Tax package takes shape

To ensure this, senior officers from Employment and Social Security and Policy and Resources yesterday took part in all-day discussions with Finance’s fiscal working party.The group is considering which tax options could be introduced in light of tight States budgets and huge forecasted deficits.The options include changes in income tax rates and allowances, some form of sales tax, property tax and changes to social security contributions.It has already been announced that Finance and Economics intend to tighten up on mortgage interest tax relief and a complete package of proposals is due to be revealed by the committee in the autumn.The fiscal working party comprises members of the Finance and Economics Committee and department officers, as well as Policy and Resources president Senator Frank Walker.Finance president Senator Terry Le Sueur said that it was the first time that new P & R chief executive Bill Ogley and Employment controller Ann Esterson had also attended.A new low income support system is currently being thrashed out by Employment, and P & R are putting together a new strategic policy for the Island.Finance president Senator Terry Le Sueur said: ‘We are anxious that fiscal policy should link with social policy and general States policy, and we want to make sure those two departments are involved.’