Commercial discount cut will be gradual

MUA chair disagrees with sudden drop

The chair of Manx Utilities says a removal of the 50% discount for commercial water supply and sewerage treatment was harsh.

The move was recommended in an independent report commissioned by the authority.

A new five-year pricing strategy for Manx Utilities is due to be debated by Tynwald later this month (Oct).

Politicians last year agreed to slash its debt by £95 million, on condition that customers' costs were 'balanced'.

Manx Utilities is still in debt of around £470 million.

Dr Alex Allinson says it was felt the complete removal of the discount wasn't reasonable - and instead they will introduce a gradual reduction in the discount available to businesses.