Rate increase on the cards in Douglas

Mounting pressure on Douglas Council and the impact of the economic downturn could mean further bad news for the town’s rate payers.

Douglas Council will meet on the 24th of January to set the rate levy for the next financial year.

Ahead of the meeting, Council Leader David Christian is warning that these difficult times demand difficult decisions to be made.

He doesn’t state for certain that rates will rise but he’s outlined the issues that will be shaping the rate-making process.

Influences include rises in charges imposed by the government and the phased withdrawal of the £5.7 million subsidy which local authorities get for waste disposal.

Mr Christian says the council is having to take a long hard look at its future capital schemes and the services it provides.