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Hospitality sector calls for Guernsey's States to make savings before GST

Members of the Guernsey Hospitality Association are concerned a consumption tax could make doing business more expensive.

The Guernsey Hospitality Association (GHA) represents 80% of the industry and has surveyed its 100 members ahead of the States debate on tax reform and GST.

GHA chair Alan Sillett says the majority want the States to make savings before introducing a 3% consumption tax:

"There's a need to restore confidence through genuine public sector reform, demonstrate efficiency savings and have some accountability.

"Economic growth is part of the fiscal solution, rather than rely on higher taxes."

Mr Sillett says hotel, restaurant and bar owners have told him the extra financial burden will affect the industry:

"We've faced unprecedented cost increases over the past few years with wages, energy, food, insurance, pensions, recruitment costs, they've all risen significantly."

"The hospitality industry faces real pressures and GST is inflationary straight away."

Policy and Resources says its GST Plus package is the fairest way to raise revenue while protecting the less well off.

Among the measures planned if politicians pass the Policy Letter are government savings of 1% per year, to make £20M by 2029.

Alan Sillett says tourism is looking for spending restraint before any consumption tax is introduced.

A protest against the measures takes place on Sunday (12 July).

Deputies meet on 15 July to debate the proposals which face multiple amendments.

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