STATES OF GUERNSEY. States Aims & Objectives. What are the States trying to achieve as a government?

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1 STATES OF GUERNSEY States Aims & Objectives What are the States trying to achieve as a government? Guernsey States Members are elected on the basis of their personal statements or manifestos about what they would like government to do. This is different to a system with party politics where the winning party at an election considers that it has a mandate or authority granted by the public to put its manifesto into effect. As politicians do not come into the States with a shared agenda, the SSP is a way of helping them to reach a majority view after they are elected about what they want to achieve and to explain this in a public document that they all debate and agree. The SSP provides a sense of direction to consensus government and makes it accountable for what it says it is going to do. But what happens when there is another General Election do you have to start all over again? The SSP is a tool or a process for decision making but it does not determine what States policies should be. When new States Members are elected they may want to continue with the policies they inherit or they may want to take a new direction. If the States want to bring about a change this means getting agreement amongst a majority of States Members to amend existing government objectives and policies. The SSP approach can then be used to make sure all the plans in the SSP family are brought into line with the new direction that is being set whether the change is relatively small in scope or a major departure. In this way, the SSP can support political change and make it effective by ensuring that the whole public sector moves in the same direction. 1

2 A Statement of Aims and Objectives what government wants to achieve The Statement includes Aims, and Specific Objectives. For an explanation of what each term means please see the Glossary on page of this booklet. Statement of Aims The government of Guernsey aims to: Improve the quality of life of Islanders. Secure the Island s economic future. Protect the Island s environment, unique cultural identity and rich heritage. It recognises that this requires: Maintenance and enhancement of Guernsey s standing in the global community. Wise long-term management of Island resources. Good governance Co-ordinated and cost-effective delivery of public services. Sustainable economic growth and effective public services without increasing the population to the detriment of our environment and way of life. Improved awareness of the culture and identity of Guernsey. 2

3 Economic & Fiscal Policy General and Specific Objectives Long run fiscal balance: spending within constraints of the Fiscal Framework. Continuing OECD Tier One Status. Average economic growth of 2% or more per annum. Stable and low inflation: RPIX 3.0%. Continuing full employment. Skilled, flexible labour market. Diversified, broadly balanced economy. Well regulated, competitive domestic markets. Modern key strategic infrastructure, with public capital investment averaging 3% of GDP. Maintenance of an internationally competitive fiscal regime. Maintenance of an internationally respected financial services regulatory regime: adopting and applying international standards. Specific Objective Real term freeze on aggregate States revenue expenditure. 3

4 Social Policy General and Specific Objectives An inclusive and caring society which supports communities, families and individuals. Individual independence, achieved where possible, but with States assistance when needed, in order to encourage personal responsibility and self-help. Active and engaged citizenship. Greater equality, social inclusion and social justice. Less poverty and good standards of social welfare. Better housing availability, quality and affordability. A healthy society with safeguards for vulnerable people. A safe and secure Bailiwick. Greater equality of educational opportunity. Employment for all those who need and are able to work. Specific Objectives: Adequate assistance to meet welfare needs, incentivise working and reduce duplication of administration. Supported accommodation to promote and support independent living. Health and social care services to focus on prevention, health improvement, protection and independence. Stronger emphasis placed on prevention, pre-offending, rehabilitation and victim-centred services. Greater equality of early childhood opportunity and pre-school educational provision. Additional support and protection to those who need it to find and sustain employment. The elimination of discrimination based on grounds of sex, race or disability and the introduction of civil partnerships. Stronger partnership working with the third (voluntary and community) sector. 4

5 Environmental Policy General and Specific Objectives An Environment that is healthier in 2030 than in 2008 (the base year). A reduced carbon footprint. Enhanced adaptability to climate change. Healthy biodiversity and a protected countryside. Effectively managed solid and liquid waste. Energy conservation and cleaner fuels. A healthy managed marine environment. Reduced pollution through regulated and controlled activities. Sustainable resource management. Protection and conservation of the built environment. Specific Objectives There are no specific environmental objectives but the Environmental Policy Plan does include an Action Plan which explains how its are being pursued. 5