Simon Vermeulen

The Education (Governance Boards) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026

Motion put to the States: The States are asked to decide:- Whether they are of the opinion to approve the draft Ordinance entitled ''The Education (Governance Boards) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026'' and to direct that the same shall have effect as an Ordinance of the States.

Voting Pour delivers this

The Education (Governance Boards) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 further refines education governance structures, directly advancing education reform.

Government Work Plan 2026-2029

Motion put to the States: 6. To agree an additional workstream to the ‘Foundations for Our Future’ area of focus (under the ‘A Place to Grow and Succeed’ theme) with the objective of ‘Responding to the Needs of the Island’s Young People’, and to direct the Policy & Resources Committee to support the cross-committee coordination of the upcoming refresh and enhancement of the Children & Young People’s Plan ensuring that it: i) hears and reflects the voice of a wide range of children, young people and young adults via direct consultation; ii) consults with third sector organisations supporting the island’s children, young people and young adults; iii) takes into account existing relevant strategies and plans; and iv) provides the necessary resources to undertake that consultation and to support the production of the enhanced Children & Young People’s Plan for consideration by the States of Deliberation.

Voting Pour delivers this

The carried version of the young people workstream in the Government Work Plan directly supports the promise to improve outcomes for young people through education reform.

Government Work Plan 2026-2029

Motion put to the States: To insert an additional proposition as follows: “6. To agree an additional workstream to the ‘Foundations for Our Future’ area of focus (under the ‘A Place to Grow and Succeed’ theme) with the objective of ‘Responding to the Needs of the Island’s Young People’, and to direct the Policy & Resources Committee to support the cross-committee coordination of the upcoming refresh and enhancement of the Children & Young People’s Plan ensuring that it: i) hears and reflects the voice of a wide range of children, young people and young adults via direct consultation; ii) consults with third sector organisations supporting the island’s children, young people and young adults; iii) takes into account existing relevant strategies and plans; and iv) provides the necessary resources to undertake that consultation and to support the production of the enhanced Children & Young People’s Plan for consideration by the States of Deliberation.”.

Voting Pour delivers this

This GWP amendment adds a workstream specifically focused on responding to the needs of the island's young people, materially bearing on the promise to improve outcomes for young people.

Policy & Resources Committee Representation on the Education Devolution & Investigation & Advisory Committee

Motion put to the States: Whether, after consideration of the policy letter entitled ‘Policy & Resources Committee Representation on the Education Devolution & Delegation Investigation & Advisory Committee’, dated 14th October 2025, they are of the opinion: To amend the membership of the Education Devolution & Delegation Investigation & Advisory Committee such that the Policy & Resources Committee can nominate its own representative, as follows: “One Member appointed by the Policy & Resources Committee who is a member of the Policy & Resources Committee but not its President.”

Voting Pour delivers this

Adding P&R representation to the Education Devolution & Delegation Investigation & Advisory Committee directly relates to the ongoing education reform process.

The Education (Governance Boards) Ordinance, 2025

Motion put to the States: To insert immediately after “of the States” the following: “subject to the following amendment: “To delete Clause 4(7) and replace with the following Clause: “4 (7)The Director of Education (or a person nominated by the Director of Education for this purpose) may attend one meeting of each governance board each academic year, or more frequently only at the – invitation of that governance board, or the direction of the Committee, where the Committee has reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a material failure in governance, safeguarding, financial management, or compliance with applicable law or policy, and has recorded such grounds in writing.".””.

Voting Pour delivers this

This amendment to the Education (Governance Boards) Ordinance modifies governance board composition, bearing on the quality of education reform delivery.

The Education (Governance Boards) Ordinance, 2025

Motion put to the States: Immediately after ""The Education (Governance Boards) Ordinance, 2025"", insert ", subject to the amendments below" and at the end of the proposition, insert the following: "Amendments: In section 1 - in the section heading for "Constitution" substitute "Purpose and constitution", and after subsection (1), insert – "(1A)The purpose of the governance board of a relevant educational establishment is to – (a)contribute to and promote the ethos and strategic direction of the establishment, (b)hold the headteacher and management to account in respect of safeguarding, educational standards, attendance, staff performance and professional development, (c)hold the headteacher and management to account in respect of the use of financial and other resources by the establishment, and (d)facilitate and promote the giving of effective and appropriate communication from parents, staff, learners and the community to the headteacher and management of the establishment.", (c)in subsection (2)(b) for "four" substitute "five", (d)at the end of subsection (2)(d) insert "and", and at the end of subsection (2)(e) for ", and" substitute ".", (e)delete subsection (2)(f), (f)in subsection (3)(b) for "six" substitute "seven", (g)at the end of subsection (3)(d) insert "and", and at the end of subsection (3)(e) for ", and" substitute ".", and (h)delete subsection (3)(f).".

