The chairman of Ballaugh Parish Commissioners has accused the government and Ramsey Commissioners of excluding smaller local authorities from discussions about the future of the Northern Civic Amenity Site.
In a personal statement, Steve Curphey said communication regarding NCAS had been limited to a single letter from the Department of Infrastructure on February 27.
“This lack of engagement also extends to the previous committee established to oversee the site,” he said.
Mr Curphey said he had expected Ballaugh to be included in all discussions about the future management of the site.
Participation
“However, it appears that these conversations have primarily occurred between RTC and DOI without our participation,” he said.
He added that no information had been received about the contractor or the terms of the contract, despite only two weeks remaining until the deadline.
“Although Ballaugh Parish contributes less overall, its ratepayers pay the same percentage of Rateable Value to the NCAS as anyone else and therefore deserve equal participation in discussions and decision-making,” he said.
Mr Curphey said he has consistently advocated for continued management of NCAS by local authorities, but his confidence in the DOI and RTC had diminished.
“Should any discussions arise with the DOI concerning the future of NCAS, I intend to oppose any proposals that may adversely affect our ratepayers, unless equitable representation is ensured.”
Statement in full
This statement reflects my personal views and should not be considered representative of Ballaugh Parish Commissioners as a whole.
The recent announcement by Ramsey Town Commissioners (RTC) regarding NCAS was unexpected and has caused concern. Over the past year, while RTC managed the site on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure (DOI), communication regarding the future of NCAS has been limited to a single letter from the DOI dated 27th February 2026, outlining forthcoming developments. No further correspondence or discussions have taken place. This lack of engagement also extends to the previous committee established to oversee the site.
As a smaller local authority, our expectation was to be included in all discussions regarding the future management of the site. However, it appears that these conversations have primarily occurred between RTC and DOI without our participation. At this time, we have not received information concerning the contractor or the terms of the contract, despite only two weeks remaining until the deadline
Although Ballaugh Parish contributes less overall, its ratepayers pay the same percentage of Rateable Value to the NCAS as anyone else and therefore deserve equal participation in discussions and decision-making. Yet again, the government DOI and larger local authorities seem to be disregarding not only smaller local authorities but also the island’s tax and ratepayers.
Over the past two years, I have consistently advocated for the continued management of NCAS by the Local Authorities. However, my confidence in the DOI and RTC regarding this matter has diminished. Should any discussions arise with the DOI concerning the future of NCAS, I intend to oppose any proposals that may adversely affect our ratepayers, unless equitable representation is ensured.