This Is Guernsey

By Rosie Allsopp

STATES members have given themselves an inflation-busting pay rise. The 5.5% increase, 0.8% above RPI, is calculated by a formula in line with that used for top island civil servants. The pay rise means increases in compensation payments, attendance allowances and expenses claimed by all members. Compensation payments have risen from £9,446 to £9,987 a year. Members can also claim an attendance allowance of £29.96 for each half-day and yearly expenses up to £1,998. Pension payments have also increased. Presidential allowances have gone up as well, with the head of a top States committee able to earn a maximum of £4,994 a year. Alderney States representatives’ half-day allowance has increased from £37.86 to £39.94. But deputies could receive higher salaries in future. Members’ pay is under review alongside changes to the machinery of government and the anticipated increase in deputies’ workloads. The States Members’ Pay Review Board is taking evidence to determine the right level of remuneration. Deputy Rhoderick Matthews believes that £36,000 a year is ‘appropriate’ and would encourage members to treat the position of deputy as a full-time occupation. He told the board it was essential to have a system and pay levels that would attract the best range of candidates to stand for election. ‘Entering politics means serious disruption to any other career,’ he said. ‘It is quite clear that being a deputy makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a normal career as well. ‘It is possible to be a deputy and carry on running a business and many members do this, some from choice, others because current rates of pay are insufficient to allow them a reasonable standard of living.’ He said a salary at least equivalent to the island’s average should be paid to reflect the importance of the position and that successful candidates were likely to be of above-average ability. ‘The new States, with fewer members and the restructured departmental and scrutiny systems, is not likely to reduce the load.’ The Harwood panel believed that a basic salary of between £25,000 and £30,000 might be appropriate based on comparisons with Jersey and the Isle of Man. It said that it was necessary to find a sufficient level of remuneration to compensate members who might have to give up their career to concentrate on States work.

Article posted on 18th June, 2003 - 12.00am