Rates arrears fall to just 85 – please pay now

Taking Vale residents to Petty Debts Court for rate arrears is always a last resort for the Douzaine but it has to collect what householders have been billed for.

The good news is that since the last reminder earlier this month, 205 accounts have been cleared, down from the previous 290, and that the amount owed has reduced from £45,500 to £13,316.

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.

"That's why we are urging people who haven't paid or who are experiencing difficulties to contact us immediately," said an office spokesperson.

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, which is why it has to treat payment so seriously. This year, a total of £250,000 needs to be raised to meet the running costs of the parish plus an additional £456,300 to cover the cost of collecting household refuse.

Anyone not paying their rates inevitably means that the remainder have to pay proportionately more, hence today's reminder.

Constables' Office
The Constables’ Office is located at Maraitaine Road, Vale, Guernsey, GY3 5QE.

Telephone: 01481 244155

Its opening normal hours are: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 13.00

Email: [email protected]