The Briefing

The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

All the latest from The Quarry newsroom.

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The Development & Planning Authority has approved outline planning permission for a residential development at The Mallard Complex.
This includes 85 housing units: 34 dwellings and 51 flats.
A detailed planning application must be submitted before development can begin, expected early 2026, allowing for public consultation.
The DPA has specified conditions, including solar panel installation and consultation with environmental groups on native planting.

Policy & Resources has released its proposed Government Work Plan, setting out priorities for this term.
It has moved to a focused commitment on five "super priorities."
This includes delivering tax reform and getting Leale's Yard ready for housing development.
Agreeing a new healthcare model, what should happen with the harbours, and a fresh focus on improved outcomes for children and families are also on the agenda.

States releases Guernsey Annual Better Life Indicators Report 2024 to provide a picture of island life.
Guernsey excels in job security, achieving a perfect 10.0 score for its unemployment rate, ranking first among UK regions and second among OECD regions.
Safety is paramount, with the island scoring 10.0 for its homicide rate, placing it joint first among 463 OECD regions.
Health outcomes are strong; life expectancy is 83.6 years, ranking fifth out of 39 OECD countries.
Housing affordability is a major concern, as housing expenditure reached 30.5% of net disposable income in 2022.
Self-reported life satisfaction is relatively low, with an average score of 6.7, ranking Guernsey 12th out of 13 UK regions.

The Health Improvement Commission has partnered with St Martins Community Centre to promote healthy living.
Initiatives include a smoke- and vape-free policy and improved active travel options.
Healthy eating is being supported through cookery projects and kitchen use for schools.
The centre aims to foster social connections with inclusive activities and green space access.
This collaboration seeks to reduce health inequalities for diverse community demographics.

GradRoutes Guernsey is an initiative to connect off-island students and graduates with local career opportunities.
The 'Homegrown Futures' event will take place on 22 December at the Market Buildings.
Industry representatives will present short pitches highlighting various career pathways in Guernsey.
Key sectors include finance, digital media, legal, public service, HR, and construction.
The event is free to attend and includes complimentary refreshments.

Residents encouraged to fetch repeat prescriptions ahead of bank holidays.
Patients with adequate supplies should delay obtaining medications until after Christmas.
Pharmacists may dispense prescriptions up to four business days in advance.
Chief Pharmacist Teena Bhogal highlights the importance of planning ahead to manage pharmacy workloads.
Public holidays heighten demand on pharmacies due to reduced staff and logistics challenges.

The Guernsey Literary Festival has revealed its initial line-up for 2026.
Featured speakers include award-winning authors, scientists, and broadcasters.
The festival will run from 24 April to 3 May next year.
The programme focuses on a diverse mix of genres, shaped by audience feedback.
Priority ticket access will be available for festival patrons and members before general release.

Guernsey’s Finance Sector Policy Framework approaches completion.
Opportunities being looked at include tokenised securities, digital finance, and defence-related financial structures
Oliver Wyman developed the framework in collaboration with key organisations in the financial sector.
More than 100 stakeholder meetings have informed the strategy, which enters its final phase.
The final report is expected in Q1 2026 and will establish a framework for future growth.
The initiative aims to position Guernsey competitively in the global finance market for the next decade.

The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has released a Digital Finance Consultation Paper.
The consultation focuses on regulatory measures for digital finance in the Bailiwick.
Key proposals include amendments to the Virtual Asset Service Provider regime.
The consultation period will last until 6 March.

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