THE long-awaited States debate on tax reform will take place the day after celebrations commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Liberation.

With the celebrations of the Liberation from occupying German forces still fresh in their minds, States Members will be turning their attention to the sales tax proposals that have divided public opinion.

The Fiscal Strategy will be debated on 10 May and Finance and Economics Committee president Senator Terry Le Sueur will be hoping to convince States Members to back his plans to: 1 Introduce a three per cent goods and services tax, fixed for three years.

2 Phase out tax allowances for people on high disposable incomes over five years.

3 Require Jersey residents to pay income tax on profits of companies in which they have a share.

4 Undertake research into environmental taxes.

Senator Le Sueur said that while Islanders’ minds would be on the celebrations for Liberation Day, he hoped States Members would be focusing their attention on the future of Jersey’s tax system.

‘This is a decision which has to be taken, and I think we have seen we can overcome changes to the nature of the Island and come out very successfully.

Here we are facing another change to the nature of the Island’s tax structure, and again I am convinced we can come out of it in a robust way, looking at the tax strategy together with the States Strategic Plan and Economic Growth Plan,’ said Senator Le Sueur.