Building trades call on States to reject ‘tax on construction’

Tuesday 29th March 2011, 1:00PM BST.

Guernsey Building Trades Employers’ Association president Clive Fenner says massive harbour dues hikes for bulk cargo amount to a tax on the construction industry. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 1115842)

CONSTRUCTION industry representatives are calling on deputies to reject proposals for hikes in the cost of importing vital building materials.

Ahead of tomorrow’s States debate, the Guernsey Building Trades Employers’ Association has released a statement warning of the effects the increases would have.

Using the harbour grab crane for sand, aggregate, coal or other bulk cargo currently costs £120 per half-hour but the department wants to increase that to £400 for 30 minutes.

If approved, that will raise £168,000 a year.