Rates to rise in Ramsey

Fri, 29 Jan 2021

Rates in Ramsey have been set at 415 pence in the pound for the forthcoming financial year.

That’s a rise of just under 1 per cent.

Commissioners in the town cited increasing costs and a number of improvement projects as reasons for the rise.

It will mean owners of a three-bedroom house will pay around 9.5 pence per week more than last year.

Higher disposal charges at the Energy from Waste Plant and the authority’s contributions to the Northern Civic Amenity Site have both been detailed as factors in the board’s decision.

Commissioners Chairman Andy Cowie called it a ‘below-inflationary rise’ to ensure ‘the needs of the town’ can continue to be met.

He said: “In an unusual year we have still managed to provide a broad range of events, meet all our operational targets and make a number of improvements to our assets, particularly with a focus onenvironmental benefits, whilst keeping within our budgets.

“This was achieved with careful management of our costs and the support of our team and we aim to continue this prudent financial management whilst maintaining the high level of service we strive for.  

“We continue to face increasing costs particularly from waste and inflationary impacts and have a number of improvement projects which need to be progressed to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of the town in the future, despite these pressures, a below-inflationary rise on the town rate has been determined.

“The Commission recognises the hardship and uncertainty being experienced by ratepayers as we all continue to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and we were humbled by the way our whole community has worked together during this challenging time. We look forward to a return to more normality in the coming months.”

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