Onchan rates up nearly 1%

Rates in Onchan will rise by just under 1% from later this year.

District Commissioners in the area have set the rate for the 2021-22 financial year at 326p in the pound, an increase of 3p on the previous year.

The Board says it's recognised the current economic climate and agreed a proportion of expenditure will be drawn from the Authority’s reserves to reduce some of the impact to ratepayers.

Vice-Chairman & Lead Member for Finance and General Purposes, Martin Macfarlane, says: "This budget has been challenging to meet the demands of natural inflation on products and services procured by the Authority while remained mindful of the financial pressures members of our community may be facing in response to COVID-19.

"I would like to thank Officers and Staff of the Authority for their careful and considerate financial management throughout this extraordinary year while remaining dedicated to delivering core services to support our community in a time of need."

Mr Macfarlane adds the financial standing of the authority remains comfortable with a good cashflow and health reserves.

Anyone with concerns about paying rates or social housing rent can speak to Onchan District Commissioners in confidence on 675 564.