Childcare, cost of living & commitment — where do the candidates really stand?
In the lead-up to the election, IslandFamilies asked local parents and carers which issues mattered most, then we took those concerns directly to the candidates. We received responses from 37 individuals standing for election, answering your top concerns: cost of living, childcare, education, and travel.
81% of candidates said they would commit to regular Q&A sessions with parents if elected
70% support extending the 15 free hours of preschool hours
Nearly every respondent acknowledged that Guernsey’s families are struggling with affordability and support.
This is your chance to explore how each candidate aligns with your values, challenges, and hopes for the future of Guernsey’s children. Read the full responses below and make a choice that supports your family.
Click on the name of the candidate whose answers you want and it will take you to them.
CHARLES PARKINSON
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am a father and grandfather. I offer ability, compassion and experience
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I would rationalise the primary schools and use the money saved to invest in pre-school education
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 1 year
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? We must provide greater support to families with young children
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? I supported a three 11-18 school model, but my view did not prevail. Secondary education cannot cope with constant uncertainty and lack of delivery, so we need to make the plans of the current committee work. But I see no sense in moving the Sixth Form Centre to La Mare de Carteret
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? We need to increase the supply of affordable housing
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? We need to attract other airlines to operate services to Guernsey
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Lack of housing is a key factor in this. Guernsey needs to initiate sites such as Leale’s Yard immediately.
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? We must not introduce GST. We must increase the supply of affordable housing, and we must increase the support given to families with young children
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
DIANE MITCHELL
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Cost and availability of food, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I have had my family here and in UK. I have small grandchildren who love it here but my children can’t live here. I have many cousins who have small families and struggle. I am fully aware of issues and would champion family friendly policies including housing redevelopment
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Bring nurseries into schools and make them part of free provision. The staff can still work there and be run by the current organisations but no on costs.
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? Depends on the age group as some babies up to 2 years need to be with family more in my view.
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Need to support any initiative that supports families here.
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Continue with the current model so that it stabilises. Possibly adopt a STEM strategy to interest maths and science recruitment (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) make links to Portsmouth university as they could supply teachers and trainee teachers to fill the gap
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Encourage commemorates like Lidl or Aldi here as they are very cheap and good quality in UK.either that French supermarket chains, its nearer for our carbon footprint and their food is fresh and good quality. I would also like to see land available for families to grow their own
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? We could offer packages, change school terms, reduce costs on boats for families at peak times but it would need to be costed
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Encourage local activities, focus more on teenagers and young people, utilise buildings for modern activities.
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Governance is the key with key agreed indicators regularly monitored and reported on
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
MARK HELYAR
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 8-12, 13-16, 17-18, 19-22, 23+
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Travel on/off island, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am a parent. I also have many transferable and professional skills as well as being a school governor
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Unsure
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? There is little we can do whilst the government remains in a deficit. Only voting for candidates who want to balance the books will work, without it services will have to be cut
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? No
If yes, from what age? We cannot afford any further support without additional revenue – it does not mean I wouldn’t like it to happen, we simply cannot afford it
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? No
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? We cannot afford to provide any further support
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? To allow the plans to be completed and the sixth form center built. To stop paying political football with the system
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Implementation of the GST+ tax reforms will reduce taxation on the lower paid. Guernsey’s government cannot directly control interest rates and inflation, these are global issues
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? We cannot afford to subsidise travel, we do not have sufficient revenue to pay for what is being provided now
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? By implementing the tax reforms so that government can invest in public services and infrastructure
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? They also need to provide value for money. Measuring their worth and benefit should be integral
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
DAVID NUSSBAUMER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Education and schools
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I’m level headed and will make decisions, some unpopular no doubt, as opposed to sitting on the fence or causing unnecessary delay. Our children’s education is paramount to the future success of our island
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Unsure
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? By supporting extending the 15 free hours to younger children
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 4
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Maternity and paternity leave to remain as it is
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? I want to bring back the grammar school and I would like to see the less academic children to be offered apprenticeships at the age of 14
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? I am dead against GST. I believe that housing could become more affordable if we were to utilise more new style build than traditional…a saving of at least 30% in construction costs and more efficient saving heating costs
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Aurigny is a disaster. Unreliable and air fares that are far too expensive. Government interference hinders them too. Why do they need to break even? If we subsidise the bus service to the time of £4 million per year why not subsidise Aurigny to double that amount?
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? By not introducing GST for a start.By bringing back the grammar school and allowing those families who cannot afford to pay fees for their children to have an opportunity to receive a better academic schooling than what is on offer at present
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Possibly a joint working partnership with those states members elected onto education, our school heads and the parents
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
TOM MOORE
Do you have children? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now? Childcare, Cost of living, Cost and availability of food
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I might not have children of my own yet but I have siblings who do and I’m planning on having a child with my partner. I have the care and conviction to push for family-friendly policies. It’s not just good for you, it’s good for the future of the island. If people continue to leave and if the birth rate continues to plummet, Guernsey as we know it is finished
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Subsidise it further, encourage a culture change in schools that fosters working towards jobs available on-island, (in the meantime) reduce red tape in getting qualified childcare providers to the island
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 1 year old. Should not do younger because parental bonding is important
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I think there should be statutory parental leave of six months, with legislation that prevents parental leave discrimination against adoptees and same-sex couples
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Pupils and teachers have been through enough upheaval over the last three terms (especially this term) but I would support the return of scholarships and the return of the Grammar School but by continual teacher assessment during Years 5&6 rather than through exams like 11+ and SATs. I also think all schools should prioritise delivering curricula that prepare our students for the jobs and careers Guernsey has to offer
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Implement fairer taxes than GST+, such as corporation tax and luxury goods tax. Guernsey needs to work towards producing its own energy rather than relying on France. Households and businesses should be encouraged to make their homes more efficient and produce some of their own energy. The States can’t afford grants right now but I am in favour of zero-interest building improvement loans for things like insulation, solar panels, loft batteries and heat pumps
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Aurigny needs to consolidate its routes, take over the Southampton and Jersey routes, cut its bloated middle management and provide fixed cost tickets. The Alderney and Jersey route can be combined, making it cheaper to run and cheaper for the traveller. Aurigny also needs to go back to providing business class perks so that they can keep costs low for ordinary people
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? The States could do more to either encourage or provide pre-school and afterschool clubs. The Eastern Seaboard redevelopment and Co-Op’s plans include child recreation areas
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? I think the public need to look at what gets proposed and what gets passed. This can be done by way of citizens’ assemblies forming and meeting States members on a regular basis (e.g. every three months). States members should also provide surgeries in Douzaine Rooms once per month
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
JONATHAN LE TOCQ
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am a parent of three and a grandparent of four, all of whom live locally
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? If we had more revenue and resources I would advocate a subsidy (means tested) or tax allowance
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? 3
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? No
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Statutory paternity leave should be considered when we have dealt with more pressing needs such as housing and revenue/social security reform
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? To keep things stable and ensure we can make the system we have decided on become the best it can be. This includes greater flexibility in vocational/apprenticeship training from 14+
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The GSTPlus package which has been voted in provides the best way to redistribute wealth to the lower and middle income households
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? IMHO this is not a priority. Rather it would be better to encourage them to make the most of spending time enjoying our bailiwick and spending within our economy rather than someone else’s. I would rather focus on getting more tourists here with regards to ourconnectivity.
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? By supporting policies which allow for one or other parent (or shared) to work part-time, or work from home, or stay at home for longer during the child’s early years, plus greater support for grandparent/other family members to be involved. Better for everyone
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? This is difficult to answer because our demographic is decreasing and trends in small communities like ours are hard to discern as our size is suboptimal for such scrutiny. However one indicator would certainly be that household sizes are increasing rather than decreasing as they have been for the past 4 decades
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
SUE ALDWELL
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I have sat on 10 School Committees, 10 Governing Boards, Children and Young People’s Board. & Lead on Domestic Abuse – understanding Operations Encompass and working with Digital safety officer
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I think probably as the birth rate drops and space becomes available at primary schools, we could look at bringing early years into settings, saving costs in rents which can be substantially. Sharing facilities could be the way forward
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I would like there to be an option for a parent to be able spend longer with their child, the first 1000 days are so important
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Selection was removed in 2017. Three schools and separate 6th form was agreed by the Assembly in 2021. Since 2021 ESC have been working with the Unions & HR to facilitate contracts for allocations of positions of 280 staff members, which were completed last Summer. The students have been allocated to each High School by feeder school calculations. Buses have been allocated. The 6th form is temporarily moved to LMDC- with full approval of the Principal, delighted to have space to concentrate on students. New theatres upgrades and science labs, plus common rooms have been allocated. Les Varendes is past capacity at 1000 students of mixed ability at present and could not take another 300. The Principal of Les Varendes is delighted that the 6th form is moving to LMDC, which allows her to have space for breakout rooms, for students to have space to work quietly when needed.The 6th form is only a wing of 12 rooms, A-level students take 60% of lessons in the 11-16.The Music service, SHARE, Youth Commission and staff training will move into site, as was agreed in 2021. Les Ozouets will be completed in summer 2027, we hope the 6th form will be completed at the same time. Having lost two years of stability in education because of Covid, it has taken longer than expected to settle down. Schools have recieved Good Ofsted Reports and are working towards Excellent
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Cost of living is slowly reducing, coming out of Covid everything was difficult to obtain and costs rose, hopefully they will come down further. Electric has increased and we may need subsidies eventually
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays?
Travel at peak times has always been expensive, we either raise taxes to subsidise the airline or higher charges to fly.Hopefully the ferry will have more reasonable fairs
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? I think we are fortunate to live on a beautiful island, which is safe & secure.We have beautiful beaches and parks, to enjoy. Nowhere is far away to travel. We have lots of activities; sports, drama, arts, third sector to get involved with. Community is important and good to be involved, itis good for mental health.I think we need to look at wrap around care in schools. Breakfast and after school clubs, to take the pressure off working parents
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Education Sport & Culture need to work closer with Health & Social Care, to bring policies together. The new children’s hub at Raymond Falla at St Martins will make a difference
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
LEXI LUNDBERG
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 4-7, 8-12
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now? Childcare, Cost of living, Maternity/paternity leave
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? Local mother of three children under 10 in public education with a strong commitment to Guernsey. I like many have a mortgage and feel I can really relate to the sentiments people have shared with me whilst campaigning. We need a fair Guernsey
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I would like to see the funded hours increased to mirror England
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? Two years before school, potentially in a 15, 30 arrangement.
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? An increase, shared by parents as they wish
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? My focus is more on tertiary education and getting the post 16 campus built
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? FairTax Guernsey supporter, NO GST
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Aurigny needs a price cap so parents are not penalised as a nationalised service approach. Encouragement of a big commercial airline and a Heathrow route bringing more options
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families?
This is so disappointing [reference to IslandFamilies survey indicating that 25% of respondents say that they are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with life for families in Guernsey], there needs to be a big focus on community spaces and things to do for families. Perhaps a survey like this asking families what would make life happier for them would be a good start
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? There must be good monitoring and public engagement
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
ART ALLEN-O'LEARY
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Healthcare
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? Caring, a good communicator, a good listener, a carer for my disabled wife, a passion for Common Sense and Unity. A can do person
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Encourage those with school age children to return to the workplace (if they want or need to). Engage with Business leaders and retail to encourage flexible working hours wherever possible. Review subsidies given to childcare / nurseries to ensure anyone returning to work can actually earn enough to justify childcare to ensure working or returning to work is a viable option
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? Would need advice from yourselves
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey?
