Public to have their say over deputies pay

Thursday 13 September 2018

Members of the public are being asked to have their say on what our States members are paid, for the first time in three years.

A public consultation has been launched with a short survey to find out what we think our elected officials should be earning.

Individual members of the public, as well as business groups, and private and third sector organisations are all invited to complete the survey, which will take about five minutes and is published on the States’ website at gov.gg/statesmemberspay

Once the feedback has been given, the Independent States’ Members’ Pay Review Panel will consider pay levels for the range of States’ Member and Non-States Member roles. It will then recommend whether the current levels of pay are "appropriate for the varying responsibilities, given that the new structure of government has now had sufficient time to establish."

A report is likely to be taken to the States for debate during the first half of 2019, meaning any changes are not going to come in before the next general election in 2020.

That means any recommendations made to the States regarding deputies pay, would be intended to apply after June 2020 and so would not impact current States Members during the remainder of this political term. 

Earlier this month it was announced that the Independent Review Panel was looking at States Members pay, which attracted negative comments on social media.

James Machon and Ross Le Brun asked if the pay was performance related while Tony Wilson said, "no doubt it will result in an excessive pay rise for them all again!"

Anne Le Cheminant said, "there are pro’s and cons - maybe it would be a good idea to have a means based test on which deputy gets paid what - why not? They’re all in it for the betterment of the island, aren’t they?"

The last time the public was asked their opinion on States members pay was in 2015, ahead of the 2016 election and change in machinery of government.

To have your say this time, in addition to the online survey, comments can be submitted by writing to the Independent Pay Review Panel at Sir Charles Frossard House, La Charotterie, St Peter Port, GY1 1FH.

The consultation closes on 15 October.