Proposal to transfer £830k into overseas impact fund voted out

Thursday 17 December 2020

An amendment to the States of Guernsey 2021 budget was proposed by Deputy Gavin St Pier and seconded by Deputy Peter Roffey and would have seen money taken from General Revenue.

The decision would have led to £830,000 being taken from General Revenue and placed into the Overseas Aid & Development Impact and Investment Fund.

The funds would have remained ours; however, any interest raised would have been spent on overseas aid.

“It does not change the cash limit for 2021,” said Deputy St Pier. “It does not increase the deficit for the States in 2021, it is simply a movement between accounts on the balance sheet.”

Pictured: The proposal was voted out 16/22 during the 2021 States debate.

One of the most vocal opponents to the proposal was the new President of the Overseas Aid and Development Committee, Chris Blinn.

In his maiden speech, Deputy Blinn welcomed the sentiment but didn’t agree with the reality of the amendment.

“Although we’re grateful for Deputy St Pier’s desire to help, the Commissioners and I couldn’t support this.” 

“It would go against our group decision to reduce overseas aid spending for the benefit of the committee.”

The President of Policy & Resources didn’t agree with the amendment either.

“This is an amendment without any substance at all. It’s not going to make anybody better, it’s not going to improve anybody’s life. It’s not going to do anything. I would think we have more to deal with”, said Deputy Peter Ferbrache.

The 2021 Budget was voted through in its entirety on 16 December. Five successful amendments were laid against it, this was not one of them.

Pictured top: Deputy Blin appreciated the amendment's aim but couldn't support it.