1) Parental benefits – carers allowance should be substantially increased.
2) Maternity leave should be reviewed
3) Paternity leave should be shortened (sorry)
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Teaching should be of the very highest standards and equal for both Private and Public Education. I do not believe that this is currently the case. Top rate teachers should be welcomed to stay and accommodated properly with urgent housing review. Children should continue to speak out about sub standard schools until the Deputies actually take notice and do something about that. Give the teachers far more say about bullying, over sized classes where there is little or no times for teachers to engage with those pupils who require a more caring approach. deputies listen to the tea they are the experts
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs?
1) Food – we have a lack of cut price food outlets Waitrose and M&S are classed as Luxury stores in the UK, there is a lack of realcompetition and the costs are now unsubstainable – bring in the regulators NOW.
2) Housing Get the States own land sites operational for building in a 100 day pledge by all deputies that this is to be dealt with as priority one – remind the people this will mean imported labour and they will need accommodation when they are here.
3) Utility costs – start with the protest March at 11amon Saturday 14th June outside Guernsey Electricity – 8% is a criminal act, then support Wind Farms and all other energy saving proposals brought to the table by deputies that are COST EFFECTIVE.
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Rationalise Aurigny / Rationalise Blue Islands – they are fighting each other. EMAS the runway (a cost effective way to ensure small jets such as Boeing 737s can land and take off with a full payload of passengers (thus reducing costs). Adopt an immediate Open Skys policy. I am afraid that i get very annoyed that parents do not get fined for taking children out of school during term time to save money on holidays. Taking children out of school for reasons of trivia should be outlawed completely and once we get the airlines and airport agreed and sorted prices WILL START TO DROP
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Yes the facts are that the wealthy enjoy life in Guernsey and can actually “live a life” whereas most of us are on more of a “work to survive life” pattern. An a small increase in Corporate Finance Tax, a small rise in Income Tax, a discussion about the costs of fair paid parking, NO GST by itself or with ANY PACKAGE
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Freedom of information – broader guidelines to ensure transparency within the 100 day in office commitment
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
YVONNE BURFORD
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 19-22
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Education and schools
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? All deputies are elected to represent all members of our community, wherever they live on the island, and whether or not they voted
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Look to see how budgets can be reallocated – affordable and accessible childcare is important in allowing parents to return to work if they wish
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? In principle I support this but I would need to see more details particularly relating to costs. It would be easy for me just to say yes, but in the current financial situation no candidate can promise to do this. But I do think it’s important. The same applies to question 9 [the next question]
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? This is one area where improvements are really needed. In my first term in the States between 2012 and 2016 I laid amendments to improve the situation as it was then, but we are still lagging behind and this really needs addressing
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? I think we seriously need to consider returning the sixth form centre to the existing sixth form at Les Varendes. The proposed building at Les Ozouets is wildly expensive and a stand alone sixth form with such small numbers is not educationally ideal
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Restructuring the tax system so that people on incomes below the median wage keep more of the money that they earn
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Although I am supportive of Aurigny, I believe a review is needed into two aspects in particular: 1. reliability and 2. fare structure, so that it is not prohibitively expensive to travel on and off Island. I have the experience of 25 years as an airline pilot. I do not support lengthening the runway. It will be extremely expensive and will result in fewer flights and less commitment to getting people home at night
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? We need a review of population policy as we cannot sustain the increases we have seen in population in recent years. It is putting a massive strain on the housing market, pushing up prices and rents, and we need to take off some of the pressure. There are many houses coming through in the pipeline now and I believe in the early years of the coming term we will see an increase in supply. These two measures together should help to dampen down prices. In terms of the cost of goods and services, as my previous answer refers, I believe we need a restructuring of the tax system to help those on lower and middle incomes
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? One of the things I would like to see in the new term is an accessible and easily understandable summary of the work that the States does, both within committees and in States meetings, that can be published for people to keep track of what the States are doing in different areas
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
SAM HASKINS
Do you have children? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Education and schools
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? Everyone else is focusing on housing, I am focusing on birthrates and demographics. With my partner and I trying for children, I am aware of some of the struggles. I have been on education this last term, attended early years conferences in the UK. This is an issue close to my heart
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Continue with the whole sector review of early years (and primary education)
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? It’s a shame this survey is so prescriptive. Yes it could and should be more, but we need to look at affordability and many more things if we’re looking at really helping families
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Again, shame the survey does let you explain and is just yes/no. Increasing threshold might be ok, but we have no data. Over 90% of families are using the free 15 hours, and the rest are going to the private establishments that don’t let you use the 15 free. I’d like to see a whole raft of changes to encourage young local couples to have children, I also believe it’s now an urgent issue! My partner has to have been at her job for 2 years before getting only 6 weeks. I don’t think that is good enough. I’m self employed. We really need, as an island, to support want-to-be families
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? To continue with the system that has been agreed and we have spent millions doing so. Changing it would cost millions more, and severely upend the transition process that is already in place. Of course we need a check point on the 6th form build costs, given the states chose not to support it
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The tax package with gst would have made 60% of households better off. With regards to other costs – the early years review should come back with ways to help encourage families to have children
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays?
Working with Aurigny on their fare structures and offers.
Closer ties to jersey with a hop-on, hop-off bus style system so that we can overcome issues with scale and other routes.
Could subsidise for different types of fares as I believe it is an economic enabler- but need to sort out tax.
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Guernsey is a fantastic place for families, we just need to keep it safe and make it affordable
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? By capturing data (surveys, third sector data and internal data), talking to families more and to publish outcomes
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
PETER FERBRACHE
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am a father grandfather and guernseyman who has benefited from living here
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Very difficult but if we increase revenue there’s a chance to provide extra facilities and opportunities. To use a hackneyed expression to do so would be an economic enabler and provide social benefits
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? From perhaps 1 to 2 years of age but all of this is often not a simple yes or no. There needs to be the facilities there to help and that is difficult and there needs to be the revenue to pay for it all
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Seeing what is practical
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Difficult to answer in a few words. Wish States had not taken the step years ago to disadvantage children and limit their opportunities in respect of their secondary education. I would do my best to ensure that the facilities and opportunities provided to all are of the highest standard
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? We need to increase housing supply and develop a growing economy
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays?
It is a challenge
When I was growing up we rarely left the Island
That has changed
Again this is all about assets and money
No easy answers
All we can do is make sure we have a successful economy
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? By trying to ensure there is decent housing schooling and job opportunities
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Without creating bureaucracy by transparency and keeping publicly available information
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
ROB HARNISH
Do you have children? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Mental health support, Safety and safeguarding
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? From 2001 to 2016 I provided pastoral care for children from reception to 18. Since moving to the Ron Short Centre, I have worked hard to build links with the College of Further Education to make sure every child with disabilities is able to reach their potential (and we are starting to make real progress, albeit slowly). In the end, it is simply the fact that I care, and I listen
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? First, I believe the States needs to provide sustainable funding to current sector providers (e.g. Bright Beginnings), and to commission more. Secondly, I believe the States needs to review the support it provides for parents and the criteria. Finally, I believe that the States should consider whether, like secondary pensions, it requires a compulsory contribution from employers (although this issue is complex and polarised at the moment)
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? I’m not sure if I understood the question. I certainly support the current extension back to the year before reception (3/4 yrs). In principle, I would support extending it back further. I know that demand is high, but I need to find out whether we can actually offer enough safe places, or whether we need to build capacity (again, perhaps through commissioning)
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? First, it is difficult to see the cost of everything go up, but benefits remain fixed. There is some thinking to do there. Secondly, while some employers offer maternity/paternity packages, there is no requirement in Guernsey. I think there should be (although there are issues about exemptions for small enterprises). Finally, the discrimination ordinance should help support parents seeking flexible working in order to care for children (but I am not an advocate)
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? I taught in Guernsey for fifteen years at secondary level. The indicator is that performance is determined by quality of staff and size of class. Much of the current debate is incorrectly focussed on infrastructure and management structure. I think the most effective thing we can do at the moment is not to extend the argument over models (more uncertainty). There is a strong case for completing the infrastructure and devolving power to Head Teachers
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Since we have little control over the cost of living (we rely on imported goods and global prices), we have to get our support systems right. There is no single or simple answer that covers food, housing and utilities. The final answer will involve benefits, tax policy, and subsidies
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? I have no solutions for the travel issues we face. In relation to accessibility, there are ongoing improvements. In relation to affordability, we are to some extent caught up in a global trend
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? It is the sole duty of the States to make life the best it can be for Islanders. To the obvious list (better childcare support, improved parental leave, better access to healthcare/mental health support, more affordable housing, increased family-friendly work policies) I would like to add increased support for families caring for children with disabilities (particularly respite), and both more and safer public play areas
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? A key focus of my campaign is transparency and accountability. I support Freedom of Information Law. I am conscious that the failure to collect evidence can lead to unfounded policy decisions. It seems to me that Scrutiny and Management needs more teeth, and that public consultation needs to be taken more seriously. I wonder whether “public consoles” with key targets and traffic lights would help the public and the media to hold the States to better account. [If a traffic light remains red, there is some explaining to do. If it turns green, but no one cans see a difference, there is some explaining to do.]
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
NEIL INDER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 17-18, 19-22
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I’m a family man
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible?
I’m not an expert in the area, but having had a few initiative based questions over the campaign period, all of them reasonable positions; the reality is that without a settled fiscal policy, the Island will remain in deficit and will run out of reserves by 2032
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? My general view is that universal benefits are over. But don’t know enough about the subject to comment. A general thought would be that if savings can be made those should be transferred to those struggling to get back to work.
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey?
I’d like to see more people access the workforce. And will listen to those with a greater understanding than me.
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Build a skills based workforce, my Committee has developed a Skills Strategy
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The GST+ package creates a 15% tax rate and data shows that 60% of the workforce will be better off with the burden being on those with more income.
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? My Committee I’m its review of connectivity identified that Aurigny’s costs are 15-30% higher than Jersey or the Isle of Man. I have long held concerns that those on lower incomes are travelling less. Getting a grip on Aurigny’s costs would be something I would agitate for, if elected
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Lack of housing is a key factor in this. Guernsey needs to initiate sites such as Leale’s Yard immediately.
