Rates in Ramsey are rising by less than 1%.

The town’s commissioners have set the rate at 415p in the pound.

The authority says that new rate will represent an increase of about 9.5p per week for a typical three-bedroom property within the town.

Like all local authorities, Ramsey is faced with higher waste disposal charges at the Energy from Waste Plant (incinerator). It must also pay its share for the operation of the Northern Civic Amenity Site.

The new budge includes cash for improvements to the area around the water feature in Moorgah Park, enhancements to the lighting in the town centre, fleet updates and the continuing upgrade to low-carbon heating in a number of our properties.

In addition to the day-to-day business of the town the authority says it will continue to support events that attract more people to the town’s shops.

This year it plans to stage Ramsey Rocks as part of Ramsey National week, a community fun day in the Mooragh Park and the fireworks display on November 5.

Ramsey Commissioners’ chairman Andy Cowie 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 on environmental 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.’

Douglas’s rate rise: Page 10