Chair Jackie Faragher says board 'taken aback' during budget process
Andreas Commissioners says the decision to increase the rates by 30 percent was 'not done lightly'.
The local authority announced one of the largest rates increases for the 2026/2027 financial year - now set at 188 pence in the pound.
It works out to be an extra £1.50 a week, and the board says the cost of everything is going up including its outgoings.
Chair Jackie Faragher adds that facilities provided by the local authority, including street lighting and public toilets, have to be paid for at a cost.
She says a war memorial refurbishment scheme, the uncertainty of the Northern Civic Amenity Site and an increase to swimming pool contribution have also led to the increase.
Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Ms Faragher:
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