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Alderney's priorities for 2025 will not surprise anyone - with the runway top of the list for issues that need resolving.
Although the political wish list was penned prior to the departure of former-Chair of Policy and Finance Nigel Vooght, it is expected to remain the same for the States of Alderney:
The list was included in Mr Vooght's annual report, as Chair of P&F, which was to be read out at the 18 December States Meeting.
As he had already resigned from the States by that point, it was instead presented by the then-Acting-Chair of P&F, Ian Carter.
"At the forefront of the Committee’s mind is the urgent need for a rehabilitated runway," the report read.
"We have suffered years of delay on this project which is now more urgent than ever before.
"On top of this, P&R in Guernsey announced in November that it intended to take immediate measures to claw back 2024 overspend under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) and reduce the subsidy from January 2025, causing consternation among the people of Alderney and potentially harming the Bailiwick economy.
"We are disappointed that this announcement has been made without prior discussion with P&F, constructive collaboration or due assessment of the impact it is likely to have Deliberations from States Meeting on Wednesday 18 December 2024 on our economy which is already constrained by high air fares and disrupted connectivity.
"If our economy suffers further as a result of this reduction, so does the Bailiwick’s as the taxes we pay to Guernsey will decline.
"Since that announcement, we have made the strongest possible representations to P&R and we will continue to do so. Our lifeline air links and a safe runway from which to operate them are our absolute priority."
Sea links, renewable energy, and an Integrated Health and Social Care System were also covered in the report, which can be read in full HERE.
Since Mr Vooght's resignation before Christmas, Mr Carter has also left the States with his term of office coming to an end of 31 December.
Another States member, Bruce Woodhead, has now also resigned.
The States do not currently have a Chair of P&F - the most senior political role - but one is expected to be elected at the next States Meeting, scheduled for 15 January.
The island also does not have a Chief Executive or a Press Officer after both left their positions late last year.
Alderney loses two Government employees
IN FULL: Nigel Vooght's letter of resignation
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