OAP club given first rates bill in decades

Chairman unhappy at handling of issue

A pensioners club in Onchan has been presented with its first rates bill in decades - and must pay up by the end of June.

A review by commissioners revealed the club has escaped the rates levy for decades - but it's not a registered charity, so is not exempt.

It's unclear how the organisation slipped through the net for so long.

Although the club's not been charged for the missing years, its  chairman David Quirk is unhappy at the way the issue's been handled.

He objects to his discussions with commissioners being published in a council minute.

Mr Quirk served on the commissioners' board during his time as the club's chairman, but did not query the absence of rates bills.

Mr Quirk admits the rates are due, but says it's a tricky situation: