Politicians reject £26 million 'Plan B' to maintain Guernsey's existing schools

Guernsey's Education Committee asked for £111 million to refurbish the island's dilapidated schools but were denied Credit: ITV Channel

The 'Plan B' proposed by Guernsey's top political committee to has lodged to revitalise the island's education infrastructure has been rejected.

The last-minute amendment from Deputies Bob Murray and Peter Ferbrache - from the Policy & Resources Committee - was asking for £23 million to maintain the current secondary and post-16 education buildings.

It's after plans from the Education Committee to spend £111 million redeveloping some of the island's schools were denied funding.

Speaking in the states, Deputy Ferbrache said it was "an absolute waste" to throw out Education's proposals.

He added: "We should be building for the future and not trying to maintain the past, what a shame.

The Chief Minister said he "wholeheartedly and unreservedly" supports the new Plan B, "but with great regret” that funding for the original 'Transforming Education Programme' was not approved.

Deputy Murray said this is "Plan B" as the island's education facilities "can't remain in limbo".

He added: "The Guernsey Institute has no capacity for growth so we will have to look at sending students off-island for apprenticeships for roles we depend on like health and construction.

"Six College of Further Education classrooms are unusable after the storm as roofs have blown off. We must spend millions on maintenance but we can't leave the building sector hanging in uncertainty."

23 states members voted against 'Plan B' whilst only 14 members supported it.

Guernsey's 2024 budget debate continues following a two-week adjournment.

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