E&I Looks At Charging Big Event Organisers

Friday, 15 September 2023 12:00

Organisers of large events which will need at least three roads closed to take place could soon be charged by the Environment and Infrastructure Committee.

The idea comes as part of a wider review into the committee's event organising processes.

It says hundreds of staff hours go into considering applications, looking over risk assessments and managing feedback from the public.

Vice President of E&I, Deputy Adrian Gabriel says the committee appreciates that many events have value to the community and raise money for charity, but the process needs to be the 'most efficient use' of taxpayers money.

"Given the current budgetary challenges for the States as a whole, we need to consider the impact on our resources of applications for complex events, but we must not rush into a decision as we need to understand the effect of any proposals we make.

Taxpayers are already covering the cost of facilitating these major events. So we think it is right to examine whether those benefitting from events should make a reasonable contribution."

While the committee consults with event bosses, it has stopped any new applications for 'major events' until at least 2025.

However, it says established events, such as Seafront Sunday and the Val Des Tarres Hillclimb will not be affected.