A number of local authorities in the island have indicated an ’interest’ in the potential for an all-island leisure rate.

The rate would cover amenities such as parks, pools and libraries.

However, the consultations and reform must represent the bigger picture and fairness.

During the Tynwald debate, Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas indicated that the island could see the introduction of an all-island leisure rate.

Mr Thomas is currently leading work on rates modernisation.

This, which will also go out to consultation, could see parks, pools and libraries all brought into a national scheme.

Phil Gawne, clerk of both Arbory and Rushen Commissioners said that the boards have stated to the committee exploring library reform that they seek ’fairness’.

Collaboration

Mr Gawne added: ’We have a good record of working collaboratively with our neighbours to deliver services and recognise that services such as library provision can best be delivered on a regional or whole island level.’

Chairman of Ramsey Commissioners Andy Cowie said: ’In Ramsey we are fortunate to have our own library service which is paid for by our rate payers.

’As a result of this, we don’t support the mobile library.’

Mr Cowie continued that he is ’interested’ in the consultation and would perhaps like to look at the bigger picture of collaboration between authorities in the north.

Mr Thomas explained to the Manx Independent that at present, the NSC is Douglas’ pool, but it is paid for by the taxpayers whereas in other areas such as Peel and Castletown, rates go towards these facilities. An island rate for such facilities would therefore make the system ’fairer’.

Mr Thomas told the July sitting of Tynwald: ’I just wanted to make sure that the chairman of this committee was happy, in the forthcoming rates modernisation consultation, for the concept of libraries to be included in the all-island leisure rate category and to make sure that the working group from government will pick that up.’

He has indicated that business rates could be used for community-based regeneration projects.

libraries

The select committee on library provision was last month directed by Tynwald to explore the potential for an all-island library service, following an amendment from Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK.

Mr Harmer’s amendment asks the committee to explore ’A Manx libraries’ structure to include options with outline plans for a future funding arrangement to include, but not be limited to, an all-island rate.

’Options and plans for future co-operation to include, but not be limited to, a shared catalogue, all island lending and return, all island library membership,’ it adds.

The committee is due to report back to Tynwald in December 2019.