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Consultation on rates system is a 'sham' says Ramsey MHK

Mon, 04 Mar 2019

A consultation regarding the rates system on the Isle of Man has been branded a ‘sham’ by a Ramsey MHK. 

Lawrie Hooper has launched a full scale attack on the Policy And Reform Minister Chris Thomas over the issue. 

Mr Hooper is questioning why Thomas is revisiting proposals that where rejected in a previous public consultation. 

He also claims that the omission of any ‘free text’ boxes for people to make their own views is further evidence of a 'sham consultation'. 

Social media users are claiming that Chris Thomas' consultation is a front for something that is a ‘done deal’ and that Treasury will press ahead with their preferred option no what the outcome of the consultation. 

Mr Hooper rounds again on Mr Thomas saying, “It’s a joke and you know it”.

Chris Thomas said there was a need to create an "appropriate and fair system".

An eight-week consultation which asks for views on the unequal distribution of non-domestic rates around the island and the use of domestic properties for business or charitable reasons, runs until 21 April.

The results will be published ahead of a debate at June's sitting of Tynwald.

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