Tynwald approves 'toilet tax'

Tynwald has approved the so-called toilet tax – despite widespread public opposition and a petition containing 6,300 names.

In a debate lasting two hours, even Chief Minister Allan Bell said the £50 flat charge was unfair.

Those backing it said it was needed to fill a £2 million hole in the finances of the Water and Sewerage Authority before it’s merged with the MEA.

However, those against argued a flat fee didn’t take into account people’s ability to pay and many areas without a sewerage system were being asked to contribute as much as those that had one.

Tynwald approved the measure by an almost two-to-one majority, and it’ll now come into being in April.