Guernsey budget debate not brought forward

Moves to bring Guernsey's budget debate forward have been dropped by the island's Treasury and Resources Department.

Usually held in December to decide the next year's budget, the department had hoped to hold the debate next month.

Minster Gavin St Pier said the reasons included allowing departments to prepare to meet money-saving targets.

He said: "It is far more important that we get it right, particularly in the current economic and fiscal climate."

Deputy St Pier said he hoped to be able to debate the 2014 budget and social security benefits and contribution levels at the same time in October next year.