Burden is on small firms

Wednesday 4th June 2008, 2:30PM BST.

SMALLER businesses are being used to prop up the finance industry, according to the president of the Alderney Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking at its annual meeting, Andrew Eggleston (pictured) said the burdensome increase in tax on real property was being used to fund the black hole created by zero-10.

He also suggested Guernsey had made an error by not fully supporting its former ‘well proven’ horticulture, agriculture and tourism industries.

‘Most of our members are having to endure increases of more than 300% and in some cases grossly more, with one reporting an increase of more than £3,000. This black hole seems to fluctuate in value about as often as the tide races up and down the Swinge.’