Arbory and Rushen Parish commissioners are calling for greater transparency in a government consultation on quarry rates.
The authority said that it has been confirmed that a detailed financial impact assessment for the parish has not been completed.
The Treasury’s consultation on amendments to the Rating and Valuation Act 1953 proposes changes that could reduce the rates income local authorities receive from quarries.
While impact assessments for three other affected authorities were published, Arbory and Rushen was omitted from the appendix.
Understanding
Following enquiries from the Commissioners, the Valuation Office confirmed that two active quarries lie within the Arbory Parish boundary.
The board argues this omission denies residents a full understanding of the proposals’ potential impact.
Chair of the Commissioners, Kirrie Jenkins, said: “Arbory and Rushen residents expect fairness and transparency in the rating system.
“The omission of our local authority from the initial impact assessment was a serious oversight.
“With two quarries located in Arbory, any reduction in rateable value will have direct consequences for our community and for the services we are able to provide.”
The authority is now urging the Treasury to reissue the consultation with the complete data.
It said that leaving Arbory out of the assessment suggests rural voices are “treated as an afterthought, rather than an equal partner in shaping policy”.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation, which remains open until October 17 2025, via the government’s consultation hub.