadth and depth of the crisis. We are, however, taking action to ensure we know as much as possible about where we stand.

Pictured: SkyBet is one of the many high-profile betting companies licensed in Alderney. 

"We intend to free-up as much funding as possible to support the island's economy and we will be looking at a range of options for sourcing additional funds."

The Policy & Finance Committee of the States of Alderney has agreed to establish a Pandemic Emergency Committee based on proposals by States Member Alex Snowdon. The move follows in the footsteps of Chief Pleas in Sark where a ‘Sark Pandemic Emergency Committee’ has been formed.

The mandate for the Committee involves exploring bespoke solutions which should apply to Alderney during the emergency and engaging with the public about their ideas, views and suggestions. The aim would be to work on policy formulations which could apply to Alderney as part of the COVID 19 response.

Any proposals will then need to be approved by the Policy & Finance Committee before representations are made to Committees of the States of Guernsey or the Civil Contingencies Authority.

“Elected members of the States of Alderney are the vocal voice of the public," said Mr Snowdon. "A formation of the proposed committee would ensure the politicians are involved with decisions about their island and represented to fellow colleagues in Guernsey.”

Pictured: Alex Snowdon is one of Alderney's representatives in the States of Guernsey.

Meanwhile, Alderney's government will now be able to meet virtually following the approval of emergency statutory changes.

“These changes enable the States to function during these extraordinary times,” said States of Alderney President William Tate. “They are not permanent changes to the way we do things but they will enable the proper business of the States to be carried out during a period where it is impossible to meet together in one place.”

The next States meeting is scheduled for May 13.

The new regulations were approved by the Bailiwick’s Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA) and can be withdrawn when the time is right by the same process.

Pictured top: Policy & Finance Chairman James Dent.