Over the past year, the States of Alderney have continued to make steady and positive progress across a range of key areas, reflecting a clear commitment to the wellbeing of the island community and to constructive collaboration within the Bailiwick.
In the field of infrastructure, Alderney has taken meaningful steps to maintain and improve essential public assets. A structured programme of road resurfacing has been undertaken in key areas such as Victoria Street and Braye Road, improving safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike. At the harbour, targeted maintenance works at Braye Harbour have strengthened sea defences and improved resilience against adverse weather conditions. In addition, ongoing support for Alderney Airport has included upgrades to safety equipment and operational facilities, helping to maintain reliable air links that are vital to the island.
We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to the States of Guernsey Deputies for their continued support in relation to the Alderney runway. This investment and commitment to maintaining critical aviation infrastructure has been essential in ensuring the ongoing safety, operability, and resilience of the island’s air connectivity. It is a clear example of effective collaboration within the Bailiwick in delivering infrastructure that is vital to both communities.
However, it is also recognised that connectivity remains a key challenge. Ongoing issues with the reliability, frequency, and resilience of air services provided by Aurigny and Skybus have had a tangible impact on the island. These challenges have affected not only residents but also the island’s ability to attract inward investment, support tourism, and enable business growth. The States of Alderney have continued to engage constructively with partners in Guernsey to seek improvements in service provision, recognising that stable and dependable transport links are fundamental to the island’s long-term economic success.
Closely linked to this is the importance of emergency medical connectivity. The States of Alderney continues to express concern regarding the resilience and reliability of the Medevac service, particularly given the island’s remote location and dependence on timely emergency transfers to Guernsey and beyond. Ensuring a consistently dependable emergency air ambulance service remains a critical priority for patient safety and community confidence.
In addition, there remains ongoing concern regarding the absence of a dialysis machine on the island. The lack of on-island dialysis provision means that patients requiring regular treatment must travel off-island frequently, placing additional strain on individuals and their families. The States of Alderney continues to highlight this as a key healthcare gap and to work with partners across the Bailiwick to explore sustainable solutions that improve access to essential treatment.
Financially, the island has demonstrated careful stewardship of public funds. The States of Alderney have successfully set a balanced budget, reflecting a disciplined and responsible approach to public finances despite a challenging economic environment. Through prudent decision-making and a focus on affordability, the Policy & Finance Committee has brought forward a series of important resolutions aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and transparency. These have included the adoption of a more structured medium-term financial framework, tighter controls on departmental expenditure, and clearer reporting mechanisms to improve oversight.
At the same time, Alderney recognises the wider fiscal pressures being experienced by the States of Guernsey. There is a clear understanding that the Bailiwick as a whole faces increasing financial demands, particularly in relation to public services and infrastructure. In this context, Alderney remains committed to working collaboratively and responsibly within the framework of the Bailiwick, ensuring that its own financial management supports, rather than detracts from, the overall stability and sustainability of the wider public finances.
Alongside this, the States of Alderney continues to strengthen its internal leadership and operational capacity. We are pleased to state the recent appointment of an excellent Chief Executive Officer, who brings 30 years of dedicated experience within the States of Alderney. In addition, we have also recently appointed a new Head of Finance, who brings 16 years of experience within the organisation. These appointments strengthen continuity, institutional knowledge, and financial governance at a senior level.
Healthcare and community services have also seen continued attention. Alderney has worked closely with partners across the Bailiwick to maintain and enhance healthcare provision, including improvements to patient transfer coordination and access to specialist services in Guernsey when required. Locally, investment in community care has supported older residents to remain in their homes for longer, with expanded domiciliary care services and support for carers. The Mignot Memorial Hospital has also benefited from incremental upgrades to equipment and facilities.
At the same time, Alderney continues to face the structural challenge of an ageing demographic. A growing proportion of the population is of retirement age, which places increasing pressure on services while reducing the size of the working-age population. Addressing this remains a key strategic priority, with efforts underway to attract younger people and families through employment opportunities, remote working, and a more accessible housing framework.
In response, the States of Alderney has also established an open office to support the relocation of new businesses and individuals moving to the island. This initiative is designed to provide practical guidance and streamline engagement with government services. Alongside this, there is a clear aspiration to develop population management approaches to help ensure that those moving to Alderney are economically active and able to contribute to the island’s long-term sustainability.
In the area of housing and development, property sales over the past year have remained strong, reflecting continued demand and confidence in Alderney as a place to live. However, there is a recognised need for increased supply, particularly more 2 to 3 bedroom homes to support young families, key workers, and new residents. Expanding this housing provision is essential to supporting population growth and addressing demographic imbalance.
In environmental matters, Alderney has continued to make progress through improved recycling services, waste reduction initiatives, and early-stage renewable energy exploration, including solar potential on public buildings. Conservation work continues in partnership with local organisations to protect the island’s internationally recognised natural habitats.
Economic development remains focused on diversification and sustainability. The Economic Development Committee has advanced initiatives supporting remote working, tourism strategy development, and private sector engagement. Alderney continues to benefit from strong community events and cultural activities that support the island’s tourism offering and community life.
Alderney’s contribution to the wider Bailiwick economy remains substantial. Through the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, the island generates an estimated £84 million annually for the Bailiwick economy, reinforcing its importance as a regulated international centre.
The Bailiwick Commission framework, underpinned by the 1948 Agreement between Alderney and Guernsey, remains central to this success. It enables the delivery of key public services through shared arrangements while supporting economic contribution and operational efficiency across the Bailiwick.
Planning and land use policy has also progressed, with work on the Alderney Land Use Plan providing a clearer framework for sustainable development. This includes support for housing, protection of environmental assets, and enabling infrastructure for future community needs.
Alderney is, in many ways, a small island community—often described as a village on an island—but its relationship with Guernsey remains of fundamental importance. That relationship is built on shared history, constitutional arrangements, and practical cooperation that continues to underpin stability and resilience across the Bailiwick.
Engagement with Guernsey has remained strong across policy, economic, and planning matters, ensuring continued alignment on shared priorities such as transport, investment, and development.
In parallel, Alderney has also strengthened engagement with Jersey, recognising the value of wider Channel Islands cooperation. There is clear potential for the islands to work more closely together in areas such as economic development, regulation, tourism, and connectivity, strengthening the Channel Islands’ collective resilience and international competitiveness.
The States of Alderney also extends a warm invitation to all Deputies of the States of Guernsey to visit the island, to see first-hand the progress being made and the opportunities available, particularly in financial services, digital industries, and construction and development.
Over the coming period, Alderney also welcomes the forthcoming visit of the German Ambassador. This visit provides an opportunity for reflection on the island’s Second World War history, including evacuation, and the significant post-war rebuilding effort that followed. That period of recovery remains an important part of Alderney’s identity and continues to shape its outlook today.
In summary, the States of Alderney has continued to demonstrate responsible governance, steady progress, and a clear focus on long-term sustainability. While challenges remain—particularly in relation to transport, healthcare resilience, housing, and demographics—the island continues to move forward with practical initiatives and a strong commitment to working collaboratively within the Bailiwick and across the Channel Islands.