Alderney States rails against treatment from Guernsey

Alderney States has registered its disapproval of the way it has been treated by Guernsey.

At Wednesday's meeting, members refused to approve laws that allow a General Sales Tax (GST) to be introduced.

It took place against a background of anxiety about Alderney's autonomy and the restrictions of an agreement made between the islands in 1948.

Members registered their anger by only "noting" the legislation and called for more consultation with them in future.

Under the Government of Alderney Law 1948, Alderney States had no power to reject the laws, which had already been approved by Guernsey.

The legislation would allow the introduction of GST in the islands should it ever be required, although there are no current plans to do so.

Alderney States said that if GST should ever be implemented, the States of Guernsey should take into account the unfair impact of the tax on the less well off.

Richard Willmott, who brought the move to note rather than approve the legislation, said: "Diplomacy and negotiation is the way ahead. Approving or disapproving this item is an exercise in futility."