Tynwald votes against carrying out local authority rate reform

Lawrie Hooper's motion to use a 'self declaration' method failed to gain approval 

A motion to investigate rate reform for local authorities and set up a select committee has failed in Tynwald.

Lawrie Hooper wanted to introduce a system of ‘self-declaration’ which is currently used for working out income tax and national insurance.

Mr Hooper’s motion was based on a Treasury consultation carried out in 2015, which he says more than half of the respondents and the majority local authorities agreed that a ‘capital value’ system would be easier to understand.

He also felt that the timeline of the information being brought by March 2026 was sufficient due to the information already being with Treasury:

However, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson told Tynwald that it should be left to the next administration to deal with.

He also added an amendment to Mr Hooper’s motion, which asked the court to set up a select committee to take evidence on rates, as well as the reform and restructuring of local authorities:

Douglas South MHK Claire Christian said the work could be carried out by the current members of Tynwald and could let the new members, who will be in position from Autumn next year, decide what to do with the report.

Meanwhile, Ann Corlett, who represents Douglas Central, said residents would like to see a ‘fairer system’ established but told Tynwald she doesn’t believe there’s a ‘will’ to sort it out within the next 12 months.

Dr Allinson’s amendment was passed, however when put to a second vote which included Mr Hooper’s initial statement about introducing capital value, members voted against it.