Sark residents asked their thoughts in tax review

Saturday 28 September 2024

Printed on both sides of two A4 pieces of paper, the document isn’t large but it could have a big impact for the Dark Sky Island.

Closing certain tax ‘loopholes’, taxing seasonal workers, 'Bed' and 'Plate' taxes are all on the billing for islanders to have their say on in Sark.

The review - published in the agenda for the Michaelmas Chief Pleas meeting, which happens on Wednesday - asks residents to rate how they feel about the 12 proposals with a '1 - 5' tick box, with ‘1’ rated as 'Strongly Disagree' and ‘5’ as 'Strongly Agree'.

Pictured: Sark residents are being asked their views on tax proposals.

‘Proposal A’ asks whether or not the current Tax System is fair, with ‘B’ seeking thoughts on closing a tax loophole which allows residents to pay a lower rate of tax if they have ‘tourist accommodation’ or an ‘office’ registered at their property. 

‘Proposal C’ asks whether or not new residents should pay a Personal Capital Tax after completing 3 months on Island, whilst ‘D’ wants to know if islanders would support restricting the amounts of residents in a dwelling if they opted to pay the ‘Minimum Tax’.

Seasonal workers could see themselves taxed on a pro-rata rate, which would vary depending on their time spent on island if ‘Proposal E’ get’s public support, whilst ‘Proposal F’ asks whether islanders should pay less Capital Tax if they’ve spent more time on Sark. The bigger percentage of a year they spend on the island, the less they pay essentially. 

Now onto ‘Proposal G’ which some would see as the main course. It asks islanders whether or not they support a tax to encourage development of  dilapidated or derelict properties. This tied to the recent announcement the island would like to boost their population numbers. 

Pictured: Run down and dilapidated buildings have become a talking point across the Channel Islands.

‘Proposal H’ would see a two tier tax system brought in, and the creation of a ‘local market’ who would pay a lesser amount.

Proposals ‘I’ and ‘J’ would see the introduction of taxes that would focus on amenities. The “Plate Tax” would see diners pay a small levy for eating in a restaurant, whilst the “Bed Tax” would see a small fee introduced for visitors staying on the island. With a larger cost if you’re staying in a hotel, lesser if you’re at the campsite. 

‘Proposal K’’ asks islanders how they feel about a new tax introduced if it results in social spending. On things like education, housing and medical care. 

Lastly ‘Proposal L’ which aims to raise funds from residents who stay on island the shortest time possible. The government-approved scheme would see “a significantly higher tax rate levied” at islanders who stay the minimum required time. 

Pictured: Chief Pleas will be asked to discuss the review as islanders have their say.

The review is open through to 11 October, but will be discussed in Chief Pleas by representatives at the Michaelmas Meeting on 2 October.