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? This is not an area I am versed in
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
MARY LOWE
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? Apart from being very lucky and fortunate having grandchildren ranging in age from 8-22yr old, it also helps to know whats happening in their school & social life. I am a great believer as a Deputy, and speaking from over 26yrs experience, it’s so important to work and listen to those you are in the privileged position to make a difference to their lives
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Childcare providers are running a business and need to pay staff at least the minimum wage, I’m sure it’s hard for them to keep their costs down. see answer to question two down
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? Extending the hours can only be achievable once discussed with the providers of childcare, in some cases longer hours cannot be accommodated. Dialogue needs to happen to establish what is achievable, including what age range, its very much a case of the States working in partnership with childcare providers
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I would want to work with and hear from your group what areas need addressing and/or policies/legislation that needs amending. Working together hearing first hand what the issues currently are
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? The disruption the last few years, and still taking place, including the latest moving sixth form pupils from a purpose built sixth form to La Mare and moving pupils from La Mare to Les Varendes whereas educational outcomes must be a priority before buildings. Stability is key for the pupils
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The States has the biggest land bank yet they have not been addressing the housing crises by building affordable and social housing, some with gardens, this must happen. Why should those on lower income be housed in high rise flats when the States has enough land to build homes like, for example, Courtil St Jacques. Quality of life remains important, cramming people into small places has the potential for social problems in the future. It’s unacceptable having large increases in utility costs such as electricity to be told ‘the prices haven’t gone up for years’ as justification. Users must be protected from the ramifications of poor management/planning
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? I’ve always maintained the harbour & airport should be subsidised they are our gateway into and out of the island. Those travelling here would spend money at tourists attractions, hospitality and retail shops, the subsidy would soon be recuperated. Aurigny and Blue Island reliability have let down so many passengers and cost them missed connecting flights or extra nights accommodation. The lack of inter-island ferry taking vehicles once a week is not enough. The whole transport and connectivity has to be addressed with some urgency, its costing families wishing to get away from the island and the islands reputation beyond our shores dreadfully. Airlines/ferries set their own fares, i think its so wrong how the prices increases dramatically in some cases during the school holidays, its morally wrong imo
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Without knowing the root cause of the respondents dissatisfaction with life for families this is a difficult one to answer. Some of the above questions may relate to this question? More detail would be helpful
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? I think times have changed from when I was first a States member as family focused policies are much more prevalent these days. To be able to measure and publicly track has to be a two-way process to gain accurate data
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
GEORGE OSWALD
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? 40 years on the Island, I have raised two families (!), 34 years at the front line of health care delivery, signed the first long term contract that delivered secondary healthcare free at the point of delivery, and have served my ‘political apprenticeship’ as a non-voting member on HSC
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Unsure
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I sit on the HSC board at present and have raised the possibility of providing crèche services for health staff. If there was capacity unused, this could be offered at a market rate more generally
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? I would rely on expert information to decide this point
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? No change at present. We can’t afford anything more
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Education is not my main sphere of interest, but I know of some very gifted new candidates who do have this as their area of interest. I would listen to what they suggest
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Unless we can increase the revenue stream for the States, our options are limited
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? We need to make off Island travel easier for everyone, not just families in school holidays. With the lack of economies of scale, our options are limited
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Only by increasing the affluence of our Island by making sensible decisions re taxation and economic growth
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Not sure about this. What will you envisage measuring
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
AIDAN MATTHEWS
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 8-12
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? As a parent myself, I recognise the struggles that all parents face on Guernsey. It’s a fantastic place for children to grow up, but the cost of living and housing shortage are a real concern as children become adults. Our education system is more divided than ever, especially in secondary education, and this is leading to a divided society. I would like to help bring a more unified feel to our island
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Increase provision of early years from 15 hours to 30. Also potential to look at childcare regulations which places limits on the number of children that can be accepted, other countries (e.g. France) have higher limits
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 2-4 although EYFS can cover 0-5 as well
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Statutory paternity leave, ideally moving towards equality with maternity leave
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? A more considerate approach. I do not believe a stand-alone sixth form is an efficient delivery model. I support choice in schools.Funded (means tested) bursary scheme for the independent colleges would increase social mobility and reduce divisions that have opened up in our society
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? We should never apply GST to food. Housing needs more supply, and effective population controls. We must consider modular housing, as this can provide units more quickly. E.g. Park Homes for 65+ are popular in the UK and could free up housing for those who wish to downsize. Utility costs such as standing charges need to be more fairly applied, e.g. in proportion to TRP rather than a flat rate
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Extending the runway & considering Aurigny’s role will help travel in general, but it’s always going to be difficult from Guernsey. I proposed a successful amendment preventing fixed penalty fines from being introduced for parents when children are absent from school. These fines have no place here, parents need help not penalties. This idea was copied from the UK where they have been a failure, and only led to parents feeling more victimised by authorities
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? The key to unlock a better quality of life with lower cost of living is the housing shortage and population control. Guernsey is a beautiful and safe environment that’s good for families but costs are the main issue, especially housing
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? The States needs to be far more open about how it deals with the public in general
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
JOHN DYKE
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Education and schools, Housing and rent, Travel on/off island
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I know all the problems and costs of running a family first hand, 3 daughters, now grown with 7 grandchildren. I come from a modest background so know the financial stresses
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? We could consider reducing the regulatory limitations, but with care. Stop increasing applicable taxes
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? 18 months where appropriate. It does not always suit very young children
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I can’t answer without more research
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? We will have to continue with our three school model. We must improve standards and devolve powers to the individual schools. We should not follow the way the UK is going. I question moving the sixth form from Les Varendes. I am much in favour of buildingup the Institute to a high level
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Do what we can to avoid pushing up costs. GST will impact everything. We should slow down our push to net zero which is unachievable anyway. Thats a large part of electricity price increases
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Bring in new airlines. Urgently
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Keeping down taxes. Improve the housing supply. Deal with air connectivity
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Track the above
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
SALLY ROCHESTER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 13-16
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? One that welcomes ongoing interaction with families across the island, that makes long term decisions to meet the needs of current and future generations and one that communicates fairly and behaves with courage, wisdom and kindness
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I see high quality childcare as an economic enabler and a social enabler. I support the recommendations in the report “early childhood education and care report” and would focus on delivery over the coming term
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 2 years old – this means families can be economically active and children benefit from social interaction and wider life experiences
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I would like to see paid shared parental leave introduced in the longer term but as a minimum two weeks paid partner leave as standard
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Stability and ensuring we do all we can to attract and retain high quality staff. I would like to see the one of the existing secondary schools extended to include a sixth form provision but would consult with teaching staff, students and parents to understand their needs and preferences before acting
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The housing strategy needs to be delivered effectively and quickly to alleviate the pressure on all types of housing. I support on island production and supply of food items and consideration of the exemption of food from the GST plus effect. Finally I would need to look closely at the financial implications of this suggestion but I support, in principle, financial support for retrofitting of homes to ensure they minimise consumption of water, electricity and gas/oil to reduce utility costs and careful consideration of how we fund the infrastructure required to transition to low cost renewable energy
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? I would promote higher use of the ferry service which is increasingly reliable and good value by comparison to air travel. I would also support Aurigny as an enabler (hence partial funding by the states), rather than it being a commercial enterprise
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? I am only one member of one family but I suspect quality childcare, education, housing, cost of living and the cost of off island travel drive these statistics so getting on with tackling the issues you have asked about and delivering on policy commitments is critically important for Guernsey families to feel life improving
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Of course it depends on the policy but I know that the outcomes of good family friendly policies should be measured in both financial and no financial terms. The social, educational outcomes and mental wellbeing of our children alongside our parental financial and health related wellbeing are all factors which determine whether we have succeeded or failed current and future generations
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
ANDY LE LIEVRE
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Healthcare, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I have dealt with families throughout my working life. It’s hard work but very rewarding especially when matters go well. I delivered the idea of Income Support over some 20 years. I didn’t start off with Income Support but that’s how policy develops. When I started Supplementary Benefit and Rent Rebate hadn’t been reviewed for more than 40 years
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? See my answers below in respect of Income Support. Generally speaking people are not keen on means testing. It is however, the best way of targeting benefits to those most in need of help
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 2 years before education
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Increasing benefits for specific circumstances – it could be as easy as increasing family allowance for all but needs based benefits would be better targeted and cheaper
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? 2 x 11 – 18 secondary schools – unfortunately this opportunity has passed for the moment but I would like to see this back on the table
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Assistance with rent and mortgage payments represent a disproportionate level of expenditure for most families. An extension of the Income Support Law for these families would might help – it would have to be carefully considered and implemented but it probably represents the best route for assistance
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? It’s possible that low income families could benefit from a special subsidy. But it would have to be carefully worked out and implemented. No doubt there would be the usual cries about giving money to wasters etc but (and its a big but) most people have no idea of some of the issues experienced by these people who experience multiple problems
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? It’s an answer I’ve already used but the only choice is to extend the provisions of the Income Support (IS)Law for low and not so low income families. It’s what IS was designed for by SWBIC back in 2016 and it could well do with revisiting the policy given the Islands current circumstances. SWBIC (the Social Welfare Benefits Investigation Committee) was set up be Matt Fallaize and me back in 2014. It was as I say a special committee brought about to weld into one single scheme the Housing Authority’s Rent Rebate scheme and Supplementary Benefit Scheme. As I have said it resulted in IS. The Committee could be reconstituted in the new States in which case I would be more than happy to act as Chair again
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? The most important thing is to collect sufficient statistical evidence of the key family areas of expenditure. Food, Rent, Fuel, clothing, child care and water across multiple family structures and circumstances. One parent working, both working etc. Its time consuming but you need this information to get a clear picture of what is causing most issues
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
HEIDI ALMONTE
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am honest, integral, hard working, understand the problems and crisis we are in. I am good at balancing the books and hate waste, I always think how could that money have been better spent to benefit more people? I listen, learn, I am realistic, I understand we need the finances in to help the community and want quick action to turn our island back to people proud and thriving here
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Look at childcare in Town, in empty offices. Create community villages eg The Bridge where grandparents have access to a creche to help keep them young, whilst helping keep childcare costs down and creating community spirit.We urgently need more locals working, affordable, convenient childcare will help many
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? It would depend on the circumstances, very young is ideal – but safety is a big issue the younger they are. The economy would really benefit from more local workers – (imported key workers cost thousands extra) + helping to keep families together in Guernsey. I would prefer to do more research to make an informed decision on age
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Flexibility with employers, wherever possible is key to keeping staff
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Quite frankly I think it’s absolutely ridiculous to put offices in a purpose built school and to rebuild a new school when we are so short of finances. So much disruption and delay. + Pupil numbers declining as birth rates now dropping. I would have preferred to see 11-18 yr olds at Les Varendes (if not 3 x 11-18yr schools). So pupils are together, teachers are together, less disruption, teachers know pupils, the convenience of more than 1 child would be at the same school + far more economical and we wouldnt have had all this disruption for years!
