Islanders are being asked to share their views on the current parish rates system as part of a wider review exploring how government and the parishes work together to deliver key services.

The Parishes and Government Review Panel was established earlier this year to examine how the two administrative bodies interact with each other to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services in a number of key areas.

The current rates system has been identified as an area the panel wishes to explore further in order to better understand how it is applied by the parishes, and how it is perceived by the public.

A short survey has been launched to ask islanders what they know about parish rates and what they are used for. It also seeks to explore understanding of the appeals process, and difference between parish and island-wide rates. 

Islanders will also be able to make suggestions on how they believe the current system can be improved.

Parishes and Government Review Panel chair Deputy Helen Miles said: “The rates system is essential for ensuring the parishes have enough money to provide the services we, as islanders, would expect. 

“The law outlines which types of features and characteristics should be used to determine how much islanders pay, whether they own the property or just live there. 

“However, it appears that each parish has applied this guidance in a different way. This has resulted in confusion amongst the public, who have raised concerns with the panel about the inconsistencies. Many have also shared that they are not fully aware of what these rates are used for or how they can appeal them. 

“One of the aims of this review is to assess whether there is a role for government in ensuring that each parish applies the Rates Law in a consistent way, using common methodology. It is therefore vital that we, as a panel, understand how people view the current system and better understand some of the challenges they are facing.”

The closing date for the survey is midnight on Friday 24 October.

HAVE YOUR SAY…

The survey is available in both English and Portuguese, with paper copies available on request. 

Panel members will also be holding a number of pop-up stands during October and November where islanders can speak directly about their experiences of the rates system. 

A list of dates and locations will be shared on the States Assembly social media channels in due course.