Deputy calls for transparency over States' pay

A deputy has called for greater transparency over senior public sector salaries.

Deputy David Goy asked questions under rule 14 of the States Rules' of Procedure about senior management remuneration and headcount on the States of Guernsey.

He asked how many public sector workers, classed as management or leadership, earned an annual salary of £85,000 or more.

In response, the Policy and Resources Committee said 389 employees from a total of 5,800 across the organisation had an annual full-time equivalent base salary of £85,000 or more.

Goy said the reason for the £85,000 figure was because it was "twice the average salary for employees in Guernsey".

"It's important to know what the remuneration for senior management is because it's good public information," he said.

"If the public understands how much senior management in terms of salary is being paid, then we can charge people what is fair and reasonable and [see] if there is anything that needs to change."

Goy said he did not get most of the answers to his questions, such as the States members annual salary and role.

In a response, the committee said it was committed to being as open with States members and the community as possible.

It said: "The committee believes it would be neither fair nor appropriate to publish the salary of employees alongside their job titles and place of work."

Speaking to BBC Radio Guernsey, Goy said the States was not private and was funded by taxpayers.

"We are the ones paying them and therefore we have legitimate reasons to understand and have a clear view of how much people are paid, especially on the top, so we can gauge for ourselves that it's something that's reasonable."

Deputy Goy said he has submitted another rule of 14 questions and has changed the criteria.

He said: "It's important for us to understand... It's good for statistics."

Goy said he was helping both the States and the community by asking these questions. Overall, it's a win win situation," he added.

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