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Creating more housing is key – that is majority of wages, also causing a burden on mental health, leading to a decline in physical health.I am looking at new alternative clean energy.If food vouchers are given we should ensure they are spent on healthy food – or rather a dish out of local grown natural produce that is healthy, so important.If we improve our health, this will reduce the burden of the tax system
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? We have already bought and own Aurigny + the Islander vessel. Making Guernsey more appealing to visitors (& locals) will increase numbers and increase efficiency and affordability.Booking early is the key to discounted prices, whilst the finance industry pay the higher last minute prices
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Again housing is key. Info above + allowing for modular housing in back garden spaces, ideal for ageing parents (to free up larger homes) or youngsters to be independent, yet close to families and extremely economical. I am also passionate about natural health & mental wellbeing. More free outdoor and sheltered space where people can thrive, without having to spend money, enjoying our stunning natural surroundings
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Surveys. Deputies listening and communicating with their constituents
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
SUSIE GALLIENNE
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? 30 years experience working with families across the island . Although I have held a general case load throughout, my speciality is challenged and challenging families and I have worked extensively with those families alongside the general caseload.I have lobbied for families and better services across both Guernsey and Alderney ( toilet provision in social security waiting room, currently working with housing to stop carpets being removed from social housing at the end of a tenancy so new tenants have to re carpet) and worked really closely with the playgroups and nurseries in my patch. I’ve also had really close working relationships with Housing and GHA and have taught a unit on Legislation, Policies and procedures to the Early Years students at the College of FE. As the family support coordinator for Wigwam , I have developed the charity to give a professional level of support to families with children with additional needs and have tripled its membership in 6 years. I have taught children to swim with the Swim school and rewrote the First Aid in schools programme as it was aimed at the wrong age group. Primary school age children who were usually accompanied when out weren’t remembering the sessions so I changed it to years 7 and 8 when children are out on their own and may need to apply first aid by themselves while awaiting help
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Unsure
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? As a health visitor for 33 years , I am very familiar with child care issues. One problem is that child care is so expensive and also lack of people able to provide it as the wages have not kept pace with the cost of living and high mortgages. I would like to see every primary school have an attached nursery. My children went to the nursery of their primary school the year before they went to school in the UK (before we moved back here when they were 3,4 and 5) which got them ready for school.How to pay for it ? This would mean that the 15 hours child care allowance wouldn’t be needed and if part of State education only, parents who can afford school fees for private education will not be needing States funding for their children and I think nursery provision for this group of children is already in place in the private sector. This would then free up places in the nurseries and childminding sector for younger children. As a health visitor, I have read a lot of research about the advantages of school based nursery education. (In Guernsey our child care provision is of a very high standard in general so this is not taking anything away from the provision we have ) .I have some ideas in how to make child care for younger children more affordable too but would need a bit more research before putting that forward as a viable plan to make sure it can be funded . Lots of ideas about how to make child care more affordable but useless unless can fund it
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? See above. Again with the caveat that unless we can work out a way to pay for it, it is just talk. Most people would say that the more help parents can get the better for everyone but I would be just saying what people want to hear to get elected if I didn’t include the need for funding of any initiative. Without that , it is unlikely to get through the States
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I would not be looking at this is a priority early in the next session. I’m not sure what the actual provision is these days although I know from some families that paternity leave is given by some companies. Again , if elected and this arose as an issue, I would look at the evidence and weigh up what people need versus what companies can afford
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? I think that now we are as far down the road as we are with the three school system, we should just finish what we have started and regain stability for children. I am especially sad for the present cohort of older teens who have had so much disruption with Covid and then the uncertainty of what we are doing. I say finish the schools even if it means borrowing, and continue building up the education within that framework. I would also like to explore the idea of expanding apprentice ships and possibly, as in France, channelling children into the fields they want to go into from 14 when they are choosing their options. Some children are not best served , to my mind, by staying in a general school curriculum and as a school nurse in Alderney as well as a health visitor, I saw children who would have been much better out of school and learning their trade. I saw these children not only labelling themselves as a failure but also being bored and disruptive . I have discussed the feasibility of such a scheme with several people in the last two years as I have been working with Women in Public life to prepare for the role of deputy and others are thinking along the same lines particularly people in the building trade who have had a successful career after an apprenticeship but who did not succeed in school. Obviously all children would need to pursue maths and English but I think if a child can see a point to it , writing and calculating quotes etc then they are much more likely to see the point even if they find it difficult. Finally – I know there has been objection to the sixth form moving to Mare de Cartaret but I don’t feel concerned about that. My school changed from a Grammar to a Sixth form college when I was just about the enter the 6 th form and really the difference between being a school student and the freedom of being in the six form is such a jump ( and so liberating) I don’t think the students will take long to settle. To be honest if 16 yr olds can’t cope with a change of building, they are going to really struggle with the move to University
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? I want to be on the new Housing Committee and have already been contributing to forums around this. This is the biggest costs to many families, either high rents or huge mortgages. I have put forward some ideas, linking key worker housing to jobs so they are available to local people etc but all need more research and evidence base before I will know if they are feasible.One thing I am very much against , when we raise more tax, is for a raise in income tax. I am retired and living like so many of us, on a pension. I pay very little income tax. Throughout my adult life I have had low housing costs with our mortgage never being more than twice our salary which meant we could save. Added to that we are the generation with retirement lump sums and for some inheritances, most of which we will pay 20% tax on the interest at most. However, those in work who do have an income, will pay the increases. That will hit especially the 20-40 yr olds with the high housing costs, secondary pensions etc who are also raising children with all those expenses . People who won’t pay it are the very wealthy with their currently capped tax take and the visitors to the island. People will see their pay slip amount drop and may lead to people trying to recoup that loss with wage demands but more likely, an increase in people asking for cash in hand rather than putting money through the books as the population being complicit in that as things will be cheaper for them
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Hopefully with the new ferry company taking over , some of the issues will be addressed about reliability.I don’t know of how we can make it more affordable. It costs what it costs to run unless the States subsidise that and I don’t think with the other priorities at the moment, this will be where they will be looking to spend money
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? There are always a proportion of people who are dissatisfied with life. I hear people saying that there is nothing for children to do here for example. It is a matter of perspective. Three years ago Wigwam, the charity I’ve developed for families with children with additional needs, put out at the beginning of the summer holidays a list of things to do in Guernsey that cost little to nothing and we circulated it to the schools and was in the library. We have over 600 charities and a solid social security system. We have glorious beaches and great parks and full employment. I think perhaps some respondents don’t have much experience on what life is like elsewhere. Goodness knows I know first hand how tough life is for some families, but I do wonder how many of those respondents dissatisfaction is related to issues outside the State’s control . After all three quarters of respondents are neutral or happy which is a high success rate
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? The States debates are all available and The Press does podcasts on States meetings. Support groups like yourselves can take on the responsibility to keep families informed in language that is accessible to everyone. In Guernsey our Deputies are accessible. I myself will always read e mails and texts from identifiable people and if a Deputy, will be very interested in constructive ideas around solutions to problems. I am not a social media user although I currently have a Facebook book page but I am a firm believer that if someone takes the trouble to find my e mail address or phone number to text, they are worth listening to and I never mind , in fact enjoy , debate with people who have opposing views. I also have said throughout this campaign that, if elected , right up to the voting, I will base my views on the evidence presented and if I hear convincing evidence to the contrary that serves the public better, I will change my vote
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
LINDSAY DE SAUSMAREZ
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 4-7, 8-12, 13-16
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Education and schools
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? It’s one of the main reasons I became involved in politics in the first place: I didn’t feel as though the States had enough people with relevant, contemporaneous experience of what it was like to be raising a family in the island. I’m a working mum of four with caring responsibilities for an older loved one as well, so I really understand the priorities families need to juggle and the challenges they face. I’m right in the mix! I’m also close to the concerns of young people and am very actively involved in youth-centred initiatives. I’m really excited to have discovered IslandFamilies, in fact – it sounds right up my street and I will add my email address to find out more! Thanks very much for asking these questions of candidates. If anyone would like to contact me directly, my email is hello@lindsay.gg, mobile/WhatsApp is 07781 431705 and website is www.lindsay.gg. Thanks
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? This is an issue I have long been outspoken on, because childcare in Guernsey is less affordable and accessible than just about anywhere else (as other governments support early childhood education & care – ECEC – much more than we do here). This is very likely to be one of the factors contributing to the comparatively low participation rate/economic productivity for women: they can’t justify going back to work, or taking on as many hours as they like, because childcare is prohibitively expensive. Also, evidence shows that children – especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds – benefit hugely from good ECEC, as it can help them developmentally, socially and academically. When children from disadvantaged backgrounds can access good quality ECEC,it can help to close the attainment gap. My priorities for this include:* Working with the early years sector to expand consistently high-quality provision – and this needs to be a first step, because it would be counter-productive to introduce any measures that increase demand unless that demand can be adequately met. * Expand provision that focuses on the crucial first 1000 days, helping more disadvantaged children and families in particular to access this kind of support. * Make childcare tax-deductible for working parents – which may act as an economic stimulus in its own right. * Extend the free pre-school provision from the 15 hours that it currently is to at least 30 hours per week during term time, or possibly more (as some of our neighbouring jurisdictions are doing), and consider extending it to younger children as well. NB, though, I think the structure of the financial support needs to be reviewed, as it doesn’t work for all the different types of pre-schools at the moment. * Explore shared parental leave policies that actually work, with a view to introducing this as a statutory right. Again, done well, it could act as an economic enabler
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? For pre-school, I suspect it probably wouldn’t make sense to go lower than two (and even that’s a guesstimate: I’m not any kind of qualified expert in early years so I don’t know when pre-school provision can begin) – but if the scheme was expanded to include other forms of ECEC then perhaps it could be accessed from an earlier age. I’d certainly be supportive of that in principle, because one of the frustrations of pre-school from a working parent’s perspective is that it isn’t available during school holidays
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? We have very few statutory rights for parents at the moment. I am personally very keen to explore shared parental leave, because I think it has cumulative benefits, both socially and economically. There are lots of examples of poorly designed shared parental leave policies and some examples of excellent policies from which we can learn. My own research suggests that the most important factors are: * adequate remuneration; * adequate duration; and * a use-it-or-lose it element for dads (which appears to be a real game changer on a number of different levels)
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? My children are among the hundreds (if not thousands) directly impacted by the recent changes and the uncertainty of the current situation. I did not support the proposals for the current model because it seemed clear years ago that it would likely lead to all the issues that we are now seeing materialising: larger class sizes, high teacher turnover, shrinking curriculum choice and fewer subject specialist teachers, for example. Had the decisions a few years ago been informed by the review we were promised (of Pause & Review fame), I don’t think we’d be in this situation, but sadly we never saw that review and we are now dealing with avoidable systemic problems as a result. There is currently no certainty over the future of the sixth form (which is technically post-16 education rather than secondary, but the two are interrelated) as it has moved into a temporary home (La Mare de Carteret High School) indefinitely, while its proposed permanent home appears increasingly unviable, given the £50m estimated cost for student numbers that will have shrunk to little over 300 before it could be built (when there is no evidence of a standalone sixth form being educationally or economically viable for much less than 700-800 students anywhere else). We urgently need to make some evidence-based decisions to secure a viable future that gives our young people the best possible opportunities and outcomes
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The single biggest driver of Guernsey’s high cost of living is housing costs – whether that’s owner occupier costs (i.e. purchase and mortgage costs) or rents (which are eyewatering). Both are well beyond the normal parameters of what is considered sustainably affordable. I led the development of the Guernsey Housing Plan which tackles these issues and many others (e.g. the lack of supply in both the private and affordable housing markets, the quality of housing, and legal rights and protections, for example): you can find more detail on my website, https://www.lindsay.gg. I also led the Electricity Strategy that long term will move Guernsey onto a much more affordable pathway for electricity (and which will improve our energy security and emissions as well) – but in the meantime, especially in the context of the recently announced price increases, I’m keen to focus on energy saving and efficiency measures that make the biggest, quickest practical difference to householders and their energy bills. There are some really impressive savings from no-cost changes (e.g. to timings) or low-cost changes that families can make that slash their energy bills, so I’ve been supporting those efforts and we can expect to see a lot more of these money-saving initiatives over the next few years. Re: food, the Health Improvement Commission does a really good job helping families (especially those with young children) eat well affordably. I took part in a ‘food mapping’ exercise which will help us as an island make healthy food more affordable and accessible than unhealthy food – something I feel very strongly is the right thing to do
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? The timing of school holidays is one of the easiest things we could change to make off-island travel more affordable and accessible for families
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? As the Vice-President of the Committee for Employment & Social Security, I have been a loud and persistent voice for making life easier and better for local families – not least because I’m so concerned that if our younger generations can’t afford to live here then we will hollow out our community and fundamentally undermine the island’s future. We’ve made some improvements over the last few years (such as £25 GP appointments and a free dental check up annually for children and improved some of the benefits around children) but as a general observation, too much of the tax burden still falls on the shoulders of individuals of working age, which pretty much by definition includes parents whose children are still dependent on them and/or living at home. This is one of the main lenses through which I scrutinise tax proposals – whilst continuing to fight against anything else that makes life harder for families, as things are tough enough already. As a working mum of four school-aged children and carer for a live-in loved one, I very much understand the pressures that many parents are facing right now and I represent that perspective with considerable conviction in the Assembly. If I am re-elected, I will continue to do exactly that
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? We try to do this with the resources available at the moment. I always ask for disaggregated data wherever possible, so that we can see these effects, and sometimes that disaggregated data can be provided and it is revealing. In terms of public tracking, we have reports like the Better Life Indicators (Guernsey version): perhaps that could evolve to look at issues through a more specific family lens. Economic data is typically a bit easier to collect, and it will improve a lot in 2026 because finally we will be able to track what people (e.g. women) are paid for the amount of work they do – data that we have never had before, so I think that will make a big difference to how well we can target some our policies going forward
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
CHRIS LE TISSIER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Education and schools
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I listen to what the community wants. I don’t talk down to the community. I don’t always know best in everything. I believe in fairness to all. Humility goes a long way
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Unsure
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Make it easier for persons to be able to start up a Childcare business. More options makes more competition and lower prices. Maybe some tax breaks for these start-ups
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? Younger yes, but not too young. Maybe to 2 years? see how that goes first. Early years with parents are so important. Any extension of course depends on P&R being willing and able to fund it
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? No
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I have thought about this a lot. If elected my policy would be; Increase paid maternity leave to at least 26 weeks, with a portion (e.g. 18 weeks) paid at a reduced rate. Introduce or expand paid paternity leave to at least 4 weeks, encouraging shared responsibility. Allow parents to split paid leave entitlements between them to reflect modern family structures and promote equality. Link statutory parental pay to a percentage of the parent’s salary (e.g. 90% for the first 6 weeks, then a flat rate). And lastly, Strengthen legal protections against discrimination during and after pregnancy
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Construction Projects are too slow, we must prioritise the completion of the Les Ozouets campus to provide for post-16 education. Reconsider moving the sixth form to La Mare De Carteret. Stop the move of Civil Servants to the old Grammar School site. Maintain transparent and regular updates to students, parents, and staff regarding timelines and changes to reduce uncertainty. Involve teachers, students, and parents in decision-making processes to ensure reforms meet the community’s needs. Note, the “community”, not the views of the Civil Service. With the impending cost over runs we must implement stringent budget management to prevent these cost overruns and ensure efficient use of public funds. Expand vocational and technical education offerings to align with local industry needs
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The States can’t directly influence what charges privately owned businesses charge. However the States must stop increasing charges, and regulations on businesses as they simply get passed on to the public. Over regulation costs businesses money. GST costs will be passed on. The States has a role in reducing the cost of living. Housing I’m proposing the rapid building of low cost modular housing to be rented or bought, on States land, using what’s left of the £330M bond. We can’t control Sure, but we can control GE and Guernsey water. Much of GE price increases relate to the “Energy Strategy”, a route to Net Zero. No good achieving that if we bankrupt our residents
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Difficult to answer as the cost of travel worldwide is based on supply and demand. More people want to travel on a date, the higher the seat cost
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families?
