Totally unreasonable' for council to compensate prom businesses, says council leader

The leader of Douglas Council says it’s ‘totally unreasonable’ for the authority to compensate those affected by the promenade scheme.

The council has been forced to take £100,000 out of reserves to budget for rate discounts, which a number of businesses have applied for.

It’s understood the Rent and Rating Appeal Commissioners have already approved a number of bids for rates rebates, with more expected in April.

David Christian says ratepayers should not be asked to pay for disruption caused by a national project.
 

His comments came at a council meeting today, where he announced a rate rise of 2.5% and set out budgets for the year ahead.

He spoke to Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne: