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Political debate into whether to agree in principle that the Bailiwick’s royal representative should pay income tax was prevented from happening yesterday by a majority of States members who voted against it on a technicality.
Deputies voted 20 to 17 against debating the idea, on the basis it went beyond what was being proposed within Policy & Resources’ draft Budget.
But Deputy Gavin St Pier, who was leading the charge for the debate, said he will bring the idea back to the States.
States vote 20-17 NOT to debate this. Never mind, there is always next year’s Budget. The problem is not going away so I will need to keep shining a light on it. https://t.co/foNIOSg6GS
— Gavin St Pier (@gavinstpier) November 9, 2023
Posting on social media, he said: “Never mind, there is always next year’s Budget. The problem is not going away so I will need to keep shining a light on it”.
The move, if approved by the States, would’ve seen consultation undertaken into repealing the income tax exemption on the salary of the Lieutenant-Governor, bringing their personal financial arrangements in line with the rest of the Crown.
Introducing the amendment to the States, Deputy St Pier said the idea had been considered before but it had been advised against by senior Law Officers.
He insisted he had no grudge against the office of Lieutenant-Governor and the motion was not “not a comment on the role or how it is discharged”.
Taxing those who reside and work in the island was a matter of principle, he added.
The amendment was seconded by Deputy Andrew Taylor.
Should the Lieutenant-Governor pay tax?
£6million over nine years... how much does the Lieutenant Governor cost the taxpayer?
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