Attempt to block mooring fees hike is lost by just one vote
A MOVE to block a big hike in harbour mooring fees was lost by a single vote in the States yesterday.
Both the Guernsey Boatowners’ Association and Guernsey Marine Traders’ Association had supported a proposal by Gavin St Pier to annul Guernsey Ports’ proposed increases, and had instead agreed to a 10% rise across the board. This was defeated by 17 votes to 16, with seven deputies absent.
‘The House was equally split and with seven people absent you have to wonder if the vote could have gone our way,’ said Guernsey Boatowners’ Association president Nick Guillemette.
‘With the increases that will now come in, in April, I know a number of people who will sell their boats and others who will be seriously considering it, and I will be one of them, as I don’t think these fees are justifiable.’
He said that he took one positive from the debate.
‘STSB have said they will reconsider mooring fee proposals for 2025 and 2026 based on the likely damage from next year’s increases. Hopefully they will consult with us in advance so we can have a meaningful discussion.’
The cost of marina berths will rise between 12 and 22% above inflation from April, adding about £400 to the annual charge for a medium-sized boat. The association had tried to raise a complaint with the Guernsey Regulation and Competition Authority about the rises, but it said it did not have the ability to intervene. Mr Guillemette was frustrated by this.
‘I think the competition law should be amended, especially if States departments bring in huge increases above Guernsey RPI without any brakes on the system.’
STSB president Peter Roffey said that STSB was charged with acting commercially by the States, and had to fulfil its mandate. ‘I don’t fear empty berths, I can’t be absolutely certain, as any business putting up its prices has to be worried about consumer resistance, but we do have a big waiting list,’ he said after the debate.
‘I don’t want people to leave, that’s why we tailored increases in such a way that smaller vessels saw smaller increases, but I do accept it won’t be popular and for some it will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I apologise for that, but at the same time its not fair on other islanders.’
In the States, page 7
