All-Island business rate is 'totally' unacceptable says Council Leader

Policy and Reform Minister insists nothing has been decided

The leader of Douglas Council says the introduction of an all-Island business rate would be 'totally unacceptable', and result in a 'drastic cut in services'.

The proposal has been put forward in a consultation by the Cabinet Office aimed at making the local authority charges 'fair and transparent'.

It's suggested business rates could be collected by a central agency, with local authorities applying for funds in accordance with 'national community policies'.

David Christian says the Council is totally opposed to the proposal:

The Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas says nothing has been decided on rates modernisation, and an on-going public consultation on the issue is simply 'presenting the facts'.