BOAT owners face further 'massive increases' to mooring fees in Weymouth Harbour to supplement council income.

Fees for residents are likely to be increased again as the council cuts back the residents' discount to save money.

Fees and charges make up £8.1m of the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's annual income, compared to £4.7m raised by council tax and £4.3m from the government.

The 'vital' source of income, which includes charges such as using the Esplanade and car parking, will be discussed in detail by several committees in the coming months.

At the economy and regeneration committee meeting last night, Coun Ian James said: "We hear that people are fed up of subsidising harbour users.

"That is a big misconception. Car parks and harbour charges are two of the biggest sources of income in this area. They subsidise our council tax."

He said the berth charges had gone up by 290 per cent for residents since 1996.

"If that was the council tax bill we would have a riot on our hands," he added.

Local boat owner, Terry Phillips, spoke to the councillors at last night's meeting. He said: "People who have already paid their taxes are facing fees that are unreasonable."

He said the council had been open about wanting to price local people out of their moorings to make more money and were increasing costs by up to £30 per metre.

Despite the extra charges, the moorings had few facilities in some areas, he said.

"We have a pontoon and some water," he said. "There is no parity between the sites of moorings. It costs as much to park a car here. It is unfair and unreasonable."

It was agreed in 2002 to reduce the residents' discount from 35 per cent to 10 per cent in five instalments. The council aims to reduce the discount to 15 per cent in 2005/6 to make £89,000.

It is also considering making instalment-paying boat owners use quarterly standing orders in the hope of reducing the number of people who don't pay up during the winter.

Council officers blamed the increased charges on the Government capping council tax rises to five per cent and refusing to raise grants to the council above inflation, leaving a possible £500,000 deficit.

The committee refused to make a recommendation on the proposals to the management committee until the 'task and finish' group that was investigating the plans before the elections regrouped to complete its study.