Ramsey Town Commissioners Rates Set for 2026 to 2027
Ramsey Town Commissioners have approved the town rate for the 2026 to 2027 financial year, which will take effect from 1 April 2026.
The rate will increase by 18p to 528p, representing a 3.5 percent rise.
The Commissioners recognise the ongoing cost of living pressures facing households and the impact of rising prices across the economy. This increase reflects inflationary cost pressures, rather than any expansion of services or new spending commitments.
In setting the rate, the Board undertook a detailed review of budgets, service delivery, and future obligations, with a clear focus on limiting the impact on ratepayers while ensuring the town remains well run and financially responsible. The increase reflects rising day to day costs, including higher charges for waste disposal that are set outside the Commissioners’ control.
The rate also supports the ongoing maintenance and replacement of existing equipment and infrastructure, ensuring that services and facilities already in place remain safe, reliable, and of a good standard. This work relates to existing assets and responsibilities, rather than the introduction of new projects.
As part of the budget setting process, the Commissioners reviewed current practices across services to identify efficiencies and ensure value for money. A number of potential projects were deferred or rejected in order to keep the rate increase to the lowest possible level, without reducing services or compromising quality. Where possible, the Commissioners continue to take an invest to save approach, focusing on measures that reduce long term running costs.
There have been no reductions in services, and no short term cost cutting that would simply create larger problems in future years. The approach taken reflects the need to balance affordability with the responsibility to manage public services and assets properly.
The Commissioners also note that the town rate is separate from other charges, such as water and sewerage, which are set by external bodies.
Juan McGuinness, Lead Member for Finance, General Purposes and Establishment, said:
“We are very conscious of the pressures households are under, and that was central to our discussions. We challenged spending, reviewed how we operate, and deferred a number of projects to keep the increase as low as possible. This rise is driven by inflation and the need to properly maintain what the town already has. It is about remaining a responsible authority while continuing to provide value for money to ratepayers.”
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