More time to comment on proposed rate changes

More detailed data about the proposals has been released by the Treasury

People have been given more time to comment on proposals to remove rate exemptions from dilapidated buildings and introduce a discount or cap for quarries.

The Treasury said it was to allow local authorities to consider more detailed information about how the changes would affect the amounts collected each year.

Concerns had been raised over the potential impact it could have on the income of some authorities.

As a result, the deadline for submissions to the consultation on changes to the Rating and Valuation Act 1953 has been extended from 17 to 31 October.

Those who have already contributed to the survey have also been given the chance to make changes to their comments based on the detailed information, the treasury said.

The proposed revision to the island's rating system included making the owners of properties in a ruinous condition pay rates where they previously had been exempted.

The detailed data shows that all but one of the island's local authorities – Ballaugh – would benefit from the removal of the exemptions for dangerous or ruinous buildings, with additional income totalling £255,976 if based on the rates set for 2025-26.

The amounts ranged from Santon, with three affected properties, receiving and additional £291, to Douglas, which has 135 eligible properties, benefiting to the tune of £148,483.

The figures excluded any rates listed separately on the demand, including the swimming pool rate, burial ground rate, refuse rate, fixed refuse rate, water rate and sewerage rate.

'Fall in rates income'

Under the current rating system, quarries are charged rates based on the royalties they pay to the government in the previous year.

The changes could see a discount of 20%, 33% or 50% applied and a potential cap on payments based on the average of the previous five years.

The consultation shows the income for four local authorities would potentially be hit by the proposals – namely Arbory, Bride, German and Malew – which would apply to the island's eight active quarries.

The total loss of income across the board would range from £34,206 if a 20% discount was applied to £85,516 if it was at 50%.

A treasury spokesman said the detail has specifically been focussed on "the impact to each local authority, rather than ratepayers" because each authority "may establish different ways of accommodating any fall in rates income".

The consultation, which would also see changes made to the rates paid by charities, has been made available online until 31 October.