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cost over a period of ten years, the saving would represent a sum of £374 per
annum.
The question of an extended rate book is not dependent upon a yearly rate,
and now that the Ministry of Health have not altered the form under the provisions
of the new Accounts Regulations, it might be found practicable to adapt a form to
cover two years or even three. The Committee will appreciate that such a course
would be the means of saving some hundreds of pounds per annum, as it is obvious
that if two prints could be made to last five years instead of ten issues as at present,
the saving would be eight prints at approximately £374 each. There will, of course,
be a charge for extra rulings and paper which will be necessitated by the extended
columns to cover the lengthened period.
Further, the printing and postage of the October demand note would be saved.
This would represent a sum of £160 per annum.
I am of opinion that these savings can be made without any additional cost
in regard to clerical labour, in fact, it is anticipated that the spread of the rate over
the year, would obviate the pressure felt at each half-year, when new rate books
and demands have to be prepared. I appreciate, however, the introduction of
the system would create at first additional correspondence from my department.
It would take some time for the ratepayers to get used to receiving one statutory
demand note annually, instead of two, and explanations may be frequently
requested.
To summarise the position, the adoption of my recommendations would leave
the Council with almost the same freedom of action in the levying of a rate or in
the expenditure of monies over which they have local control, as they now have,
whilst there would be the savings indicated above and bank interest earnings,
which in the aggregate would at least amount to a figure exceeding £1,500 per
annum, and the ratepayers would still have the option of paying in full on demand
or by quarterly instalments.
If my suggestions meet with approval, I beg to recommend their application as
and from April, 1931, at which date the revised assessments arising from the quinquennial
valuation become operative.
Your obedient Servant,
ARTHUR GRIFFITHS,
Borough Treasurer and Controller.
The Finance Committee reported that they were convinced
that the suggestion of the Borough Treasurer and Controller was
based on a thorough appreciation of the benefits which would
accrue through the making of a yearly rate, and were of opinion
that the time was opportune for an alteration of the present procedure.
The Council resolved:— "That commencing with the April. 1931,
Rate, the General Rate for the Borough of Camberwell be levied
yearly, and that arrangements be made for the collection of the
said Rate either by payment of the full sum on demand, or by four
equal quarterly payments."
Rates.
Half-yearly rates raised to defray precepts and the expenses
of the Council have been made as follow :—
For the half-year ended September 30th, 1930 5s. 8d. in the £
For the half-year ended March 31st, 1931 5s. 8d. in the £