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As the New Year starts, let’s combine three hopes – one that allows for good health, one for positive business and one for increased confidence within our own economy in all its sectors.
- We are pleased to confirm that our recent banking issue has now faded into the background and we are up and running again. I shan’t repeat the cause as we emailed that to all members a short while ago.
- The timing, however, is perfect as our subs are due in January. They remain at the subdued amount of £25 for the year (less than 7p a day or 1s6d for those of a certain generation!).
For ease of admin, please set up a standing order for £25 to
Alderney Chamber of Commerce
HSBC, 40-22-25, a/c 81086057.
Please quote your company name as reference.
Three of the most important topics we continue to work on are:
- GST / Income Tax. Following on from surveys with our members, we remain of the opinion that an introduction of GST is not in the best interests of Alderney. We, along with so many members, would prefer an increase in income tax along with a higher threshold to mitigate undue suffering to our younger residents and the lower paid. We have had meetings with Guernsey Civil Service and Deputy Gavin St Pier who seems to champion GST. They are well aware of our view.
- Our Ever Deteriorating Runway. How can this be allowed to go on and on year after year? Would Guernsey remain sitting on their hands if their runway were in a similar condition? Of course not. Has Alderney been too complacent on this issue for too long? Without a reliable and robust air transport infrastructure, both on the ground and in the air, a look into the future is bleak to say the least.
- Leasehold Properties. It is critical to help keep younger people on the island. Flats are leasehold and are towards the lower end of the property market. Yet banks are unable to lend as flats are looked upon as Personalty not Realty. The law simply needs to be in place so banks can take a first charge in the same manner as they do on freehold properties. We will keep up the pressure on this.
Council continues to enjoy regular meetings with States Members and the Civil Service on a formal and informal basis on a plethora of subjects. We are forging a greater relationship and understanding with Economic Development Committee.
Your Council:- Andrew Eggleston – President, Vanessa Main – Vice President, Ilona Soane-Sands, Holly Chandler, Agnes Perry, Brendan Noone, Jeannie Cameron, Louis Jean.
We are always looking for input and ideas.
We wish there was more time to organise extra meetings on so many topics that cross the path of Chamber.
If you would like to help in any way, please let one of us know.
Many thanks and a very Happy New Year to all
Andrew Eggleston
On behalf of the Council |
