What is rates online?
The rates online service is a digital channel for the Parish rates assessment process.
Each year land owners complete almost 28,000 returns disclosing property details. These details are used to assess the rateable value of the property. Once the parish has determined the assessment the ratepayer has the opportunity to request a review. Property rates are issued based on the rateable value and collected from almost 44,000 owners and occupiers.
Why we need rates online
Rates online allows the increasingly large proportion of you who want to manage your affairs digitally complete their rates assessment online.
It also seamlessly integrates with the back office system, which reduces both the administrative work and cost associated with the paper based processes.
Benefits of rates online
The service provides greater convenience and service improvements. For example, you can easily compare an assessment with other properties.
Even if you prefer postal communications, you still have the added option to access the online service.
The digital process also reduces both the administrative work and costs that are associated with the paper based processes.
Challenges we faced
We needed to make sure that the online process was easy to use, easy to understand and free from jargon. We also needed to make it possible for you to access your confidential data securely. We used a two factor approach (email plus phone).
For those of you that prefer a paper based system, we included access codes (including a QR version) in your rates letter.
What’s next?
Rates online went live in July 2015, the first release of rates demands followed in December 2015.
In 2016 a fully digital service (paperless) went live together with a separate digital service for people with large property portfolios. Around 27% of owners have switched to the digital channel.
The focus going forward will be on expanding it's use and refining it in response to your feedback.
Business owner
The Supervisory Committee (the 12 Parish Connétables).
Project management team
Connétables of St Brelade and St Mary on behalf of the Supervisory Committee.
Business process transformation Terry Coutanche (teleologica).
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