Guernsey’s parliament is called ‘The States of Deliberation’ and is democratically elected. There are no political parties in Guernsey.

The States meet on a monthly basis  (except in August).  They have a special meeting in December to consider the Budget and to debate the annual Policy Planning procedure.  The order paper for States Meetings is called the Billet d’État.   Items mainly take the form of States Reports submitted by Departments although from time to time Requêtes are submitted by States Members, (at least seven signatures are needed).  A Requête is in effect a Private Members Motion.  The Policy Council and the Treasury and Resources Department comment on the various proposals set out in the Billet d’État.  It also includes draft legislation for approval.

The States of Deliberation have the power:-

· To raise taxation
· To determine expenditure
· To pass legislation

The functions of Government are carried out by ten Departments led by a Minister who, like the four ordinary members of the Department, is elected by the States of Deliberation.

Corporate Centre

The Policy Council comprises a Chief Minister and the ten Ministers.  The Deputy Chief Minister is also elected by the States from among the Ministers on the Policy Council.

Treasury and Resources Department

Service Delivery Departments

Commerce and Employment
Culture and Leisure
Education
Environment
Health and Social Services
Home
Housing
Public Services
Social Security

Each Department comprises a Minister and four States Members elected by the States.  Each Department may appoint up to two non-States Members who do not have a vote.  Each Department elects a Deputy Minister from amongst the 4 States Members.

All Ministers must be Members of the States of Deliberation.

Committees

House Committee is made up of a Chairman and four States Members elected by the States

Legislation Select Committee comprises a Chairman and four States Members elected by the States.  The Committee may appoint up to two  Non-States Members who do not have a vote.

Public Accounts Committee includes a Chairman, four States Members and four Non-States Members elected by the States.

Public Sector Remuneration Committee includes a Chairman and four States Members elected by the States.  The Committee may appoint up to two Non-States Members who do not have a vote.

Scrutiny Committee comprises a Chairman and eight States Members elected by the States.

All Committee Chairmen must be members of the States of Deliberation.

Fore more relevant information regarding Government in the Bailiwick click here.