System reform needed before rates reform says political commentator

Island's 'patchwork' of authorities criticised 

Changes to how central and local government co-exist are needed before the issue of rate reform is tackled on the Island.

That’s the view of a political commentator who is questioning whether it should be higher up the political agenda.

Alistair Ramsay says previous attempts at major reform have ‘just failed’, and for many voters there is ‘no perception of an urgent or significant problem that needs solving’, making politicians reluctant to act.

However he argued the Island’s patchwork of local authorities, rooted in a structure dating back to the late nineteenth century and a rating system based on 1970s rental values, is ‘out of date and wonky and in need of overhaul’ before more costs or services are pushed onto ratepayers.

Mr Ramsay, a former journalist and government press officer, was speaking on Manx Radio’s Agenda programme to Political Correspondent Phil Gawne discussing issues around the upcoming General Election.

He highlighted confusion over who is responsible for key services such as waste and highways with overlapping roles between the Department of Infrastructure and local authorities making accountability harder.

Mr Ramsay said any future government must first set out clearly ‘what is the problem we’re trying to solve here’ and build a public case for change, warning that without a coherent review of local government, rates reform alone will remain politically toxic:

You can listen to the full episode of Agenda HERE.