EDITOR -We have heard rumours that once again feelers are being put out with regards to introducing an Special Rates Area (SRA) in our area, ward 33.
And to make it worse our own ward 33 Councillor is investigating this matter further. I must add that no decision in that regard has been given to me, but I intend to obtain an answer, and thereby decide on which way I will vote in ward 33 next time around.
It is wrong for a sixty six and two thirds majority of property owners to be able to force a 100 per cent as mandatory inclusion in an SRA.
I say if “for profit” firms can't make sales and collect their own debts, why try to force the issue by tagging their service charge onto a property owner's rates account?
Council will sell a property in execution of debt if ratepayers are against the scheme and refuse to pay the SRA randage.
I know the council do not actively promote these UIP's (now renamed SRA's for Special Rates Areas) however, council do have a ready-made set of SRA Rules and Application Forms under which the private Section 21 companies must operate in order for the council to collect fees on their behalf. It is all ready made for submission to council each January.
Finally, unreasonable annual increases are announced by the Section 21 company providing the extra services, all of which attract VAT, and had these services been provided by the Council, no VAT would be charged. In other words you are getting less for your money by 14 per cent.
A scrutiny of the accounts and budgets of Umhlanga UIP on their website (who pays for the website?) show how steeply annual increases have been. Unusual items recorded are GRATUITIES. What's that about? Have a look and ask yourself the questions about the waste of ratepayers contributions.
James
Glenmore resident
