The Northern Local Authorities Swimming Pool Board has had to seek the sum of £46,000 from the government so that it can continue to operate a full service in the Ramsey pool , following the large hike in gas prices, as well as other inflationary rises.

The request to Department of Education, Sport and Culture met with the suggestion that the sum fall on northern ratepayers.

This pool first opened 13 years ago at a cost of £6 million and is self-financing, with any shortfall being met by central government, via a subvention from DESC.

The same arrangement applies to all three regional pools - northern, eastern and southern.

Chairman of the NLASPB and Ramsey commissioner Juan McGuinness described it as ’rate reform by the back door’.

The shortfall, he said, was not due to any frivolous or irresponsible expenditure, as investment in recent years on pool coverings and LED lighting had reduced running costs. The situation had only arisen due to extreme and unforeseen cost rises from third party suppliers with a background of a global pandemic.

’I am disappointed that following an investment of millions of pounds in building and running the pool for over a decade that central government funding has been restricted and it has been suggested that the increase be borne by the northern ratepayers,’ he said.

’It is hard to draw comparisons with the amount of money spent at the NSC on the lengthy renovation of the pool and flumes.

’If rate reform was to be considered, this is not the way to go about it and the approach taken by DESC feels disingenuous and against the department’s own strategies for provision of services island-wide in encouraging health and fitness in the community.’

Tim Cowin, Ramsey town clerk, added: ’Ramsey Town Commissioners have many elements to balance to create that is fair and equitable for the people of Ramsey.

’It is understood that this rate rise is to meet increased operating costs and without the rate rise services would have to be reduced to balance budgets. Cutting opening hours to cut operating costs would be counterproductive.

’The NLASPB brought this issue to the commissioners in January 2022. It is again understood that the swimming pool has had very little time to discuss and review this information and that DESC are driving the process as they are unwilling to increase their subvention.’

Ramsey Commissioners agreed to support Mr McGuinness’s stance by sending a letter to the department on the matter, which is due to be debated in Tynwald.

’I, as town clerk, will be writing to the DESC to express the commission’s disappointment at this enforced rate rise, and particularly at this late point in the rate setting process,’ said Mr Cowin.