Douglas rates will increase from April

Douglas Borough Council set the rate at 451 pence in the pound for the 2021-22 financial year following a budget debate held by the local authority yesterday.

Council Leader, David Christian, said Covid-19 had exacted ‘a heavy toll’ on the council’s finances, adding that, despite the negative impact being significant, it'd proved 'less than predicted and, crucially, manageable’.

Delivering his annual review and presentation of the budget, Mr Christian also stated the council had been sensitive to ‘the real economic uncertainty and hardship’ being experienced by ratepayers during the ongoing pandemic.

The 'covid effect' also impacted the finances of the borough in other areas, including a £54,000 income loss from the cancellation of the 2020 TT and Festival of Motorcycling, and cancelling the commercial rent increase for 2020-21 had cost in the region of £93,000.

The council had also had to meet additional expenses amounting to around £71,000.

Among other items this was to cover higher tonnage levels of domestic waste during the 2020 lockdown leading to additional gate fees at the energy from waste plant; extra cleaning regimes as coronavirus risk mitigation measures; personal protection equipment and procuring extra ICT resources to facilitate home working.