BUSINESS leaders have welcomed the planned shake-up of the housing laws as politicians look to control the use of labour in the island. But they want a say in the process - and appear likely to get one.
Guernsey branch chairman Shelagh Mason said the Institute of Directors would welcome the formation of a Labour Utilisation Strategy Group as it did not see that population control sat comfortably in the Housing Department.
‘Addressing the reality of the interplay between population and the economic prosperity of the island is critical, but there are many linked social issues that need to be addressed,’ she said.
‘And the IoD will be looking for extensive and meaningful consultation in the process, as we feel that the views and experience of our members can be a useful tool to the States in taking this initiative forward.’
Talks have taken place between Commerce and Employment minister Stuart Falla, Housing minister Dave Jones and Deputy Jones’s chief officer, Stephen Langford, with a view to forming an LUSG.
Guernsey International Business Association deputy chairman Paul Meader said his group also welcomed the move.
‘Despite a stable population, Guernsey is facing into a rapidly declining workforce because of demographics,’ he said.
Giba welcomed the initiative before the island had a crisis on its hands, he said.
‘But we have to make sure that it’s not just a government-imposed ﾓsolutionﾔ and is one that involves discussion and consultation with finance groups such as Giba and non-finance groups.’
A solution had to work for the whole economy and not just for finance.
‘I’m the first to accept that you can’t please everybody all of the time but at least if it’s an inclusive process involving government, finance and the non-finance sectors, it will enable the States to make an informed decision.’
The Policy Council - which is looking to reconcile the conflicting decisions of zero-10 tax, which depends on economic growth, and zero population growth - was due to discuss the initiative when it met last week.
But the matter was withdrawn from the agenda because Housing members had not been made aware of it, prompting one of them, Deputy Barry Brehaut, to resign.
‘One of the things that the Policy Council is mandated to is population issues, which is why we are looking at it,’ said Deputy Falla.
It was clear from the Government Business Plan to date that the States could influence the availability of land through the Strategic Land Use Plan, he said.
The availability of capital funds could be determined through taxation and the House also had a say in legislation, which could be used to encourage or discourage things.
‘It’s the fourth thing, the utilisation of labour, that we don’t have a very clear plan on and that’s what the LUSG is about,’ said Deputy Falla.
‘Exactly how it is done depends on what the Policy Council decides when it meets again.’
He thought the Policy Council might discuss the matter next week but said he could not be sure, as he was not involved in setting the agenda.
Loading ...
Share this article:
What are these?