Douglas Council leader backs rates shake-up on derelict properties

Devon Watson says reform will improve fairness and stop ratepayers subsidising neglectful landlords

The leader of Douglas City Council has welcomed government plans to reform rates exemptions on dilapidated and ruinous properties.

Treasury is intending to bring forward new legislation that would require landlords of such properties to pay rates in full, as incentive to bring them back onto the market.

Devon Watson says the change could bring in a small rise in revenue - perhaps a percentage point or two - but argues the real issue is fairness.

He believes it’s wrong for ordinary ratepayers to effectively subsidise landlords who fail to maintain their properties.

Manx Radio's Christian Jones sat down with him to discuss his thoughts on housing issues raised at the 2025 Isle of Man Government Conference: