Manifesto

Guernsey is at a crossroads.  We desperately need Deputies to work together and deliver solutions to address the issues currently facing our island. 

Joined up Government.

I would like to see a more joined-up government, free from party divisions and personality politics.  Whilst some policy matters are the responsibility of one committee, others are split across different committees. I believe that the only way committees can deliver on key priorities is by working together and consulting with industry, community representatives and the public. 

Focus / Efficiencies

I believe that deputies need to be far more disciplined than they are today.  Too many priorities are set and then changed, which results in less actually being delivered.  Apart from wasting time, this approach wastes money and valuable resources.  Instead, deputies need to agree to a shorter list of key priorities and stick to it.  This will focus minds and result in savings and efficiencies across government, because resources will not be pulled in so many different directions. 

I believe the six key priorities for the next term are:

Economy / Growth

I want to see a government that supports all industry sectors by actively engaging with local businesses and industry associations to ensure that policies / strategies are developed in partnership with industry. 

For example, I am proud to have worked closely with Guernsey’s Finance sector over the last term.  I have delivered several important pieces of legislation and played a role in a number of significant projects, including Moneyval, which is critical to the island’s success, both economically and socially. 

As a member of the External Relations team, I feel honoured to have represented Guernsey at many meetings with senior politicians and business people from around the world.   

I am also proud to chair the Guernsey’s Finance Sector Forum and to sit on the board of Guernsey Finance, having previously chaired Sustainable Finance Guernsey. 

I believe that the government needs to help businesses fill the many open positions on the island.  This will enable companies to grow, boost spending in the local economy and deliver millions of pounds of much needed income tax.   One way that the government can do this is by developing policies to help retain home-grown talent.  Resolving the housing crisis must be part of the solution. 

Housing / Infrastructure

I believe that housing must be at the top of the government’s priority list.  The number of homes built over the last decade has not been anywhere near enough to meet the needs of the island. 

First time buyers are finding it difficult to rent a home, let alone buy one.  Families are struggling to find a home that has the space for a growing family and older people, looking to downsize, are also struggling to find suitable accommodation.  And this lack of housing is apparent across the entire market - private, social and key worker housing.    

I believe that we need a far more joined-up approach.  Government needs to work with the construction industry, the wider business sector and community groups so that housing policies result in the right homes being built in the right places - as soon as possible.  That is why I set up the Guernsey Housing Forum and supported the creation of a new Housing Committee.  

I support investment in our island’s infrastructure.  We need to repair what we already have and seize opportunities to invest in the island’s future, whilst protecting our unique culture and environment.  I also support utilising natural resources to harness renewable energies like wind.

Education / Skills

I believe that it is important that students leave our schools / colleges with a strong academic skill set so that they can fill local roles across a diverse range of industry sectors.  Therefore, It is critical that our island provides a high standard of education to support Guernsey’s long-term economic sustainability.  To achieve this, the government needs to ensure that there is stability in our education system so that schools / colleges can focus on educational outcomes.

I support initiatives that will help to upskill local people of all ages, who see opportunities but are unable to access them due to not having the required skills or qualifications. 

Air and Sea Connectivity 

As an island nation, Guernsey is totally reliant on its air and sea links.  Without them, we would be cut off from the outside world.  They provide us with an essential lifeline, allowing people and goods to move on and off the island. 

I was pleased that we were able to sign a new agreement to secure our sea connectivity and it was also good to see new direct air links to London City and Paris.   However, I have been dismayed by disruptions to our air connectivity.

Our air and sea links are social and economic enablers.  Families, businesses and the tourism sector rely on our them.  This means that the Government needs to ensure that Guernsey has reliable connectivity and frequency at affordable prices. 

I believe that the government needs to rethink how this can be best achieved.

Health and Social Care

The physical and mental health of Guernsey’s residents is of paramount importance so, as demand increases, it is vital that the government has the money and resources to provide the services which islanders need.  I support investment into Health and Social care and want to ensure that we can look after everyone, particularly our ageing population and our most vulnerable residents. 

Balancing the Books

Guernsey is at a crossroads.  The amount of tax raised is not enough to pay for the essential services and capital investment programmes that the government needs to deliver. 

Unless we do something, we will run out of money - quickly. 

The government must continue to look for efficiencies and savings, but they alone will not close the fiscal deficit so we must find new ways to generate revenue. 

I did not originally support GST because I felt that it would impact the poorest households disproportionately.  However, I did vote for GST+ because it included reforms to the social security and tax systems that would benefit lower income households.  In my opinion, there simply was no other viable alternative and I felt that it would have been fiscally irresponsible for me to put my political career ahead of my duty to do what I believe is in the best interests of Guernsey. 

If I am re-elected, I will work collaboratively with other deputies to deliver on these key priorities. With the experience that I have gained this term, I am ready to hit the road running.

Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto and please vote for me - Nick Moakes.