Arbory and Rushen Commissioners says two 'active quarries' missing from consultation

Arbory and Rushen Commissioners says it has concerns about Treasury's quarry rate consultation excluding one of its parishes from its valuations. 

The local authority says Arbory has two 'active' quarries in the parish and no 'detailed impact assessment' has been carried out for the area. 

The consultation includes proposals to reduce or cap the rateable values of quarries, which the commissioners believe could reduce rate income.

It adds the 'exclusion' of Arbory from the consultation has 'denied' local residents the opportunity to understand and comment fully on the potential financial impact.

The local authority says leaving Arbory out of the assessment suggests that rural voices are treated as an 'afterthought', rather than an 'equal partner' in shaping policy.

Chair of the commissioners Kirree 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.”