States Members voted 28-23 to reject fuel and tobacco duty rises of almost 10% and alcohol rises of 6.2%, which means that the duty rates will stay frozen – for now.
The decision adds £4.25 million to the expected £60 million deficit for next year. However, it might not be prudent to open the bubbly just yet.
Following Deputy Power’s victory, Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf said that he would consider bringing reduced duty increases back to the States early next year.
