Douglas rates see below-inflation rise

The Island's largest local authority has announced a below-inflation rates rise for the coming year.

Douglas City Council says it's putting up rates by just under three per cent to 620 pence in the pound.

The decision was taken in a budget meeting earlier, when Council Leader Devon Watson told members about investment in play areas, improvements at Douglas Crematorium, and work on the promenade streetlighting.

He also called on the Treasury to speed up action on rates reform for dilapidated properties.