Alderney Residents Do Not Need Ambulance Subscriptions — Costs Covered by Local Taxes

Alderney residents told ambulance cover is paid for by local taxes

Islanders in Alderney do not need to take out a subscription to use ambulance services, the Guernsey Ambulance and Rescue Service has confirmed. Ambulance responses in Alderney are funded directly through the States of Alderney via local taxation, rather than by individual fees or subscriptions as in Guernsey.

The reminder came after Guernsey launched its 2026 subscription scheme, following a review that found one in four people without a subscription used ambulance services in 2024. The service emphasised that Alderney residents remain covered for ambulance call-outs when visiting other islands and for transfers using the Flying Christine III marine ambulance.

Local funding model and service provision

Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said the service continues to provide a full-time, professional ambulance presence in Alderney. He explained the funding difference clearly:

"Alderney operates under a different funding model to Guernsey, which means when someone calls an ambulance in Alderney the costs are covered directly by the States of Alderney through the tax system."

Mr Mapp also noted that when the island's service was previously run on a voluntary basis, residents were encouraged to make donations to help cover running costs. That changed when Ambulance and Rescue assumed professional responsibility for the service.

What this means for islanders

• Alderney residents do not need a separate ambulance subscription for local call-outs.
• Coverage extends to call-outs on other islands and service by the Flying Christine III marine ambulance.
• Guernsey residents and visitors should check the 2026 subscription scheme details for that jurisdiction, as funding and fees differ.

For further information or to send story ideas, the service advised contacting channel.islands@bbc.co.uk and following BBC Guernsey on social media.