Urgent reminder for outstanding rates bills

In all, there are 122 invoices still outstanding and the amount owed to the parish is £18,250. Individually, the sums aren't huge – an average of nearly £150 per ratepayer – but the total sum is required for the proper administration of the parish.

Anyone who hasn't paid is urged to do so immediately or, if they are experiencing difficulties, to contact the office so arrangements can be made with them.

Payment, which covers the cost of refuse disposal and the Cadastre rate, can be made by post, at the Constables' 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.

Penalty
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.

The deadline for payment was June 12, so these amounts are significantly in arrears.

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.

• Taking ratepayers to court for defaulting on payment is always regarded as a last resort but recovering outstanding amounts has to be the douzaine's priority.