1. Cost of Living Relief
2. Affordable Housing and Home Ownership
3. Use States-owned land more effectively for community-led housing.
4. Improve Parental Leave and Childcare
5. Support Education and Learning. Deliver the secondary education reforms efficiently
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Difficult. Maybe an annual report to the States?
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
STEVE FALLA
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? My personal experience raising two children while also running a busy small business. My business experience because if I can help Guernsey to recover its business mojo and thrive there will be more resources to direct towards families in our community
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Explore subsidies and encourage larger employers to establish creche facilities
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 2
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? More flexibility from employers
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? I’d like to see standards raised in the High Schools and for the existing sixth form centre to continue to be used for its intended purpose. I would like to see secondary education, public and private, viewed holistically and for ESC to take up the grant-aided colleges’ offer of more co-working and collaboration
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Explore higher income tax allowances for families with dependent children
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Provide more family-friendly facilities at the harbour and airport. Explore whether Aurigny could introduce family deals at off peak travel times
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Encourage more community activities; provide grants and commissioning to family-focused third sector organisations
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Increased two-way communication with families and those organisations and agencies representing them
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
PAUL LUXON
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 19-22
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? Like your members this is my home, my families home. I care about our island life, about all 64,700 of our fellow residents. I care and I want to offer my background and experience to try and get us back on a positive improving track – it’s what we should all want, to come together to find solutions for everyone
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? SofG, parents and the child care profession have to work together to develop and assess best practice and initiatives that can help in this difficult service provision area. I don’t profess to have the answers and sadly accept that we have to bring the islands deficit public finances back into balance generating enough for the long outstanding vital infrastructure projects we all need, before we can increase government spend further at this time. So we have to try and find innovative ways to address the areas of service provision you refer to here
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I know that these policy areas are a WIP, if elected I will determine the status of current thinking in these areas and be open minded in how to ensure a fair, balanced and affordable package can be achieved. It’s fair to say there has been progress in this area but again without a balanced public finances horizon there is zero capacity for increasing monies or resources even though somany important service areas are desperate for enhanced support
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? The last decade has been a disaster, the root cause I believe partly being unproven ideological idealism not appropriate for our ‘large 64,700 island village population’. The strategy underway has to be taken through to completion as we cannot inflict any more pain on the Schools, education system, students, parents and our community
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? It is a vexing and relentless challenge for sure. Government should, is supposed to, and must, ensure that every policy or tax review continues to focus on those members of our Guernsey community who are less able to absorb these horrible COL increases, protection and mitigation to minimise impact on this are of our society through tax allowances and support benefits etc
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? One example – The only way to see lower fares is to challenge both air and sea carriers for operating efficiencies and cost constraint to offer best fares possible. Also a tri marketing strategy between the main operators and the Tourism Management Board to increase passenger numbers…grow numbers then fares could/should become lower
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? By putting family values and our island community at the heart of all policy debates and decisions….after all families are the heart of our society. We can’t make decisions and then just wait and see the impact on families and our children.
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? By memory, but I will check, I believe the States Statistical Unit does produce and publish a wide variety of KPI stats, first thing is to review what is being produced and verify what is missing and needed
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Yes
HALEY CAMP
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 19-22
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? Having raised my son on Guernsey, I have seen and experienced the challenges of being a single parent at every stage of his growth from zero to (currently) 19. In addition, I have done a lot of work over the last few years with Education, trying to understand the challenges of our state-education system, as I believe we need to be far more ambitious for all of our children and, as far as possible, try to achieve parity with the private colleges as far as future prospects are concerned
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I would like to see States’ subsidies based far more on income, to ensure those who need the support most are able to access it. In this way, money can be much more fairly distributed
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? In principle, there must be a benefit for being able to access childcare more easily from a younger age. Our modern lives pretty much require that all parents are working; the ability to access childcare, if needed, would further that ability. I think the age from which it could be available would need to assessed on a variety of parameters, including professional childcare assessments and costings
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? The ability for both parents to share leave allowances would encourage both parents to be involved and would help to prevent mothers from being excluded from the workforce
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? My main priority is to improve the governance system, ensuring that the schools themselves have the proper authorities to recognise and act on their own challenges and opportunities. Real autonomy at the schools will enable schools to better understand and action what markers need to be in place to ensure we are being as ambitious as possible for all our of school children. We are seeing recruitment and retention issues, but I note that the UK is having a similar issue. Perhaps there is an opportunity to look both internally (train our own) or further afield; this would not be a quick fix, but, clearly, there is a UK issue here and we can’t continue to think we’ll solve our own problems by continuing to recruit from a diminishing pool
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? A significant factor is housing, a substantial contributor to inflation in Guernsey due to the continuing high costs of both buying andrenting; much of this springs from the population management strategy, which has resulted in net migration sitting at 3x the targets established by government, largely driven by new public sector jobs. Alongside this is a lack of house building. Together, they result in an overheated market, exacerbated by the States subsidising housing costs for some, which have only had the effect of increasing the average rental prices. Tying in population management to housing and, effectively, calling for policies that ensure that licenses can’t be approved without first identifying suitable housing (and not displacing incumbent tenants), will ensure that theproblem can’t get worse whilst improvements (building as a combination between the States, GHA and private sector) come on-line. Ensuring that this same discipline extends to longer term capital projects (e.g. hospital extensions) will ensure that the problem doesn’t worsen before or after improvements are made. Alongside housing, we are seeing utilities rising at high speed, particularly electricity. There is a need for government to consider its role. Electricity roll-out is required for future plans around AI and so there is a strong argument for elements of this improvementto be seen as a capital investment, much like the Sure fiber roll-out has been
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? A wholesale review of air travel is required. The concept of owning an airline is an attractive one on paper, as it should provide certainty of service despite the fact that our market is far too small for any commercial venture to prioritise us as customers. However, we are seeing this model crack at the seams, opening the door to consider another way to guarantee that air services are in place. It must be borne in mind, though, that Jersey’s deal with EasyJet is said to cost somewhere around £2-3m in subsidies every year; so, whilst the ticket price may look attractive, every Jersey resident is paying more through their taxes. There is no easy or cheap fix, but we could feel more satisfied with a service that’s reliable and that seeks to preserve access to the UK for medical and pleasure travel (including onward travel). Families would benefit from a service that is reliable, which would remove a lot of the stress of travelling at the very least
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? I think greater understanding of “dissatisfied” is required to understand what measures could be introduced that would have the biggest impacts
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Data collection would appear to be the best way to see if policies are landing as intended. This would need to be at regular intervals and follow the views of a consistent pool of families (as well as introducing new families periodically for longevity), as this will help with data comparisons
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
MARC LEADBEATER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I know what affects them and how they feel. I have a lot of experience which I have put to good use over my 9 years in office
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? We should extend the age range for States funded pre-school provision from a year earlier, and increase the amount of hours provided. This has to be in conjunction with the pre-school providers though to ensure the industry has the capacity to provide the services as they are, like most businesses, struggling to recruit and retain good quality staff
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 2
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? It’s not something I’ve been working on this term, but I believe maternity and paternity benefits should be equally provided by employers
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? We have a model approved by the States which is being implemented now. There has been too much instability in our education system and we need to get on and provide certainly for students and teachers alike
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs?Not to burden them with a GST on top of a housing and cost of living crisis
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Aurigny needs to be subsidised, it’s currently being asked to break even which is causing the inflated costs we are seeing
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Consider them in all policies, after all, we are elected to represent them not just business interests
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? KPI’s and proper accountability
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
SIMON VERMEULEN
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 4-7, 23+
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am a family man, I have four children, 12 grandchildren and I’m a man of the people passionate about our island and making it the best it can be for all. Families are the lifeblood of island life
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Working with schools and childcare providers to introduce more schemes e.g. breakfast clubs and wrap around care to enable more families to work and afford childcare
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? I think we should investigate starting this a nursery age with a means tested position to encourage more families to fully participate in work when they want to but more needs to be discussed to have this would work
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I would interested to hear your members feedback on this. Could there be more opportunities and equal rights for both parents and additional benefits to encourage islanders to become parents?
