Message from the Connétable

Dear Parishioners,

With the Rates Assembly being held this evening, I fully appreciate that the proposed increase in the Parish Rate (13% not 16% as quoted by some parishioners) may come as a shock to some households, and I do not take the decision to increase it lightly. Cuts were already made to the budget prior to the final version.

It is important, however, to put the increase into context. Between 2010 and 2014, there was no increase in the rate at all. Since then, increases have generally been kept relatively small. While I have continued to do everything I can to keep the rate as low as possible, the reality is that the Parish now needs to address the gap that has built up over time.

There are significant demands on the Parish, including essential road repairs and larger projects that have been deferred for some time. At the same time, the Parish faces inflationary pressures beyond what households experience due to higher increases in material and operational costs.

I recognise that any increase places pressures on residents, however, bringing the rate to a more sustainable level now should put the Parish in a stronger financial position and importantly, help avoid the need for similar large increases in the future.

I have mentioned in the Connétable report that the largest risk on our Register is our mounting roads repair debt and so my aim is to make sure the Parish is properly funded to maintain roads, and deliver the services that ratepayers expect. I also hope that by taking these difficult steps now, we can avoid leaving a similar situation for whoever takes on the role of Connétable in the future.

Regards

Mark Labey

Connétable of Grouville