Survey launched to 'educate' future government

A newly formed group of organisations wants to gather feedback on the current government term

Business organisations and charities in Guernsey have joined forces to try and shape future government policy and "educate" potential States members.

The group, which has eight member organisations, has launched a survey to gather information on the most "pressing policy priorities for government action".

It hopes the results of the survey will inform potential candidates running in the 2025 general election about the "critical issues shaping Guernsey's future".

"This joint initiative presents a crucial opportunity to ensure that the voices and needs of Guernsey's business and charity sector are clearly understood and addressed by the incoming government," the group said.

It includes members from Guernsey International Business Association, Guernsey Hospitality Association, Guernsey Construction Forum, Institute of Directors, Guernsey Retail Group, Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of Guernsey Industry, and the Association of Guernsey Charities.

'Housing crisis'

Initial discussions within the group found a "unanimous agreement" that the island's "housing crisis" was "a critical issue impacting the broader economy", it said.

"From skill shortages to workforce development, addressing housing challenges is vital for sustaining Guernsey's economic health and long-term growth," the group added.

It said it wanted to open the survey to the various association members, as well as the public, and it would focus on gathering feedback on the government's current term.

"This survey aims to identify the most pressing policy priorities for government action and will also serve to educate potential candidates running in the 2025 general election about the critical issues shaping Guernsey's future," it said.

Paul Sykes, from the Guernsey International Business Association, said: "We are hoping to gather a rich database that can help and inform those people that are going to be leading our island later this year."

The survey runs until 31 January.