Voting Pour delivers this

This further amendment to the Education (Governance Boards) Ordinance refines the governance structure, relevant to delivering effective education reform.

The Education (Governance Boards) Ordinance, 2025

Motion put to the States: Whether they are of the opinion to approve the draft Ordinance entitled "The Education (Governance Boards) Ordinance, 2025" and to direct that the same shall have effect as an Ordinance of the States subject to amendments below: In section 1 - in the section heading for "Constitution" substitute "Purpose and constitution", and after subsection (1), insert – "(1A)The purpose of the governance board of a relevant educational establishment is to – (a)contribute to and promote the ethos and strategic direction of the establishment, (b)hold the headteacher and management to account in respect of safeguarding, educational standards, attendance, staff performance and professional development, (c)hold the headteacher and management to account in respect of the use of financial and other resources by the establishment, and (d)facilitate and promote the giving of effective and appropriate communication from parents, staff, learners and the community to the headteacher and management of the establishment.", (c)in subsection (2)(b) for "four" substitute "five", (d)at the end of subsection (2)(d) insert "and", and at the end of subsection (2)(e) for ", and" substitute ".", (e)delete subsection (2)(f), (f)in subsection (3)(b) for "six" substitute "seven", (g)at the end of subsection (3)(d) insert "and", and at the end of subsection (3)(e) for ", and" substitute ".", and (h)delete subsection (3)(f).". To delete Clause 4(7) and replace with the following Clause: “4 (7)The Director of Education (or a person nominated by the Director of Education for this purpose) may attend one meeting of each governance board each academic year, or more frequently only at the – invitation of that governance board, or the direction of the Committee, where the Committee has reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a material failure in governance, safeguarding, financial management, or compliance with applicable law or policy, and has recorded such grounds in writing.

Voting Pour delivers this

The Education (Governance Boards) Ordinance, 2025 establishes governance structures for schools, directly advancing education reform to improve outcomes.

The Education (Guernsey) (Amendment) Law, 2025

Motion put to the States: Whether they are of the opinion to approve the draft Projet de Loi entitled "The Education (Guernsey) (Amendment) Law, 2025", and to authorise the Bailiff to present a most humble petition to His Majesty praying for His Royal Sanction thereto.

Voting Pour delivers this

The Education (Guernsey) (Amendment) Law, 2025 directly reforms the education system, bearing squarely on the promise to pursue education reform to raise standards.

Education Governance Board Sursis

Motion put to the States: To sursis consideration of the Projet de Loi entitled ‘The Education (Guernsey) (Amendment) Law, 2025’ and to direct the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture to return to the States with a revised Projet de Loi which— 1. revises and limits the Committee’s regulation-making powers ensuring that powers in respect of the constitution, powers and functions of Governance Boards vest clearly in the States of Deliberation by Ordinance and that the said regulation-making powers remain in-keeping with the scope envisaged by the Policy Letter, being to permit “operational changes to elements of the governance framework” to be made by the Committee for operational efficacy; and 2. sets out in full the proposed constitutional terms of reference of the Governance Boards, including their objectives, responsibilities and delegated and/or devolved powers, to apply from the commencement of the Law.

Voting Contre delivers this

This sursis motion sought to delay and revise the Education Amendment Law, so voting against it supports progressing education reform rather than stalling it.

Legislative Changes to Enable Implementation of the Open Market Part A Inscriptions Policy

Motion put to the States: 2. To agree to amend the Open Market Housing Register (Guernsey) Law, 2016 (and any relevant subordinate legislation made thereunder) regarding the transfer of Open Market Part A inscriptions to development properties, as set out in section 3 of the Policy Letter.

Voting Pour delivers this

Amending the Open Market Housing Register Law regarding transfer of Part A inscriptions to development properties bears on housing availability.

The States of Guernsey Annual Budget for 2026

Motion put to the States: 1. To agree that the amount of tax relief in respect of mortgage interest paid on a principal private residence remains at its present level of £3,500 and cease the phased withdrawal of tax relief provided on mortgage interest in respect of principal private residences.

Voting Pour delivers this

Ceasing the phased withdrawal of mortgage interest tax relief supports housing affordability, materially bearing on the affordable housing promise.

