Mythbusting: What is a Parish Rates Assembly?
The 2025 Rates Assembly is fast approaching, but what is it and should you attend?
What is a Rates Assembly?
The Rates Assembly is an annual meeting of parishioners, its purpose being to present and take parishioners through the previous year’s accounts and business plan, following which questions can be asked and the accounts approved. The estimates for the following financial year are presented, and again, parishioners can ask questions, and once approved, a Parish Rate is set to meet the estimates.
What is the Parish and Island-wide Rate?
The Parish Rate is a tax on property/land in the Parish, the sum of which is applied to cover the general expenses of the Parish. An Island-wide Rate is applied and collected by the Parish, but the proceeds are paid to the Government.
The Constable, as head, and the Procureurs du Bien Public, as trustees of the Parish, recommend a Rate at the Rates Assembly. The Rate is based on the sum of money required to cover, as outlined in the estimates, the following:
- Day to day operating expenses
- Road improvements and maintenance
- Special projects deemed necessary by the Constable and Procureurs
- The amount required for Parish buildings and vehicles
Why is the Rate Assembly important?
The Rates Assembly enables parishioners to participate in the democratic process, to listen to and question the accounts, estimates, and business plan, and vote on the Parish Rate. It is your opportunity to be heard and influence what the Parish does. For example, the idea for the two new play areas in Parade Gardens was first raised at the St Helier Rate Assembly.
Can I vote?
Parishioners of St Helier can attend the Parish Assembly. However, to vote, you must:
- Reside in the Parish and be registered on the electoral register.
- Be the first named ratepayer, whose name appears on the current rate list. (In the case of share transfer property, the company holding the shares is deemed to be the owner/occupier).
- Be a Mandataire, a named representative of a company whose name appears on the rate list, paying owner or occupier rates.
What do I do if I wish to attend the Assembly?
It is recommended to speed up the administration process required on the evening and to avoid the disappointment of not being eligible to vote, that you register your attendance in advance. Please contact Parish Secretary, Alison Roberts, at either [email protected] or 811880 for further information.
Is it too late to register?
Should you not be eligible to vote, it is not too late to register for your name to be included in the electoral register. This can be done in the days leading up to the Assembly, in person at the Town Hall, or by clicking here.
When is the St Helier Rate Assembly?
The Rates Assembly will take place on Wednesday 16th July in the Town Hall at 7pm.