No rate rebates for residents in Garff after uncontested election

The commissioners confirmed there are no 'mechanisms' in place

Garff Commissioners met last night to discuss a number of issues affecting the parish.

The local authority provided an update on the Northern Civic Amenity site following its release back to the Department of Infrastructure for management.

Clerk Martin Royle said the local authority had negotiated with the department about payment towards the site and confirmed it had been reduced to about £30,000.

He added that there is ‘certainty’ that the site will remain open for the next 12 months and believes an agreement will be reached after that.

The board also discussed the Local Government Amendment Bill which is due to go before the Legislative Council.

Chair Marinda Fargher said she and Commissioner Jamie Smith attended a meeting with other local authorities and it was agreed to send a letter to the members of LegCo expressing their thoughts about the bill.

Concerns were raised about the ‘vagueness’ and its lack of ‘boundaries’ regarding what functions can be imposed by the DoI.

Commissioner Aishlinn Creer said duties paid for by the taxpayers could fall under the remit of local authorities, like the running of the civic amenity sites did.

Ms Fargher said all the local authorities had agreed to send their own letter rather than have 21 signatures on one big letter as each area has their own issues.

The board agreed to invite its MHKs to a meeting and write a letter to the council outlining its position.

Commissioner Julie Pinson said she has had a number of residents ask her about the election budget and whether a rate rebate will offered to residents because there was an uncontested election.

The clerk said there are no ‘mechanisms’ in place for rebates and the money will go back to the general revenue fund and used for other projects.

And the group running the Skiff Shed will have their license renewed for another year to continue the project.

The group operates from a building on the promenade owned by the commissioners and has a nominal rent fee of £500 for the year.

The board also agreed to ask them for updates on the project.

Garff Commissioners will next meet on Wednesday, 7 May.