Council to discuss rates alternatives

Douglas Council will meet later this week to discuss possible alternatives to domestic rates.

On Friday, councillors will gather for a special meeting where they’ll consider a report from the Borough Treasurer.

The local authority has been asked for its views on a petition for redress of grievance from Douglas man David Buttery, who wants to see rates scrapped and replaced with a fairer local services tax.

The Deputy Clerk of Tynwald has asked the corporation for its views on the subject before a Tynwald committee looks into the issue later this year.

Mr Buttery presented his petition to the court on Tynwald Day in 2009, but it was only picked up by West Douglas MHK Chris Thomas this year.

Douglas council will meet at 3pm on Friday, when councillors will decide what they’d like to submit to the committee.

After the public meeting takes place, there’ll also be a special private meeting immediately afterwards.