Reminder: parish rates are now due

In all, 582 invoices are outstanding, which means the parish is still awaiting £90,000-worth of rates,which represents a significant shortfall in parish revenues.

Payment, which covers the cost of refuse disposal and the Cadastre rate, can be made by post, at the Contables' Office by cash, cheque or card (also by phone) between 10am and 1pm weekdays.

It can also be made electronically by BACS – sort code: 30-93-73, a/c no: 02422523. If you choose to pay this way, please ensure you include the invoice number as the payment reference. This is very important so the payment can be linked to your account.

This reminder is being made because under the Parochial Taxation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2008, late payment can be subject to an additional charge of £25 a month or 10% of the amount outstanding and the Constables want to avoid parishioners being subject to the penalty.

Arrangements
Anyone experiencing difficulty is paying their rates is asked to contact the office (01481 244155) as soon as possible so arrangements can be made with them.

The douzaine has an obligation to collect all rates due and relies on the income to run the parish, collect household refuse and maintain the parish cemeteries.

This year, it will cost more than £680,000 to meet parochial needs.

The bulk, £421,721, is for the refuse rate to collect household rubbish, while a further £252,100 is needed for running the parish and the office. This includes £70,000 towards the ordinary upkeep of the Parochial Cemeteries. In addition, the Rector and Churchwardens need a total of £10,830 towards the ordinary and extraordinary upkeep of the church and other expenses.