Rates hike for non-resident homeowners
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Rates hike for non-resident homeowners
by GD on Thu 18 Sep 2008, 9:51 am
Higher rates for non-resident homeowners than for resident homeowners in Alderney could be introduced as early as next year according to Richard Willmott, chairman of the island's Policy and Finance Committee.
Mr Willmott confirmed, at last evening's (Wednesday) States Meeting, that his committee has agreed unanimously to the principle of differential occupiers rates on most of the 396 homes in Alderney owned by non-residents.
The timing of the introduction of differential rates depends solely on the speed at which the Law Officers can complete the necessary legal work which will broadly follow definitions used in the UK to differentiate second homes for council tax purposes.
A detailed proposal for an Alderney Housing Association is expected to go before the States by the end of the year. Richard Willmott advised that a recent survey of States Housing will be followed by a business plan detailing the viability; structure and financing of a non-profit making association designed to deliver more social housing at affordable rents.
The need to bring existing properties up to standard and to build or replace others has long been flagged by the States as a matter of urgency.
And the cost of living in Alderney is set to rise yet further. Harbour charges for visiting cargo boats - other than those plying their trade between Alderney and Guernsey - are expected to be increased significantly to help offset the ongoing deficit at Braye Harbour.
The consequent increased cost of landed goods will probably be passed on to the customer but, as States Member Colin Williams commented, that simply follows the States stated policy of the user must pay. (from CIonline)
Mr Willmott confirmed, at last evening's (Wednesday) States Meeting, that his committee has agreed unanimously to the principle of differential occupiers rates on most of the 396 homes in Alderney owned by non-residents.
The timing of the introduction of differential rates depends solely on the speed at which the Law Officers can complete the necessary legal work which will broadly follow definitions used in the UK to differentiate second homes for council tax purposes.
A detailed proposal for an Alderney Housing Association is expected to go before the States by the end of the year. Richard Willmott advised that a recent survey of States Housing will be followed by a business plan detailing the viability; structure and financing of a non-profit making association designed to deliver more social housing at affordable rents.
The need to bring existing properties up to standard and to build or replace others has long been flagged by the States as a matter of urgency.
And the cost of living in Alderney is set to rise yet further. Harbour charges for visiting cargo boats - other than those plying their trade between Alderney and Guernsey - are expected to be increased significantly to help offset the ongoing deficit at Braye Harbour.
The consequent increased cost of landed goods will probably be passed on to the customer but, as States Member Colin Williams commented, that simply follows the States stated policy of the user must pay. (from CIonline)
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