Douglas Council approves 17p rate rise

3.77 per cent increase from April

Douglas Borough Council has approved a rate increase of 17p - up to 468 pence in the pound.

Eleven councillors voted for the rise at a meeting this morning (26 January) with one against.

The 3.77 per cent increase will come into force from April.

Council Leader Claire Wells said the budget must be viewed 'in the context of a difficult year' as the council strives to balance rising costs, associated with gas and fuel increases, whilst continuing to provide services for the town.

Despite the increase Councillor Wells said the local authority was committed to providing a new £2.8million eastern district civic amenity site and a new £250,000 skate park for Noble’s Park.

She also spoke of allocating £136,000 to improve attractions in Summerhill Glen and a £165,000 programme of restoration works to the town’s garden squares.