The States of Guernsey Annual Budget for 2026

Motion put to the States: To insert a new proposition: “1a.To direct the Policy & Resources Committee working with the Committee for Housing, as part of the Guernsey Housing Plan, to consider changes or alternatives to Mortgage Interest Relief, including other forms of tax relief, to better assist first time buyers and homeowners in greater need of financial support; and to revert to the States with recommendations no later than the 2027 Budget Report.”.

Voting Pour delivers this

Directing a review of mortgage interest relief and alternatives to better assist first-time buyers directly advances the affordable housing promise.

The States of Guernsey Annual Budget for 2026

Motion put to the States: 1a. To direct the Policy & Resources Committee working with the Committee for Housing, as part of the Guernsey Housing Plan, to consider changes or alternatives to Mortgage Interest Relief, including other forms of tax relief, to better assist first time buyers and homeowners in greater need of financial support; and to revert to the States with recommendations no later than the 2027 Budget Report.

Voting Pour delivers this

The carried version directing the P&R and Housing committees to consider alternatives to mortgage interest relief to assist first-time buyers directly bears on the affordable housing promise.

The States of Guernsey Annual Budget for 2026

Motion put to the States: To delete Proposition 1 and insert a new proposition: “1. To agree that the amount of tax relief in respect of mortgage interest paid on a principal private residence remains at its present level of £3,500 and cease the phased withdrawal of tax relief provided on mortgage interest in respect of principal private residences.”.

Voting Pour delivers this

Maintaining mortgage interest relief at £3,500 rather than phasing it out directly supports housing affordability for homeowners, bearing on the promise of affordable housing.

The Open Market Housing Register (Guernsey) (Amendment) Law, 2025 (Commencement) Ordinance, 2025

Motion put to the States: Whether they are of the opinion to approve the draft Ordinance entitled "The Open Market Housing Register (Guernsey) (Amendment) Law, 2025 (Commencement) Ordinance, 2025" and to direct that the same shall have effect as an Ordinance of the States.

Voting Pour delivers this

Commencing the Open Market Housing Register Amendment Law implements housing policy directly relevant to the promise of affordable housing for all residents.

Proposition 1d-f

Motion put to the States: AND (IRRESPECTIVE OF THE STATES’ DECISION ON PROPOSITIONS 1b OR 1c) d. supplies sold by registered charities should be exempt from the Goods and Services Tax and that provision should be made to allow registered charities to reclaim the Goods and Services Tax incurred on supplies purchased as outlined in section 8; AND e. the proposed International Services Entity scheme should incorporate international insurance services and e-gaming activities; AND f. The application of all other exempt and zero-rated supplies should be as outlined in Section 8.

Voting Contre delivers this

These propositions approved further details of the GST framework including charity exemptions, bearing on the promise to oppose GST.

Why this counts against the promise: Deputy Simon Vermeulen campaigned on firm opposition to GST, yet on 26 February 2026 he voted Pour on a motion setting out the framework for exempt and zero-rated supplies under a GST regime, a vote that advanced the implementation of GST rather than opposing it, contrary to his manifesto commitment.

Amendment 1

Motion put to the States: To delete all propositions and to substitute therefor: “1. To agree a goods and services tax shall not be introduced, and: (i) to rescind Resolution I. 1B. and Resolution I. 1C. of Billet d’Etat No. XIX dated 14th October, 2024 made on 8th November 2024; and (ii) to direct the Policy & Resources Committee to cease all preparations for the introduction of any goods and services tax.”. View this proposition's information page on gov.gg

Voting Pour delivers this

This amendment would have agreed that GST shall not be introduced and rescinded prior GST resolutions — directly aligned with the promise to oppose GST.

Proposition 1b

Motion put to the States: b. (i) the Goods & Services Tax should be applied at a standard rate of 5%, andthat all foodstuffs should be subject to the tax at the standard rate; AND (ii)an Essentials Cost Relief Payment scheme should be implemented as outlined in Section 4, with the fixed payment set provisionally (subject to review as set out below) at £520 a year for a single adult or £860 a year for a couple, reflecting the estimated annual GST incurred by a household on Income Support; and that the responsibility and administering of this payment should be added to the mandate of the Committee for Employment & Social Security; and that the payment should be increased each January in line with Income Support rates, the value of the payment being fully reviewed in line with the minimum income standard whenever that exercise is repeated;

Voting Contre delivers this

This motion approved introducing GST at 5%, directly contrary to the promise to oppose GST.

