It is now 14 years since I was first elected as a member of the States of Guernsey representing the Vale Parishioners. I am extremely grateful for the tremendous support that you have given me throughout this time for the work that I have undertaken on your behalf. I have covered some of the issues surrounding your Government. Should you wish to discuss any of them or ask questions on other issues please do not hesitate to contact me.
We now have a base for our Government Business Plan, the next stage will be to incorporate priorities, costings,timings and monitoring.
ZERO 10 – MY PERSONAL VIEW AND HOW I VOTED
I believe the Zero 10 decision should have been put to a referendum – it is the biggest change to our tax system fordecades – the people should have been asked to approve this change. I voted against the Zero 10 strategy as I felt it was wrong that the population will be asked annually to dig deeper in their pockets to fill the black hole. I suggest the next States will need to look at ways to adjust some of this burden from the individual taxpayer. It is disappointing that those States members involved in supporting Zero 10 are now saying they do not have enough money in their budgets to manage their Departments’ services. Those living here will still expect the services and facilities that they have become accustomed to.
Government still has social responsibilities which must be addressed and not just the business requirements. It is important that a review takes place gaining data to establish those living here have an acceptable standard of living, andwhere those that are caught in the poverty trap, they will have an improved system implemented addressing any shortcomings.
LAW & ORDER
Law abiding citizens on this island are becoming less tolerant, rightly so, of the amount of mindless vandalism taking place on our island. Not only should the person/s responsible be fined but an order made against them to clean up and pay for all the costs involved to put right their mess. Should they be unemployed or funds unavailable at the time than the debt will follow them until paid in full.
It is a serious concern that so many need binge drinking/drug taking to enjoy themselves, it’s a culture reflected inother jurisdictions, Governments, including Guernsey, have now recognised funding must be released to address these potential long-term health risks.
EDUCATION
We must ensure that we ‘spend to save’ wherever possible on training and education schemes, whatever age group. Some very successful training schemes were implemented by Social Security where many later found work, some returning after several years. These training schemes are a success for all involved. How much better these people felt being valued in our community.
During the recent States debate I voted against implementing student loans. Supporting University students should be part of the ‘spend to save’ ethos with more encouragement given to those attending University to return.
The possible school closures have caused enormous upset to all those involved and must be addressed with some urgency following extensive consultation and accurate data before any decisions are taken.
HOUSING
The Housing Association is building more homes which will alleviate some of the pressures. All developers must be encouraged to develop more realistic living conditions with storage space & outside areas to relax or enable children to play safely. More care needs to be taken otherwise social problems seem inevitable if we continue to allow so many living in such crammed areas on some of these estates.
Many rents are the same or close to mortgage payments resulting in some finding it difficult to save for a deposit to purchase a home. With the large supply of flats being built a levelling off has started to materialise and house purchase schemes through the Housing Association are coming to fruition.
PENSIONS
Compulsory contributions are required to enable fair rates towards pensions. At a recent States debate some members of the Government suggested it is appropriate to dip into the States pension fund to balance the States books. The majority of members ensured that the States Grant will remain at its current level, albeit reduced since the Zero 10 debate. The States pension fund must be protected. The pension fund was set up as a stand alone scheme under the direct management of Social Security to ensure proper separation from general States revenues. Most places around the world have insisted on having a separation of the pension and general revenue finances, except the UK which have to battle with their Treasury each year for funds to pay benefits. Guernsey must not go down this downward spiral.
HEALTH
There is no doubt that an excellent health service must be high on any agenda. We all expect and want the best the island can afford. HSSD have warned they may start charging for blood tests and attendances at A&E. This would be a retrograde step. The States addressed the hospital charges many years ago removing the barrier to access operations through financial ability. It is unthinkable that barriers may be put in place once again restricting access by wealth to health. I agreed with the many parents who were outraged when HSSD decided to remove the free school dentist service. Parents are now finding they have large dentist bills to pay alongside the increased indirect charges resulting from
Zero 10.
PLANNING DECISIONS – OPEN MEETINGS
Open planning decision meetings are held as the norm in many places around the world including Jersey. It is wrong that plans are discussed and decided upon behind closed doors. The sooner this outdated practice is stopped thebetter. If re-elected I will take a Requete seeking support to direct Environment Department to implement open planning decision meetings where the applicant and objectors may attend and if necessary, contribute.
SEWAGE TREATMENT
The States once again has dodged the issue of addressing the fact that we pump macerated sewage into the sea. We must stop this practice, I support a sewage treatment plant.
MASTS
I believe the States and the Office of Utility Regulation have allowed commercial competition to the detriment of the residents and the environment. Complete coverage already exists around this island for 3G and other services. I see no need whatsoever to have another plethora of masts so another operator may introduce competition regardless of potential health risks which are still being researched. Thousands have signed petitions and several hundred took part in a protest walk which I supported. The No More Mast Group must be commended for their hard work and professional manner representing and expressing the concerns from thousands of residents.
COMMUNICATION
The States has shown on far too many occasions it does not communicate well with the people. The nonsense of removing the La Gazette Officielle from the Guernsey Press was a prime example. I hope the next Government will recognise and rectify the importance of communication especially important notices and not expect people to travel around the island, some needing two buses each way, to search out important notices at their Douzaine or Library.Government should be going out to the people, not expect the people to come to Government. A webcam could also be considered on the Government website.
DOUZAINE & CHARITIES
It has been suggested that some of the decisions within Government could, in future, be delegated to the Douzaines providing they have the appropriate support, I agree with this. The Douzaines’ and many of the Charities along with their volunteers, work tirelessly for the good of the community, saving the Government millions of pounds. A saving which none of us should take for granted, the States need to review and assess working together more with appropriate resources.
LIFE AS A STATES MEMBER AND SOME OF MY PERSONAL SUCCESSES
Each day is different, whether it is phone calls, letters in the post or emails, every day somebody will make contact asking for assistance, which I welcome. Apart from work on individual cases there are Department meetings to prepare for and attend and also many public or private presentations which are necessary to go to.
Much of my work involves assisting individuals and businesses with planning applications. I have helped over 200 applicants with nearly all receiving a successful outcome.
The amendment which I placed to have Simultaneous Electronic Voting system installed within the Chamber was successful. I will be pressing for funds to be made available to implement this resolution.
Another of my successful amendments was to have site notices for future planning applications to be publicly displayed on site for 3 weeks enabling more time for representations to be made. Once the necessary laws are completed, no longer will neighbours be kept in the dark on future developments.
Last April I placed a successful amendment against Commerce & Employments Report reviewing the milk distribution. Through my amendment the islands’ milk retailers are able to continue with their licence and zoning which had been successful for many years.
Being elected as Minister for Social Security Department was in itself a first for a woman in its 80 year history. My priority as Minister of Social Security was to reduce the extremely high £14m drug bill. The result was for the first time during the 30 years a reduction was achieved. Another first came from tough negotiations as Minister with the Fund Managers who were looking after Social Security funds resulting in a reduction in their fees.
THANK YOU for taking the time to read my manifesto. Please consider allowing me to continue working for you and hope you see fit to vote for me on April 23rd. With so many members leaving the Government I hope, with your vote, to use my 14 years experience to give some continuity and stability towards the well being of the island. Yours sincerely
CONTACT
Should you wish to discuss any of the above or ask questions on other issues please do not hesitate to contact me on
255984, fax 258126, email
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or through my website http://www.marylowe.gg
If you need transport to the polling stations please phone me on 255984
My Manifesto
