The States of Guernsey Court house, where the local States Politicians meet once a month to debate island issues.

A body known as the States governs the island. At the head of the island's government are the Lieutenant Governor, who is the Crown representative, the Bailiff, who is also appointed by the Crown, and the Deputy Bailiff. They preside over the 45 Deputies who represent the 10 parishes on the island.

The work of the States is handled by a number of Committees set up to deal with various fields such as Advisory and Finance, Housing, Health, Education and Island Development. Some Deputies may serve on three or four of these Committees and are responsible to the States for their administration. In addition, a permanent civil service serves these Committees.

The States meet on the last Wednesday of every month, except August. In December it meets on the second Wednesday. An agenda, in book form, called a Billet d'Etat, is circulated to each member about 19 days before each meeting.

Taxes and duties are levied by the States, and differ considerably from those in the United Kingdom. Since 1960, income tax has been 20p in the £ for both individuals and companies.

If there is a States meeting while you are in Guernsey, you can go along and listen from the public gallery. The formalities and voting, carried out in French, underline the Norman origin of the island. The debate, of course, is in English. These debates are broadcast live on BBC Radio Guernsey

Guernsey Currency:

The States of Guernsey has been issuing its own currency since 1816, although this currency is tied to the UK sterling and has similarly shaped coins. The current note denominations are £1, £5, £10, £20 and £50 (Unlike the UK, the island is continuing to produce £1 notes as well as coins). Local coinage has been issued since 1830, before which French money was used. Local coins, known as doubles, were used up to the 1960's but Guernsey adopted decimal currency at the same time as Britain.