Government looks for $25 million

Wednesday,  February 15, 2006

A list of revenue sources is now being examined by the Government, where fees could be increased to raise the $25 million need for this year, with minimum impact on the public, Government Information Services said.

The Government said that some fees and charges are constantly adjusted, but others have remained the same for as long as 27 years. 

The new revenue, which is in addition to Government’s normal income, is needed in the July 2006 to June 2007 financial year to help finance capital projects including schools and roads, as well as more resources for the Police.

The Portfolio of Finance and Economics has compiled and presented to Cabinet a list of all government revenue sources, and Members of Cabinet are currently reviewing the document.

Called the “revenue register,” this list has also been sent to private-sector organisations and professional associations, seeking their ideas on how Government can raise the funds. 

The revenue register lists 190 fee types now collected by 18 government departments and agencies. 

These fee types have multiple sub-brackets that attract various charges.
As an example of fees that have not increased over the years, the cost of registration for a veterinary surgeon has stood at $40 annually since 1 January 1978. The same applies to the registration of an animal health assistant, at $10. Temporary registration of veterinary surgeons has remained at $5 per month over the same period.

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