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? We raise ambition and enable all our students to achieve their potential. Our children are our future and we need them to be as well educated as possible to contribute fully to the economy. I would like to see means tested bursaries introduced and look at how our Sixth Form is looked after, could the Colleges support the States provision in this area? I don’t believe we should be making big changes, there has been enough already but we need to make the very best of what we have. It is not about buildings it is about the quality of teaching and the engagement of our students
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? I wouldn’t support the introduction of GST as this will make it even harder for families. I believe we need to regulate Electricity again to protect islanders from significant electricity increases and I fully support the new Housing Committee in introducing affordable Housing and housing for all
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? The appointment of Brittany Ferries has made a positive impact with affordability and reliability at the Harbour however a lot of work needs to be done at the airport. We need sustainable, affordable and reliable air connectivity, both inter-island and with the UK. I would like to see additional carriers operate in Guernsey to improve resilience and affordability. They have wider fleets and bigger resources. Aurigny needs to look at its operation and its pricing, the “dynamic” pricing does not work and we need to stop the ridiculous ticket prices and remember Aurigny is Guernsey’s own and should support families with air connectivity
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? This is a very sad statistic [referencing there 25% of IslandFamilies’ respondents say that they are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with life for families in Guernsey]. We need to put family first and ensure we have fair taxes, affordable homes and good connectivity. Guernsey families are Guernsey’s future and we need them for the future prosperity of our island
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? I would encourage families to engage with the States. I would urge island families to share your priorities and how these match up to States Policy. Perhaps you could implement a tracker and provide consultation on major issues? Consultation is key and communication needs to be two way
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
VICTORIA OLIVER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 4-7, 8-12
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Housing and rent, Mental health support
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? As a hard-working mother of three – with six-year-old twins and a ten-year-old at St Martin’s Primary School, where I proudly serve as Chair of the PTA – I understand first-hand the pressures facing families in Guernsey today. I’m also a chartered surveyor by profession, which means I bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to every issue. Whether it’s housing, education, infrastructure or affordability, I believe in using common sense and integrity to make decisions that truly benefit our community. I represent a family working life – juggling home, school, and work. I know what it feels like to want value for money, to worry about the cost of utilities, and to want a future for our children that’s even better than our own. I do not want your taxes – or mine – wasted. I want to see them used wisely to strengthen our island for generations to come. If elected again, I promise to offer you the benefit of my experience, both professionally and personally, and to work tirelessly over the next four years for our beautiful island.
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Keep the 15 hours early learning possibly extending the 15 hours a week. Extend the school day to make it easier to get a part time job
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes from what age? 3
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? No
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I would like this to actually be set and follow the UK ruling so people know where they stand when having a baby rather than Individual companies policy. I would also allow it to be either mother or father to give the parental leave not just maternity leave
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? It has now been voted through three times. At this point, we must accept the democratic outcome and focus on making it work. Our children have faced far too much disruption over the past decade. They deserve stability, clarity, and a properly supported system that delivers the best education possible. It’s time to stop revisiting the same debate and start delivering for students, teachers, and families
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Wow this is a huge question!! Ensuring that families in Guernsey have access to food, safe housing and essential utilities is not only a matter of basic dignity – it’s about building a resilient and caring community where no one is left behind. There are very real pressures on household budgets right now, and while Guernsey is fortunate in many ways, we must be proactive and pragmatic in how we support families facing hardship.
1. Food Support
We’re already seeing excellent work from local organisations such as the Guernsey Welfare Service and churches that run food banks. We must continue to support them—and where possible, increase funding and coordination. I would like to see:-Working with supermarkets and suppliers to introduce fresh food voucher schemes for low-income families.I would be fantastic if all primary schools had access to free school meals.Looking at ways to reduce food waste by creating stronger links between local producers and those in need.
2. Housing Security
Housing is one of the biggest challenges for families. We need to be both strategic and responsive and have done some very positive work this term which needs to continue this term. Accelerate development of affordable housing through the States’ by looking at different ways of building either the traditional houses can take up to 18 months where as modular can be much. The Development and planning authority have had to look at land supply this time and we’ve designated all the new land supply to affordable housing which should help the market. Public private partnerships should really be encouraged for the building of these houses .Improve temporary housing options for families in urgent need. No one should be without a roof over their head—particularly children. Support landlords who are willing to offer long-term, below-market rentals, possibly through incentives or assurances.
3. The cost of utilities – especially electricity – has become a real concern for many islanders. While Guernsey faces unique challenges as an island jurisdiction, that doesn’t mean we’re powerless to act.We need to be realistic about what’s within our control, but also ambitious about making utilities more affordable, efficient, and fair.
1. Push for Pricing Transparency and Fairness
Work with Guernsey Electricity to ensure clear, transparent communication around price setting, investment costs, and profit margins.Ensure the Guernsey Competition & Regulatory Authority (GCRA) continues to monitor and report on pricing to prevent unfair increases.Consider exploring price smoothing mechanisms to reduce the shock of sudden hikes.
2. Protect Vulnerable Households
Expand means-tested energy grants or subsidies during winter months, especially for pensioners, low-income families and people with health vulnerabilities.Create a utility hardship fund that can be accessed in emergencies, working in partnership with charities and the third sector. At the moment there is only one for the elderly.Work with utility companies to offer flexible payment plans, avoiding disconnection for those facing temporary difficulties.
3. Improve Energy Efficiency at Home
Reducing usage is one of the most effective ways to lower bills:
Invest more in home insulation schemes especially in older properties social housing and rental stock
Rising utility costs affect everyone, but they hit low-income families hardest.We must work closely with Guernsey Electricity and others to expand hardship schemes, including payment plans and emergency grants. Invest in home insulation and energy-efficiency upgrades for those in social housing to reduce ongoing utility costs. Where possible, review broadband affordability, particularly for families with school-aged children who need reliable internet for learning.This is not about isolated actions – it’s about coordination and compassion.Invest more in home insulation schemes, especially in older properties, social housing and rental stock. Support households in accessing energy audits, with clear guidance and financial help to implement changes. Promote low-cost, energy-saving technologies like LED lighting, smart thermostats, and appliance upgrades.
Rising utility costs affect everyone, but they hit low-income families hardest.
We must work closely with Guernsey Electricity and others to expand hardship schemes, including payment plans and emergency grants. Invest in home insulation and energy-efficiency upgrades for those in social housing to reduce ongoing utility costs. Where possible, review broadband affordability, particularly for families with school-aged children who need reliable internet for learning.This is not about isolated actions – it’s about coordination and compassion.
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? We rely on Aurigny for business, medical care, family connections, our economic future and quality of life. We must treat it with the priority it deserves and ensure Aurigny delivers the service Islanders expect. Aurigny has had a very challenging year — no one can deny that. The airline has undergone a major transformation, standardising its fleet to reduce long-term costs, but the execution has been poor and the impact on passengers unacceptable. As soon as issues began to emerge, I raised concerns directly with Nico, and I can say with confidence that not everything was within his control. However, the buck ultimately stops with those responsible for delivery and Nico has implicated changes which are working now.However, what matters most is the passenger experience. When someone books a flight, they expect it to operate unless weather prevents it. Aurigny has historically performed well in terms of reliability, but last year its performance reliability plummeted 82nd place, placing it joint worst with an Indian airline according to the CCA. That is simply not acceptable — and we must return to the high standards the public rightly expects.For many local families, school holidays should be a time to reconnect, explore and unwind—but off-island travel costs often makethat feel out of reach. Flights and ferries can become prohibitively expensive during peak times, especially for larger families. Auringy is a state owned airline, by working with them and reviewing current policy tools, and pushing for more affordable and flexible options, we can help make off-island travel a little less stressful—and a lot more accessible—for Guernsey families
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? For some family life it always greener somewhere else. However, I think we can make it better if we improve on the what this survey has asked is housing, utility costs. We need to stop flip-flopping on big decisions. Guernsey deserves a government that can act decisively, follow through, and deliver with confidence and clarity
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? To make family-focused support in Guernsey measurable and tracked, you’d want a framework that is clear, practical, data-driven, and tied to real-world outcomes
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
GARRY COLLINS
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 0-3
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost and availability of food, Housing and rent, Mental health support
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? Born on the Island and know our history, a family man who knows what life is like, we both work, we cannot afford full time care child and have to have parents help, some are less fit then others, running around after a 2 year old is hard work, busy life’s, we start at 6 until late, all my family and friends are here, and want to see the Island a better place for my daughter future
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? For some the child allowance goes into little Jonny’s bank account for a car when 17, I think there is room to move some of that to help more, 15 hours free is not enough, only 1 year before school, ideally 2 years before
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? Its difficult, my daughter is 30th August, so we benefit, when someone 1st September another 12 months paying child care costs, I think 2 years before school, increase to 25 hours, this allows parent(s) to go to work 5 days morning maybe, 8 to 1, or 3 full days
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Again maternity leave payments from the States, do larger businesses need to be repaid from the government? they could cover of their employee, one-off grants to well off people, again saves a few pounds, that could be used in the right places
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? We need to get on with the 3 school-model and 1 sixth form, we cannot change again, get buildings done and then students, parents, teachers know where they are, we need teachers to be secure, some students are having 2 or 3 or 4 teachers in one year on some subjects!
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The States needs to build more social houses, this will free up those in private funded by the states, supply and demand are making rent prices twice the cost, this will lower costs/inflation for everyone, food again ensuring people have access to cheaper fruit and vegs is key, possible if the states increases the revenue, companies via 0-10 pay little to no tax could help more
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? What can you do, if families can afford to travel then they are not poor, but a secure ferry service will help, work with them to offer discounts to families maybe during half-terms, but allow full prices in summer break!
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Fix the tax system, fair tax for all, GST will hurt the vulnerable and poorest, look again at high-net worth individuals and companies who pay little to no tax!
