Scrutiny encourages Islanders to ‘share your views’ on Parish rates system
Scrutiny
22 September 2025
A Review Panel has launched a short survey to gather Islanders’ views on the current Parish rates system as part of a review exploring how the parishes and the Government of Jersey work together to deliver key services.Earlier this year the Parishes and Government Review Panel was established to examine how the two administrative bodies interact with each other to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services in a number of key areas.
The current rates system has been identified by the Panel as an area it wishes to explore further in order to better understand how it is applied by the parishes, and how it is perceived by the public.
The survey asks Islanders to share what they know about how Parish rates are set and what they are used for. It also seeks to explore their understanding of the appeals process and difference between Parish and Island-wide rates. Islanders will also be able to make suggestions on how they believe the current system can be improved.
Deputy Helen Miles, Chair of the Review Panel, said: ‘The rates system is essential for ensuring the Parishes have enough money to provide the services we, as Islanders, would expect. The law outlines which types of features and characteristics should be used to determine how much Islanders pay, whether they own the property or just live there.
However, it appears that each Parish has applied this guidance in a different way. This has resulted in confusion amongst the public, who have raised concerns with the Panel about the inconsistencies. Many have also shared that they are not fully aware of what these rates are used for or how they can appeal them.
One of the aims of this review is to assess whether there is a role for Government in ensuring that each parish applies the Rates Law in a consistent way, using common methodology. It is therefore vital that we, as a Panel, understand how people view the current system and better understand some of the challenges they are facing.’
The survey is available in both English and Portuguese and can be completed via the States Assembly website. Paper copies can be made available on request. The closing date for the survey is midnight on Friday 24 October.
Panel members will also be holding a number of pop-up stands during October and November where Islanders can speak directly to them about their experiences of the rates system. A list of dates and locations will be shared on the States Assembly social media channels in due course.
More information about the Review Panel, including its Terms of Reference, can be found on our website.