Amendment 2

Motion put to the States: To insert an additional proposition as follows: “5.To direct the Policy & Resources Committee to cease immediately all work on the introduction of any form of territorial corporation tax, including as part of the options being examined within the fundamental restructuring of Guernsey’s corporate tax regime, and to direct the Policy & Resources Committee to amend the Terms of Reference for the Tax Review Sub Committee by amending the first bullet-point under the heading “In scope” to read: “The taxation of company profits (specifically excluding a system of territorial corporate tax) having due regard to the need to maintain a tax system which is competitive, internationally acceptable and maintains tax neutrality;”.”. View this proposition's information page on gov.gg

Voting Pour delivers this

This amendment would have directed cessation of work on territorial corporation tax as part of tax reform, bearing on the promise of a broader tax base review.

Why this counts against the promise: Deputy Simon Vermeulen, who promised to oppose GST and support a broader, fairer tax base including a full review of individual tax caps and realistic revenue measures, voted Contre on 26 February 2026 on a motion to direct the Policy & Resources Committee to cease work on territorial corporation tax and narrow the Tax Review Sub Committee's scope accordingly, a vote that works against delivering his stated commitment to exploring broader and more competitive revenue measures beyond GST.

The States of Guernsey Annual Budget for 2026

Motion put to the States: 2. To endorse the intention of the Policy & Resources Committee to increase the Standard Charge specified in Section 5B(2) of the Income Tax (Guernsey) Law, 1975, as amended, from £40,000 to £50,000 in respect of the Year of Charge 2026 and subsequent years, by regulation under that subsection.

Voting Pour delivers this

Increasing the Standard Charge (tax cap) from £40,000 to £50,000 is directly relevant to the promise to review individual tax caps as part of a broader tax base.

Government Work Plan 2026-2029

Motion put to the States: Recognising the importance of a fit-for-purpose, accountable and high-performing leadership within the public service and supporting structures capable of delivering the Government Work Plan, and to enable political committees to exercise challenge, control and vision, to agree to mandate the Chief Executive, drawing on external expertise where appropriate, to lead a programme of organisational reform as a priority to deliver performance, culture and capability improvements across the public service, and to direct the publication of clear terms of reference, approved by the Policy & Resources Committee, and to further direct the Policy & Resources Committee to resource the programme as necessary to achieve these outcomes, reporting regularly on its progress to the States.

Voting Pour delivers this

The carried version mandating the Chief Executive to review leadership structures to enable political challenge and control directly bears on the promise to streamline committees and improve decision-making.

Government Work Plan 2026-2029

Motion put to the States: To direct the Policy & Resources Committee, working with Principal Committees, to establish a programme for zero-based budgeting, under which material areas of States’ expenditure are reviewed from first principles rather than by reference to historical baselines; and to require that the scope, methodology (including reporting) and initial findings of this programme be included by no later than in the mid-term Government Work Plan report, with the outcomes of such reviews used to inform Committee Work Plans, future budget proposals, and major policy decisions during the remainder of the term.”

Voting Pour delivers this

The carried zero-based budgeting programme reviewing States expenditure from first principles bears on the promise to review and improve States operations.

Government Work Plan 2026-2029

Motion put to the States: To insert an additional proposition as follows: “6.To direct the Policy & Resources Committee, working with Principal Committees, to establish a programme for zero-based budgeting, under which material areas of States’ expenditure are reviewed from first principles rather than by reference to historical baselines; and to require that the scope, methodology (including reporting) and initial findings of this programme be included by no later than in the mid-term Government Work Plan report, with the outcomes of such reviews used to inform Committee Work Plans, future budget proposals, and major policy decisions during the remainder of the term.”

Voting Pour delivers this

Directing zero-based budgeting across States expenditure is a structural reform of government operations, bearing on the promise to streamline committees and improve decision-making.

Government Work Plan 2026-2029

Motion put to the States: To insert a new proposition, as follows: “Recognising the importance of a fit-for-purpose, accountable and high-performing leadership within the public service and supporting structures capable of delivering the Government Work Plan, and to enable political committees to exercise challenge, control and vision, to agree to mandate the Chief Executive, drawing on external expertise where appropriate, to lead a programme of organisational reform as a priority to deliver performance, culture and capability improvements across the public service, and to direct the publication of clear terms of reference, approved by the Policy & Resources Committee, and to further direct the Policy & Resources Committee to resource the programme as necessary to achieve these outcomes, reporting regularly on its progress to the States.”

