Castletown’s rate is going down, by 14.66%, but householders must pay a new refuse charge of £135 a property.

As the town authority announced the rate, down to 291p in the pound, it called for a reform of the rating system.

Castletown Commissioners’ chairman Colin Leather said: ’My board have long felt that the current rating system is not fit for purpose and continue to lobby central government with regard to a more equitable rating system for the island.

’Castletown, as the ancient capital of Mann, is home to a significant number of historic properties with associated low rateable values.

’Throughout this political term, my members and I have striven to ensure that services in the town are administered in a manner that is fair and equitable to all of its residents.

’The board have therefore concluded that a reduction in the town rate and introduction of fixed refuse charge for domestic properties, is the fairest way to fund a service that all residents receive an equal benefit from.’

After the change, the average household will pay an additional £75.20 a year.

Mr Leather said: ’The cost of refuse collection and disposal, including the town’s contribution to the Southern Civic Recycling Centre, is the second largest cost to the town after staffing.

’Separating the cost of refuse services allows for transparency in the face of year on year increases from central government and contractors.

’Those who have long been the largest contributors to the town’s income will see a smaller percentage increase in their overall rates demand and whilst this may be unpalatable to residents with a low rated property, my board were unanimous in their desire to mitigate the inequity in the current system where some properties are effectively being subsidised by others in the town.’

Mr Leather outlined projects in the coming year.

’The riding bowl project has been receiving a lot of public attention in recent months, the efforts of our staff will be concentrated on the delivery of this project and the completion of the work around the town hall to ensure that it provides flat level access to all users.

’Concept plans for future improvements to play areas within the town are being developed and we hope to be able to share these in the near future.

’The plans for the redevelopment of the School Hill estate are being progressed and whilst the town rate does not fund local authority housing, we have also had to take into account the anticipated shortfall in rateable income from the properties included in this scheme.’