A proposed change to rates could lead to significant bill increases for some residents in the south of the island, an MHK has warned.
Jason Moorhouse, MHK for Arbory, Castletown and Malew has advised constituents to respond to a consultation on the changes.
Mr Moorhouse said the government has “hatched a cunning plan, which has the potential to cost some Constituents a lot of money”.
In his post he references a “proposed discount and potentially a cap on the rateable value of quarries”.
Cap
The proposed cap to quarries would be based on the previous five-year average, reviewed every five years or as needed.
In its consultation, the government says the change is “intended as an interim solution, not a comprehensive overhaul”.
Shock
“There is a real risk, that people of Malew and to a lesser extent those in Arbory and Rushen could get a big shock with next year’s rates bill,” he added.
“Many people think rates reform is required, but any change MUST be done in the right way and be fully considered by ALL the stakeholders.”
Mr Moorhouse said that Arbory and Rushen Commissioners have already contacted the Treasury about this and it is on the agenda for Malew Commissioners next meeting.
Minimal
The government’s consultation says that the island’s eight quarries are sited in only four local authorities, “which does though magnify the impact of any changes”.
However, it adds: “Although three quarries (Billown, Stoney Mountain and Pooil Vaaish) are situated in Malew, estimations based on 2021/22 Financial Statements suggest that any impact on their income would be minimal.
“In fact, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of domestic properties in Malew so the impact on future income will be even less significant.”
For its part, the government says that the changes “could have a more significant impact” in Patrick where “figures suggest a 20% reduction in quarry rates would give rise to a 9.93% reduction in income from general rates”.