Ascension : EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORT - 17th February 2009
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 26.02.2009 (Article Archived on 12.03.2009)

You may remember that, in my Executive Council Report last week, I said that consideration of proposed increases to a number of fees and charges had been deferred

You may remember that, in my Executive Council Report last week, I said that consideration of proposed increases to a number of fees and charges had been deferred to allow time for more information to be provided to Members. Today we therefore had a special meeting of the Council to discuss the proposals more fully.

The discussion was balanced and constructive. On the one hand, Members recognized the need at least to maintain the real level of charges for certain essential services, and to work towards a balanced budget as far as possible. On the other, they were genuinely concerned that any increases should not unacceptably increase the burden faced by many lower income families, especially given current economic conditions.

On this basis, the Council agreed to a proposal by the Chairman of the Public Health and Social Services Committee to adjust meat and slaughterhouse inspection fees; and to proposals by the Financial Secretary to raise vehicle licence and related fees, as well as certain administrative fees charged by the Legal, Lands and Planning Department. The increases were generally very modest, except in some cases where no adjustment had been made for many years

By contrast, Members decided to defer any increase in electricity charges. While recognizing the impact that this decision would have on the Government’s revenue, and respecting the established mechanism for determining charge levels, Members felt that it would be inappropriate now to add this burden to the community. They also considered that the Council might be better placed to make a decision on the issue when all six wind turbines were in operation, and contributing to reducing our current reliance on fossil fuel.

Members did not reach their decisions without a robust and lively debate, and the meeting ended shortly after 1.00 pm.

Andrew Wells

Acting Governor

17 February 2009