THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT

SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS:

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER: Mr Marie James Daniel LAM HING  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT: Mrs Reshma BISSESOR

ACCOUNTANT/SENIOR ACCOUNTANT: Mrs Smeety SHAM-JODHUN

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICERS:

Mrs Babynaaz Fawziah KHEDUN (Income Section)

Mrs Vironika NAPAUL (Payroll Section)

Mr Gheerishan DABEEDIN (Expenditure Section)

PRINCIPAL PROCUREMENT & SUPPLY OFFICER: Mr Naushad BAHADOOR

The Financial Controller administrates the Finance Department of the council in conformity with the provisions of Local Government ‘Local Government act and the Finance Management Manual for Local Authorities’

He secures sound and sustainable management of the financial affairs of the Municipal Council and establishes treasury norms and standards to provide for matters connected therewith. He advises the Accounting Officer, The Head of Departments and other senior officials in all matters relating to finance.

The Finance Department is managed through 5 sections and is composed of 30 persons:

  • The Accounting Section
  • The Expenditure Section
  • The Income Section
  • The Pay Section
  • The Procurement Section

 

MUNICIPAL FINANCE

An Annual Budget is voted by the Council and same is approved by the Minister of Local Government

The main sources of the Council’s Income are:

  • Grant in Aid from Central Government
  • General Rates
  • Trade Fees
  • Permit & Rental
  • Publicity fees

 

The Council’s expenditure cost centres are inter alia:

  • Staff cost
  • Supplies and Services
  • Transport cost
  • Administration cost
  • Financial Charges
  • Sports& Cultural activities

The Local Government Act makes provision for the proper administration of the Local Government finance.

 

Income Section

Local Rate/General Rate

Local Rate is commonly known as General Rate.

Table of Local Rate/General Rate

NET ANNUAL VALUE OF IMMOVABLE PROPERTIES % RATE PER ANNUM
 0 – 1750 0.00
 1751 – 2,450 1.00
 2,451 – 3,875 8.00
 3,876 – 8,500 14.00
 8,501 – 12,750 16.00
 12,751 – 30,000 19.00
 30,001 – 35,000 21.00
 35,001 – 44,000 23.00
 44,001 – 54,000 24.00
 54,001 – 75,000 25.00
 75,001 – upwards 26.00
 GN 54 OF 1996 SCHEDULE (REGULATION 2)

 

Local Rate in respect of any year shall become due as from 1 July of that year and may be payable in 2 equal instalments – first instalment on or before 31st July and second instalment on or before 31st January.

Surcharge

Under the Section 99 (1) & (2) of Local Government Act 2011 where any Local Rate is not paid within the periods specified, a surcharge of 10% shall be applied on the amount of the rate due and payable.

Interest on Local Rate

Section 100 of the Local Government Act 2011 stipulates that an interest at the rate of 15% per annum is leviable on any sum due for local / general rate in the financial year in which it becomes due and payable.

Exemption from Local Rates

Section of 95(5) of the Local Government Act 2011 provides that the Council may, subject to the approval of the Minister remit the whole or part of the Local Rate payable on account of poverty.

Rate payers who wish to apply for exemption have to fill in the required forms which are available at the counter of the Income section.

It is to be noted that application for exemption from payment of Local Rate must be renewed each year.

Cash Counters

The business hours of our cash counters from Monday to Friday are 9.00 am to 15.30 pm.

A continuous service is also offered during lunch time.

Mode of Payments

Payment at our cash counters can be made by cash, standing order, cards and cheques.

For more information, please contact the Income Section of the Council.

Note: All ratepayers effecting payments through standing orders are requested to liaise with their respective banks and take appropriate action at their end so that payments are timely effected.

Yearly Accounts of the Council

The Local Government Act requires the Council to prepare yearly accounts at the end of the financial year to be submitted to the Director of Audit each year.  A copy of the accounts is available at the Municipal library for inspection by the general public.

Section 97(3) of the Local Government Act 2011 provides that the Local Rate is legally due and payable notwithstanding the fact that the ratepayer may not have received a claim for payment.