Ramsey Commissioner's concern over future of town's dilapidated properties

Comes as consultation considers shake-up of rates system

Ramsey Town Commissioner Juan McGuinness is questioning whether enough groundwork has been done ahead of plans to remove rates exemptions on dilapidated and ruinous properties.

Currently, landlords don’t have to pay rates on buildings in that condition.

But new Treasury legislation would change that to encourage redevelopment.

Mr McGuinness estimates there are around 67 such properties in Ramsey and fears the move could have unintended consequences if not carefully managed:

A consultation is currently open asking for people's views on how rates are applied to certain properties.

It's a six-week exercise proposing amendments to the Rating and Valuation Act 1953.

Treasury says the changes aim to make targeted improvements to the way rates are applied in relation to four specific areas: dangerous or ruinous buildings, rebate schemes, quarries and property owned by charitable organisations.

The proposals include:

• Removing rates exemptions for dangerous or ruinous buildings to: discourage long-term vacancy; and promote property upkeep to bring more into economic use

• Allowing greater local flexibility in rebate schemes by removing the requirement that all such schemes are funded by the Treasury

• Introducing a discount and potential cap on the rateable value of quarries, recognising their unique nature

• Clarifying the treatment of property owned by charitable organisations, to ensure consistency and transparency in how rates are applied