> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thequarry.media/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Public hearing aims to provide clearer picture of  States' financial position
- URL: https://www.thequarry.media/public-hearing-aims-to-provide-clearer-picture-of-states-financial-position/
- Published: 2026-10-14T09:45:28.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-14T09:45:28.000Z
- Author: The Quarry
- Tags: News

- Scrutiny Management Committee to hold public hearing on 2027 budget with Policy & Resources Committee on 19th October 2026
- Hearing will take place at Castel Douzaine Room from 14:00 to 16:00 and be live-streamed on YouTube
- Panel will be chaired by Deputy Andy Sloan, with Mark Le Page and Advocate Peter Harwood
- Committee chairman says Guernsey's public finances picture has changed remarkably in twelve months with substantial revisions to forecasts
- Hearing aims to examine assumptions underpinning budget and distinguish unavoidable costs from policy choices

Listen to this article

0:00

/0

1×

The Scrutiny Management Committee will hold a public hearing with the Policy & Resources Committee on Monday 19th October to examine the States' proposed 2027 budget.

The hearing will take place at the Castel Douzaine Room between 14:00 and 16:00, with proceedings also live-streamed on YouTube.

Deputy Andy Sloan will chair the SMC panel, joined by SMC non-States member Mark Le Page and Public Accounts Sub-Committee member Advocate Peter Harwood. The public may attend to observe but will not be permitted to ask questions or comment during the formal parliamentary proceeding.

Deputy Sloan said the hearing would examine the assumptions underpinning the budget against a backdrop of significant changes to the island's financial outlook.

'The picture presented of Guernsey's public finances has changed remarkably in the space of just twelve months. Figures and forecasts that were previously presented with considerable certainty have undergone substantial revision, while the accompanying narrative has shifted almost as quickly. Against that background, we should examine the underlying assumptions and establish a clearer picture of the financial position facing the States,' he said.

The committee chairman said the hearing would look beyond headline figures to understand what is driving expenditure growth and distinguish between unavoidable cost pressures and policy choices.

'This is not about prejudging the Budget or challenging expenditure for its own sake. It is about ensuring that the Assembly and the public can have confidence in the financial 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,' Deputy Sloan said.

The hearing comes as the States prepares to debate the 2027 budget, with scrutiny focused on the robustness of financial forecasts following what Deputy Sloan described as substantial revisions to previously published figures.

The live stream will be available at: https://youtube.com/live/qBlV12EXP1w?feature=share

## Q&A

**Q: When and where is the public hearing taking place?**  
A: The hearing will be held at the Castel Douzaine Room on Monday 19th October 2026 between 14:00 and 16:00\. It will also be live-streamed on YouTube.

**Q: Who will be on the scrutiny panel?**  
A: The panel will include Deputy Andy Sloan as chair, SMC non-States member Mark Le Page, and Public Accounts Sub-Committee member Advocate Peter Harwood.

**Q: Can members of the public participate in the hearing?**  
A: Members of the public are welcome to attend in an observational capacity but cannot ask questions or make comments during the hearing as it is a formal parliamentary proceeding.