Liberal Vannin leader Lawrie Hooper has called for a overhaul of the island’s rates system, advocating for a capital value-based model with self-declared property valuations.
The proposal revisits a 2015 public consultation which found majority support for valuing properties based on worth rather than area.
The Ramsey MHK criticised past attempts, such as the “area-based valuation” idea floated during COVID, as “mad” and lacking public backing.
“The government, the public, and local authorities all said capital value is the right way to do it,” he said. “But revaluing every house was seen as costly. The solution? Let people declare their property’s value themselves.”
Audits
Mr Hooper argued that self-declaration, backed by audits, would mirror systems like income tax and VAT.
“Most people know their property’s worth—mortgage valuations or recent sales give a guide,” Mr Hooper said. “If every house on the street is worth a million and one’s £25,000, that’s a red flag. But broadly, people are honest.”
The reform would use broad valuation bands (e.g., £100,000–£500,000) to simplify the process.
The MHK acknowledged disparities in rates between towns and parishes, particularly for all-island services like water.
“Ramsey’s water rates may drop, while parishes’ rise—that’s the reality of rebalancing,” he said.
Hooper stressed the need for fairness: “If the public wanted this system a decade ago, why overthink it? It’s not rocket science.”
The motion leaves specifics to Treasury but urges alignment with past consultation findings.
4 Comments