P&R’s 2021 budget voted in after a day of debate

Friday 18 December 2020

12 amendments were laid against the Policy and Resources 2021 budget, and it led to lengthy debate on a wide variety of topics

A lot of the amendments were influenced by the social and financial impacts of corona virus on our community.

5 amendments were successful, including an increase in charitable donations. 

However, many were not, including; increasing excise duty on cigarettes and booze and the movement of General Revenue funds to an Overseas Aid Impact fund.

Pictured: There were a number of new faces debating States policy - it started on 15 December.

The budget debate was a chance for many new Deputies to make their maiden speeches, including Deputy Marky Helyar, who is P&R Treasury Lead for the new term. He said the budget reflects the tough financial situation Guernsey is in.

"Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the States finances. The combined effect in 2020 and 2021 on General Revenue is £170 million. In order to fund this we are having to put a large hole in our core investment reserve."

You can read our full breakdown of the 2021 budget and its effects here.

Pictured top: The 2021 budget was presented to the public earlier this year by the new President of P&R, Deputy Peter Ferbrache.