DEPUTIES will have an opportunity to overturn Public Services’ controversial marina fees increase.

The rise has caused considerable disquiet in the boating community, which is dismayed by what it sees as a lack of consultation on the charges.

But the mechanism that allows the department to increase fees above the rate of inflation without prior reference to the States also means it has to be produced in a Billet d’Etat as a regulation.

Although that would not be a debatable item, it nevertheless provides an opportunity for members to call for a vote on the rises and potentially throw them out.

Members of the Public Services board were yesterday unavailable for comment because they were in a meeting.

But large-boat owner Andrew Ozanne said minister Bernard Flouquet ought to have a forum to answer accusations about lack of consultation.

‘He should be given the opportunity to hold meetings so users have the chance to understand,’ he said. ‘A lot of this is because there was no warning – it’s forced on people who have no choice.’

Mr Ozanne is an architect and owns a 47ft boat.