Positive parish rates outcome welcomed by Douzaine

This welcome confirmation came at the last douzaine meeting when members received a breakdown of how the rates demands  – more than £740,000 to meet parochial and refuse requirements – had finally been met by the parish's 4,769 households.

In all, 19 accounts were still outstanding from the June deadline with two facing court action for recovery and six others clearing their bills by installments. Explanations, including illness and inheritance issues, for the remainder were accepted by the douzaine after hearing that little more than £2,000 was left unpaid.

In full
However, after taking into account late payment penalties collected from slow-paying households, the remède, the formal request to the Royal Court for permission to raise parochial funds, had been met in full thanks to staff efforts over the summer.

The parish has always said that it takes people to court as a last resort and spends a lot of administrative time assisting those who may have difficulty meeting their rates to avoid having to do so. That said, there is an obligation on the Constables to ensure what's owed is collected, not least because uncontrolled arrears potentially increase what the other ratepayers have to contribute the following year.

A positive outcome such as this year's is in everyone's best interests.