Scrutiny panel will delve for clarity on budget

A public hearing is due to scrutinise decisions being made by politicians after two budgets for 2027 were put forward amid what has been described as a "shifting narrative".

Deputy Andy Sloan, who will sit on the Scrutiny Management Committee (SMC) panel, said the picture presented of public finances had "changed remarkably" over a 12-month period.

Sloan, who has been critical of the States presenting two budgets to the assembly, said it was important to "establish a clearer picture" of the financial position facing the States.

The States said the SMC would meet with the Resources Committee, with members of the public invited to attend in an "observational capacity" only.

Two budgets are being put forward, one including 1% savings in real terms and another with spending cuts alongside about £15.7m of expenditure suggested by committees.

Sloan, who was due to sit on the panel on 19 October alongside non-States member Mark Le Page and Public Accounts Sub-committee member Advocate Peter Harwood, said figures and forecasts had "undergone substantial revision".

Meanwhile, he said, the narrative had "shifted almost as quickly".

He said the scrutiny panel would "examine the underlying assumptions" underpinning the budget.

"We want to understand what is driving expenditure growth, distinguish unavoidable cost pressures from policy choices, and assess how robust the underlying forecasts are," he added.

He said it was not about "prejudging the budget" but was key to ensuring "public confidence" in the evidence underpinning important decisions.

"Given the backdrop of tax reform, it is more important than ever that we establish a common understanding of the facts," he said.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.