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Everything effects families, so more open and transparent, more open sessions, engagement
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
SARAH HANSMANN ROUXEL
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 13-16, 17-18
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? As a parent to two children raised in Guernsey, I understand first-hand the challenges that local families face, from childcare and education to housing and healthcare. I believe there has been a lack of family-focused representation in the States, and I want to bring that perspective to the table.I’ve consistently advocated for practical, people-centred policies and believe that decisions must be made with a clear understanding of how they affect everyday family life. I will work to ensure that families are not an afterthought but a central part of how we shape Guernsey’s future
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I would take a strategic, economically-focused approach that recognises childcare as essential infrastructure. This includes updating the Preschool Funding Scheme to reflect actual costs and exploring a phased expansion to 30 hours per week for working families. I would support targeted funding for under-two provision, recognising the higher staffing costs and unlocking capacity where it is most limited. I would streamline regulation to reduce admin burdens and help providers focus on care, not paperwork. I would improve access for children with SEND through dedicated funding and better coordination between services. Finally, I would investigate workforce barriers to help recruit and retain qualified staff trained locally. These measures would not only support families, but also enable more parents to return to work, boosting productivity and helping Guernsey’s economy grow sustainably
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? It needs to be part of a broader review determining where and how support of best provided
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I would support extending paid parental leave to better reflect the needs of modern families and promote gender equality. I believe all parents should have access to time with their newborns without facing financial hardship, and that we should explore increasing the value and duration of the parental allowance.I would also advocate for a review of the current eligibility criteria, particularly around contribution history, to ensure fair access for part-time workers, younger parents and those in less stable employment. Over time, we should work towards aligning Guernsey’s leave and benefit entitlements more closely with international best practice, recognising that supporting families in the early years is both socially and economically beneficial
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? The current model has proven costly and inefficient. It has led to increased class sizes, a narrowing of the curriculum, and a rise in spending on buildings and administration rather than frontline teaching and support. I would pause the planned move of the Sixth Form to La Mare de Carteret. However, this must be done carefully, with students’ wellbeing and continuity of education as the priority. I would support a full review of pupil distribution across the three existing high schools and class sizes, working closely with educators to ensure the current model is properly resourced.Retention and morale of teaching staff is critical. I would engage directly with the profession to understand pressures and ensure decisions are made collaboratively, prioritising stable, high-quality education over costly structural changes
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? To help with food costs, I would work with retailers to identify and reduce unnecessary cost barriers and explore cheaper supply routes. I would also support local food production by examining tax incentives for producers and offering free allotment space and resources for those who wish to grow their own but lack the land.On housing, while more homes are in the pipeline, this will take time to impact prices. In the short term, we must avoid adding extra taxes or stealth costs to already stretched household budgets.For utilities, I would seek to freeze consumer price rises and work with the utility companies to fund essential infrastructure upgrades through government-backed loans until the cost-of-living crisis eases
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? We need to improve both the reliability and affordability of our air links. I would support a comprehensive review of Aurigny, with a clear decision on whether it should operate as a commercial entity or as an economic enabler with a remit to prioritise serving the community.The size of Guernsey’s population means that sustainable air and sea links depend on tourism to spread the cost. However, we have lacked a joined-up tourism strategy for over a decade. By improving visitor numbers, we can make these services more viable, reduce reliance on single carriers, and increase capacity during peak times like school holidays.More flights and greater frequency would reduce pressure on limited school holiday availability, making travel more reliable and potentially more affordable for families
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? I’m saddened to read that a quarter of respondents feel that family life in Guernsey is not good. There is no doubt that the rising cost of living has placed immense pressure on families, affecting everything from daily finances to wellbeing.While there are no quick fixes, the next States must re-evaluate its priorities and acknowledge the toll that poor and wasteful decision-making has taken on the community. Tackling the fiscal black hole swiftly is essential, but we must also recognise that many people are already at their financial limit. That means putting a stop to stealth tax rises and charges that quietly increase household bills.We need a more family-focused approach to policymaking, where affordability, opportunity, and long-term wellbeing are central to every decision
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? While data is gathered through rolling censuses, well-being surveys and the work of groups like the Community Foundation, we need a more coordinated and transparent approach. If we are truly committed to improving life for families, the States should develop a family-focused policy framework with clear, measurable indicators of quality of life – from housing stability and food security to mental health and access to childcare.Importantly, we must better utilise the third sector. Many charities and community organisations are on the front line and already hold vital data and insights. The States need to build a stronger interface with these groups and work collaboratively to develop, track, and respond to indicators that reflect real family experiences on the ground
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
ADRIAN GABRIEL
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I can relate to family life, I have four grown children, three living and working in Guernsey, planning family life ahead of them , and see the struggles they have. I listen and tailor my decisions to suit
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? With consultation with the providers, make free childcare accessible earlier (2 years) and grater than 15 hours pw
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? 2 years
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Paternity leave should be encouraged. An employer to offer paid maternity leave in law
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Some stability for the students and also staff is needed.The current system while not ideal is what is in train and the last piece of the jigsaw will be the building of the SFC – this must happen with no delays
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Energy performance certificates (EPC) for buildings will help identify those properties that are inefficient – landlords would then be mandated to improve the property thus lowering utility bills.Housing pipeline blockages have been identified and worked through with developers, some 4350 homes will be built over the next few years.States and private developers are working and building homes together
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? The peak pricing that Aurigny use is just wrong – they should be tasked with being an enabler not making a profit or just breaking even.I was horrified to see that in October half term the prices went up by about £100 per journey compared to the weeks before and just after
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Ensuring that a fair taxation system is in place so that corporates pay their way and the burden is not put on those who are earningbut not surviving
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Policy tracking is hard to measure as it is high level and the interpretation and implementation is key.But the SMART method could work especially where deliverables are defined – such as those accessing family allowance or school attendance, uniform allowance etc
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? Unsure
ROB PROW
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 19-22
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am an experienced People’s Deputy and have a good record of delivery in leading my Committee. I love our island and am committed to improving life here. I have a two children and value family life and all Guernsey has to offer. I will continue to work hard
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Childcare is essential to keep the economy going and growing it. Tax incentivisation, the States working with business, local workers and childcare providers and developing policy and support initiatives is key
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? Good question – I would need to be informed on the appropriate age and the implications – but agree it should be extended
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? A subject that requires careful consideration next term depending on how or if the States can develop a sustainable fiscal policy
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? There has been far to much distruption and uncertainty in the aftermath of removing the Grammar school for both students and teachers. Education needs stabilising and concentrating on improving grades I am a huge fan of the Guernsey Institue and its development along the the proposed new sixth form centre. We need to encourage locals to stay or return after university
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? The cost of living in Guernsey is reportedly higher in Guernsey than in the isle of Man and Jersey – Building materials are reportedly 100% + more expensive here than the UK. UK and IoM have a 20% VAT and Jersey 5%. So who benefits when we are zero?. Clearly not you and I. Something here is clearly not right. I would task the Competition Regulator and Trading Standards to urgently investigate what is going on, starting with some large retailers who operate a ‘Britsh Isles pricing policy’
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Connectivity is a massive issue – We need to invest in infrastucture at the Ports and Airport – We need to consider the viability and poor performance of Aurigny and whether it requires to be subsidised (to a limited extent) rather than to break even and encourage other airlines to operate
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Very wide subject – Deputies need to communicate more to discover those issues that are of concern and prioritise actions to address them. Working in partnership with the third sector is key in all areas of improving island life . Online safety and malicious use of social media continues to require government initiatives
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? The States need to improve generally around the collection and measuring of data and publishing key performance indicators around delivery. Stronger scrutiny in the States is also needed
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
TINA BURY
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 13-16
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? My lived experience. I’m a single parent, of a child with additional needs, living in rented accommodation. I am not well off, don’t have family wealth or support and can struggle with additional expenses. I have experienced the high costs of childcare and lived in in-work poverty. I have navigated the systems – such as Autism support, education/home education, health support – and continue to do so. It’s not easy, even for someone like me who is close to the system and knows how to advocate for myself and child. Whenever I have a challenging government experience with my parent hat on, my Deputy hat is always there too and there’s a voice in my head saying ‘what about people who don’t have my confidence to challenge’ and I take that into my work to try and improve things for everyone
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Unsure
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I find ‘what would you do’ questions quite difficult to answer and always do so with the caveat that, in government, no one person can do or achieve anything individually. However, this term a workstream was begun around childcare and the industry, to get baseline data and information, to enable looking at what can be done. It would be useful to see the results of this work to have an indication and starting point of how best to tackle the above average prices we pay in Guernsey. Is it extending the free hours, is it government subsidies for the providers or other reductions in their business operating costs so that they charge less (thinking things like TRP, social security contributions etc.) ? There are any number of possible levers that government could pull, but there are usually unintended consequences, so these need to be considered and this work needs to be done in conjunction with the industry to make sure we are ‘doing with’, not ‘doing to’. The work that has started will hopefully give an indication of why prices are so high, which then should naturally lead to the best ways to reduce that
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? As a matter of principle I think extending the hours is likely the right thing to do, for a number of reasons including child development and parents ability to work and contribute to the economy (if they wish/need to). However the details of how it would be paid for and provider capacity issues make me undecided at this time. These things need detailing before I could say yes firmly
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? So many! We need a modern and fit for purpose maternity leave law, it’s as simple as that and we just don’t have it right now. In conjunction I’d like to see options that encourage – and perhaps even mandate to an extent – shared parental leave. It’s not government’s job to dictate to families how they operate and who takes on what roles, but a lot of our laws indirectly do that or create certain behaviours. I’d like to see legislation that shifts the assumption that mum/birth giver is the primary, or sole, carer and encourages and supports dads/non birth givers to be able to play a more active role in the younger year/s. I think this benefits everyone; parents and children and society as a whole
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? The plan for the secondary education system is what it is I think, for now. The decision has been made and was voted on more than once this term. I tried to ensure that the review part of the ‘Pause and Review’ actually happened, by laying an amendment – to ensure these vital decisions were made transparently and evidenced – but unfortunately that narrowly lost. I did not agree with the direction agreed on for secondary education, but I’m not here to open old battles. I respect the democratic decision and think that the instability has gone on too long. I think we owe it to our young people, teachers and families to make this work now. Not because it’s perfect but because they deserve better than what has gone on the last 5-10 (15?) years! However, the sixth form issue remains to be seen. The situation right now is untenable and unsustainable. We have sixth formers moving to a ‘temporary’ unsuitable site, the sixth form centre being used for offices and no money to build the new proposed sixth form centre, which even if it is built will likely be unsustainable, due to declining numbers, in the very near future. This has the potential to be revisited and improved upon
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Food costs is a tricky one as we are very much at the mercy of global trends. Guernsey will never be able to be self sustaining for food but encouraging and facilitating growing on a small, individual basis (free/cheap access to allotments, green spaces, education on growing as well as free seeds, plant swaps etc) could help a little at least, economically but also would support better health and education.
A lot of background work has been done this term to support both private and social housing development. This work will start to bear fruit in the next term. Currently we have high demand and low supply, this is a contributing factor to the housing crisis we are in, more houses being built from these workstreams will help in bringing prices down. It’s not the silver bullet though. Other workstreams that are not simply about building houses, such as rent control and standards, will help too.
This leads into utility costs. Thermal efficiency of properties can be a big help in reducing utility costs, so ensuring new developments and rental properties meet these standards (or exceed them) as well as enabling/facilitating retro-fitting existing properties would be a great help
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? I’m open to hearing options about the adjustments we can make to our connectivity, particularly air. I have long felt we need to protect Aurigny, so as not to leave ourselves stranded without an airline, and I still do to an extent, however what we have currently is not working for the average person on an affordability basis. Reliability is also a big issue. That’s not just an inconvenience and frustration but impacts cost by families having to build in buffer days etc so that they don’t miss connecting flights
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? By creating policies to support them. There’s concern about declining birth rates and young people leaving but we do little to support these things. Recognition of the work that parenthood is and the contribution it makes to society (especially for stay at home parents – it’s still work and hard work at that!), flexible working options, more affordable childcare, maternity/paternity leave, accessible and affordable housing and an education system to have confidence in. Those are just a few things!
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? All policies should have this built in really. Baseline data as a starting point and to give direction but also so that progress is measurable, interim reviews and data gathering along the way. Sharing reports publicly online and with organisations such as Island Families. Using family organisations to gather input into policy making so it’s ‘doing with’ not ‘doing to’.
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
ANDY SLOAN
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 8-12
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Travel on/off island
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I have kids, I’m as qualified as the next parent
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Unsure
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? The tax system is biased against working families and single parents. The issue is cost. i would look to a three phased approach. Signficantly higher tax allowances for those with children. Making childcare a tax dedcutible expense. Increased subsidies for those on lower incomes
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? I don’t have a strong opinion, one needs to balance this with having too much emphasis on a return to work culture which I’m not in favour of (to be clear having the too much emphasis)
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? When we have limited resources, I think it should be deployed at more flexible maternity benefits – I’m not such a believer in the value of extended paternity benefits (taking a crude economic perspective)
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? To be frank, there’s been too much focus on buildings. That our kids have been let down so badly is a scandal. There’s been an almost ideological fervour to pushing through some of the proposals at an economic and social cost (to the kids). Keep the sixth form where is it, focus on teacher retention and improve other areas of support – including dyslexia and austism diagnostics and support – where it’s badly needed
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? We need to focus on economic growth. For the last 15 years, the States has taken the economy for granted with the result of stagnation and a shrinking finance sector. it’s the key reason I’m standing. Growth pays for increase spending on public services and improves our standard of living. Our lack of growth has been the problem. Our finance sector has been shrinking. Compliance has become our main growth industry. It’s been a tough decade for the offshore sector. We need to fix competitiveness and encourage more risk-taking. Outside finance, we need strategic investment in infrastructure
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? Introduce opens skies to the aviation market. The States has spent the last 10 years doing things in the producer interest, not the consumer interest, ie looking after Aurigny, not the public. I want cheap, reliable fares. Bring competition to the market and extend the runway if necessary
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? By focusing on the areas above. Improving the treatment of families in the tax system, making childcare more affordable, sortingt the schools, fixing our air links and focussing on economic growth to improve general living standards
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Annual tracking
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
SASHA KAZANTSEVA-MILLER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 8-12
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am a mum myself and I have been the most vocal deputy trying to support childcare provision locally and intend to continue doing so as part of the tax review and wider work. I ensured that Economic Development undertook the review of the Childcare sector, which will be important in helping shape future policy. I also worked with local families to help change the Education policy on admission of summer-born children to ensure parents had the right to request delays to the start of Reception of their children if they did not think there were ready. This was successful and became operational for the 2025 admissions season
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I would like to ensure that childcare support becomes a core part of a future tax package. We should explore a number of measures to include
a) tax allowances for childcare
b) universal provision for free childcare
c) holiday vouchers helping with holiday care support
d) supporting holiday care provision for children with ALN
e) improving maternity and paternity support
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? I would like to have childcare support policies across all age group. It may not look like a free 15h provision but may include tax allowances. The 15h free model has issues because of the flat-fee structure – the flat-fee does not reflect the cost of providing care at the different settings and some care providers subsidise the 15h provision from other income. The 15h system needs review as outlined in the Childcare sector report commissioned by the Committee for Economic Development.