Voting Pour delivers this

This GWP amendment mandated a review of public service leadership and supporting structures to enable political committees to exercise challenge and control, bearing on the promise to improve decision-making.

QEII Marina Gate Replacement (and the Associated Infrastructure)

Motion put to the States: The States are asked to decide:- Whether, after consideration of the Policy Letter entitled 'QEII Marina Gate Replacement (and the Associated Infrastructure)' dated 18 May 2026, they are of the opinion:- 1. To authorise the Policy & Resources Committee, following consideration and approval of the Full Business Case, to approve the release of funding of up to a maximum of £10.7 million for the replacement of the QEII Marina gates and associated infrastructure, through an interest bearing loan of up to £5.35 million and a grant from the General Revenue Reserve of up to £5.35 million.

Voting Pour delivers this

The QEII Marina Gate Replacement policy letter directly authorises proceeding with the marina infrastructure project, squarely matching the promise to support investment in a Pool Marina.

Amendment 1

Motion put to the States: To insert at the end of the Proposition the following: “subject to inserting after “P.2026/31 – Committee for Housing – Legislative Changes to Enable Implementation of the Open Market Part A Inscriptions Policy” in paragraph (g) the following: “P.2026/38 – States’ Trading Supervisory Body – QEII Marina Gate Replacement (and the Associated Infrastructure) P.2026/39 – Policy & Resources Committee – Prioritisation of Legislative Drafting P.2026/40 – Policy & Resources Committee – 2026 Report on Extant States’ Resolutions”.

Voting Pour delivers this

This procedural amendment inserted the QEII Marina Gate Replacement item into the States schedule, enabling debate and progress on the marina infrastructure promise.

Proposition 4

Motion put to the States: 4. To approve the inclusion in the delivery stage of the Guernsey Dairy Essential Works project with a funding envelope of up to £6.0m; and to note that the States' Trading Supervisory Board will bring forward a separate policy letter, requesting approval for the inclusion in the delivery stage of the QEII Marina Gates Replacement project.

Voting Pour delivers this

This motion noted that the States' Trading Supervisory Board would bring forward a policy letter requesting approval for the QEII Marina Gates project, directly bearing on the marina infrastructure promise.

Government Work Plan 2026-2029

Motion put to the States: 2. To agree to classify the following workstreams as super priorities for the duration of this political term to deliver sustainable economic growth, and direct the Committees of the States to treat their work contributing to these workstreams as their highest priority: • Decide and deliver tax reform, • Clear and commence site development at Leale’s Yard, • Agree and advance a sustainable health and care system, • Shape and strengthen the focus on early years and families, and • Determine and design future harbour requirements.

Voting Pour delivers this

The GWP super-priorities motion includes 'clear and competitive business environment' as a super-priority, bearing on the promise of targeted support for key economic sectors.

Government Work Plan 2026-2029

Motion put to the States: To insert two additional propositions as follows: “6.To agree that maintaining and strengthening the Island’s economic capacity is fundamental to the successful delivery of the Government Work Plan and to note the following, which should be included in the consolidated version of the Government Work Plan to be published on gov.gg: “Economic development, competitiveness and productivity are enabling conditions which underpin the delivery of all super priorities set out in this Plan, rather than representing a discrete policy area or a competing objective. Economic growth, resilience or recovery (termed depending on prevailing financial conditions) materially strengthens the Island’s ability to fund public services, invest in infrastructure and meet community needs over time whilst actively promoting innovation. Economic development should therefore be regarded as a cross-cutting consideration informing prioritisation, sequencing and delivery decisions across the Government Work Plan. Responsibility for supporting economic development and long-term economic capacity is a whole-of-government responsibility. While specific policy levers may sit with individual committees, the economic consequences of decisions are shared across government and should be considered accordingly in the delivery of all super priorities.”. 7.To agree that in setting priorities, sequencing work and allocating resources under this Plan, committees should have regard not only to policy objectives and fiscal constraints, but also to the impact of proposed actions on economic activity, productivity, labour participation and the Island’s longer-term economic capacity, and where delivery of super priorities involves trade-offs with economic competitiveness or growth, those trade-offs should be explicitly identified and considered; and for this to be included in the consolidated version of the Government Work Plan to be published on gov.gg.”.

Voting Pour delivers this

This GWP amendment noted that economic development and competitiveness should be a core focus, bearing on the promise to support key economic sectors and entrepreneurs.