RAMSEY TOWN COMMISSIONERS SET RATE AT 445P FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2022-23
Ramsey Town Commissioners have set the rate for the 2022-23 financial year at 445p. This is a 7.2% rise over the 2021-22 rate which is slightly over the rate of inflation for the Isle of Man that stood at 6% in December 2021. The new rate will represent an increase in real terms of approximately 74p per week for a typical three-bedroom property within the town.
The rate for the 2021-22 financial year included a modest increase of 4p (under 1%) however the continued impact of the pandemic on material costs has made continued absorption of these rises untenable.
The 2022-23 rate reflects the pressures put upon the Commission by inflation, a proposed increased rate for the Northern Swimming Pool of 3.5p, preparation for a boundary extension public inquiry and the requirements placed on the Commission to invest heavily in its infrastructure for the present and the future of the town.
The Commission will this year:
* Repair and resurface the Station Road Car Park which will continue to be a free to use disc car park
* Repair and resurface the roadway and car park at the entrance to Mooragh Park
* Undertake the essential replacement of one of its refuse collection vehicles and put in place a rolling programme of replacement
* Repair, replace and upgrade over 50 street lights (there are almost 1,000 in the town)
* Invest in 155 new litter bins throughout the town to replace the current damaged and corroded bins
* Invest in the town’s decorative lighting
In addition, the Commission wants greater transparency and engagement with the public and its public Board meetings will be live streamed in the new financial year.
Juan McGuinness, Lead Member for Finance and General Purposes, commented:
“Following a detailed review of costs and projects the Commission has had to set a rate that is prudent and invests in our town. Inflation caused by volatile supply chains and unprecedented increases in price of goods coupled with central Government effectively enforcing a 3.5p rate rise for the Northern Swimming Pool are things that can not simply be ignored.
The Commission, through its budget process and ongoing review of costs and projects, has ensured that services will be maintained and enhanced, that important projects to revitalise and sustain Ramsey for the future are undertaken, and that the Commission’s infrastructure is upgraded and renewed.”
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