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? I would like this to be improved. There is a lot of learning from different countries to benchmark against
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? What I hear from teachers and students is that they want stability and don’t want to continue being political football. We need to make a decision on the location of the 6th Form – again there not a perfect solution and current policy is for it to be located at Les Ozoutes campus. I would like to see more investment in math, ALN and sports
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Housing and rent are the biggest contributors. We need to get going with building more homes to ensure there is less pressure on the market. There is no easy fix and it will take a concerted effort. I would support undertaking a market review of the main retailers by the GCRA to ensure there is no uncompetitive behaviour and overpricing. Overall, it will be very hard to “reduce” cost, ideally, we should work on economic growth so that families are able to earn more money to better cover the higher costs of living
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? I’ve got a specific focus on connectivity, with the following key actions:
– new Air Policy Framework with reduced reliance on Aurigny
– Attracting new operator to secure a Heathrow link – Small plane operator of Jersey and Alderney CI travel
– Developing the airport
– Lower air travel costs through reduced airport fees, PSO routes or operational efficiencies
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? The cost of living, education and housing are key issues contributing to that. States priorities need to be on stabilising public finances, ensuring efficiencies so that we are able to deliver on the housing, education, skills, public amenity improvements
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked?Not dissimilar to how we track many other policies. There is a lot to learn from Data and Analysis and we need to come up with policies first!
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
LEE VAN KATWYK
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 0-3
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Cost and availability of food
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I was born and raised here and now am about to raise my own child in Guernsey
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? I would like to see more support from ESC for early years programmes. We need to look to providing further space for early years providers within the primary school setting
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? At the least, I would like to see Guernsey align itself with the better provisions of our neighbout Jersey
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? To continue along the path of the three school secondary model and see spades in the ground as soon as possible for the new Sixth Form Centre. I am very much against leaving out students at La Mare in the interim
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? We need to see non-public tax options fully investigated for raising revenue. While I do not wish to see the immediate cessation of preparations for GST (as we must have a contingency) I do want to see income tax properly assessed, Pillar Two properly assessed, cuts to superfluous government spending, and a broadening of the corporate tax base before we add another tax to the public purse during this cost of living crisis
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? I will support the addition of a BA Heathrow route and look to having the airport runway infrastructure properly assessed before further debate on upgrading and allowing better connectivity via larger aircrafts
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? I would be interested in seeing the comments from the 25% and learning from the different before commenting
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? We need transparent and publicly available KPIs listed online
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
JEREMY MERCER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 4-7, 8-12
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I am a family man and know the importance of family and more i can see that we need to re focus support measure for families and communities. All measures & policies that the States adopts should be coordinated and derived through a filter of community and that means local families, and ensure that they are to the benefit of the local community. We need to support and invest in our local community through education, through community facilities, provide options for housing, provide reliable and reasonable cost travel links, provide a strong economy by making Guernsey an attractive place to do business and move the revenue raising focus away from taxing hardworking families more and more and on to a lower tax based growth economy
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? 30 Hours Pre school funded by SOG pre school. Child allowance to remain for as many children as people have. Extended maternity leave. Subsidised childcare from reception to year 9 (14 years old)
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? The 2 years prior to infant/reception
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? No
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Extended maternity leave
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Stabilise and end the teacher turnover. Finish the current program/plan for the school system if already committed and no more buildings. Investigate any culture issues ref teacher turnover and ensure that any teacher whop takes a job is committed for 1 full school year at the very least with no leaving part way through. Look to provide a living salary for all teachers and look to recruit the best leaders and teachers and retain them. Look to train local teacher and support them through that training paying fees and living expenses so long as they return to Guernsey
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Long term educate people with life skills inc growing and animal husbandry. Provide opportunities for communities to grow on allotments in old vineries or on land provided by the SOG. look to sustainable energy solutions and start by solar panels on all new builds and SOG buildings and feed into the grid. Release SOG brownfield land for building and unused buildings to repurpose and refurbish for residential use, SOG to work with GHA to unlock Leales yard with tidal barriers and infrastructure, and do same for other sites bought through GHA. Provide school meals & set up all schools with a working kitchen that doubles as training facility to teach the children cooking as life skill
Short term – look at waste food at supermarkets to redistribute; Basic food deliveries for those poorest families for basic items like bread milk potatoes apples eggs etc etc and provide cooking lessons where necessary; Focussed benefits and allowances for energy costs and food. Cap utility costs and bring GE back under the energy regulator. Give locals the priority for housing and subsidise their rentals to the same extent as those for immigrants. Open key worker housing to locals. I would also re-introduce states loans for locals and no stamp duty for local 1st time buyers to help them get on the housing ladder aswell as providing the housing options for that 1st step
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? EMAS investment for runaway; Change Aurigny to inter-island and Gatwick/Southampton life line. Change fleet to include larger aircraft with bigger worldwide fleets to improve resilience and relaibility. Look to do deals with Easy Jet or BA ie a larger carrier witheconomies of scale and that allows booking from Guernsey to where-ever in the world and no need to load & unload at Gatwick or Heathrow etc
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Invest in communities and where housing is to be provided, ensure there are community facilitieslike allottments, play areas, community lead activities that are resourced and manged properly, youth groups and clubs, community centres and libraries catering for all sorts of media etc
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? There should be regular happiness audits where communities are surveyed on their life satisfaction and their perceived fulfillment and contentment
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
KERRY BARNFATHER
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 13-16
Are your children still in education? Yes
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Cost of living, Education and schools, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? I love living on Guernsey, and would like to continue to do so, but this would depend on where my children end up. Guernsey is such an ideal place to raise a family. I have 2 daughters, and I want them to go out and explore the world, but then I want them to come back here with their families. So I would make it my main focus to ensure we create an environment that our children would want to return to with theirs
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Align to the 30 free hours funding provided by the U.K. if we would hope to have families return to Guernsey
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Yes
If yes, from what age? From 6 months old
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Yes
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? Aligned to match those in the U.K.
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? Focus on next generation syllabus content and method of delivery. A new generation of workforce will need to be delivered within the next decade, and I believe “the what and the how” this is delivered will be the key to their future success. I also think mental wellbeing needs to form a large part of this new syllabus content
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Clarification around what will be exempt from GST in the GST plus model could focus on aspects that directly affect families daily. I would like to see items like fruit and vegetables exempt from GST thereby promoting healthier eating, and avoiding the service tax in making that choice
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? I am in favour of the runway extension using the EMAS option and thereby opening up the possibility of alternative providers coming to Guernsey. This would not only potentially reduce fares, but also provide better reliability. I incur additional costs every time I travel abroad by building in a buffer travel timeline, which if a more reliable service was offered, I would no longer feel the need to do
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Make the decisions and follow through. I think a lot of this dissatisfaction lies in the lack of follow through from the last assembly.Once agreed upon something, then deliver it
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? This would need to be policy as well as community based and measured. Clearly defined targets would need to be set on policy, and then community based opinions through polls and face to face engagement also needs to be taken into account. Numbers don’t always reflect the reality. I believe more problems are fixed when dealing with them face to face
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No
RHONA HUMPHREYSplease note that this survey was marked as "on behalf of Forward Guernsey"
Do you have children? Yes
What age categories do your children fall in to? 23+
Are your children still in education? No
What do you believe are the top 3 issues affecting Guernsey’s families right now?
Childcare, Cost of living, Housing and rent
What makes you a suitable deputy to represent families of the Bailiwick? Forward Guernsey is a party of six candidates who have come together to support a manifesto entitles Our Plan for Guernsey 2025-2029 and beyond. This is the first policy based party that Guernsey Government has seen – and the manifesto has been brought together by local experts.
The six of us standing on the manifesto have agreed to work together in 6 key policy areas to try and make real change – we will work together As a group we are from diverse backgrounds and have a range of skills to help each other and we have all agreed to work collaboratively with other states members to make real change
Will you commit to holding regular Q&A sessions with parents throughout your time as a deputy? Yes
What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible? Expanding Childcare by implementing practical adult to child ratios. Ensuring regulations are appropriate. Consider offering longer hours. Introducing additional needs support
Do you support extending the 15 free hours to younger children? Undecided
If yes, from what age? Undecided – Exploring ways to improve pre-school funding. This might include extending support to younger children, offering longer hours, or increasing overall funding, while making sure children with additional needs get the support they require
Do you support increasing the income threshold for free preschool hours? Undecided
What changes would you like to see when it comes to parental benefits, maternity leave, and paternity leave in Guernsey? We do not have a formed policy in this area although we acknowledge that there are improvements required
What is your plan for Guernsey’s secondary education system? We cannot disrupt the current Secondary Education further. We need to let the current situation bed down. It would not be fair to disrupt this age group again. We would however propose the introduction/increase of pastoral care in out schools to help the children and to free up teachers to teach
What actions would you take to help families with food, housing, and utility costs? Government levers over cost of living are limited although we are aware of and concerned about issues in this area. We will do everything we can to run government efficiently and reduce spending
What would you do to make off-island travel easier for families, especially during school holidays? The increased expense during school holidays is a result of supply and demand and is a worldwide problem. We will work with Aurigny and the Guernsey Airline users group to work towards making off Island travel affordable and reliable
How do you think the next States could make life better for local families? Our vision is that Guernsey will be a welcoming, optimistic island with widespread prosperity. Our heritage is unique, our outlook is modern, and together we can embrace the challenges of the future and emerge stronger. Our island’s future prosperity depends on empowering the next generation. Every young person must be given the opportunity to receive a good education, work in a fulfilling job, and own a property. Those who make Guernsey their home should know they have a fair chance to realise their potential. To do this we need to have a coherent brave group of deputies who are not afraid to make bold decisions to move the Island forward
How do you suggest that the States ensure family-focused policies are measurable and publicly tracked? Designing receptive and responsive government. To increase islanders’ confidence in government to deliver, we need to improve transparency and accountability. To ensure a closer connection between voters and politicians, we support:
• Reviewing the way disputes arising from complaints about public services are handled.
• Reviewing appeals processes to improve independence and integrity
Do you think Guernsey is doing enough to support families at all stages of life? No