Douglas Borough Council has set the rate levy for the 2011-2012 financial year at 387p. The rate, which is an increase of half a per cent over the previous financial year, was set and unanimously approved at a Special Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. Delivering his Annual Review and Presentation of the Budget Council Leader, Councillor David Christian JP said the public sector had a responsibility to be sensitive to the current economic climate and that the budget combined prudence with investment, ‘to continue the development of Douglas’. He said that it had been a ‘testing year’ for the Council but thanks to prudent management of resources, continued investment in capital schemes and developing partnerships with the public and private sectors much progress had been made. ‘Relentlessly challenging economic conditions’ had contributed to the modest rise in the rate. These included increases in vehicle excise duty and MEA tariffs, continued Government cuts to agency funding agreements for public service functions such as street cleaning and grass verge cutting, an increase in the waste levy and loss of car park revenue from April 1 this year when Lord Street car park site would be returned to the Department of Infrastructure. Investment in public sector housing would, however, not be stifled by the economic downturn with the budget anticipating investment of more than ?12,000,000 in the Council’s housing stock, supported by deficiency payments from the Department of Social Care. Additionally work on Pulrose phase eight, part of a three-phase ?17.6 million redevelopment of Upper Pulrose, had recently begun. Despite difficult economic times the regeneration of Douglas town centre remained a priority. Councillor Christian said: ‘The Council will, through this budget, commit ?2,000,000 of funding to deliver the lighting improvements and a completely overhauled system of town centre information and waymarking signs, which will contribute to creating an environment that will attract shoppers, visitors, businesses and in-bound investment.’ Refurbished playgrounds, a new BMX track in Noble’s Park, upgraded public conveniences on Douglas promenade, new barrier systems at three car parks and street lighting upgrading programmes, together with continued focus on improving environmental standards and a reinvigorated Douglas Community Safety Partnership demonstrated the Council’s resolve to invest and create a town that reflected its status as the capital of the Isle of Man. Councillor Christian added: ‘If this scheme is to succeed, it must be both a physical and a cultural regeneration. It must be this Council’s number one priority not just this year but until the scheme is completed.’ Concluding his Budget presentation Councillor Christian said he believed the Manx Government had ‘shown strong direction and chosen a prudent approach to rebalancing its books.’ He continued: ‘This Council is united in its resolve to face the challenges ahead with vigour. And that resolve is all the more determined thanks to the strength of partnerships that have been forged with the public and private sectors. The next 12 months and beyond will undoubtedly be a difficult time for us all. Against this background this Council has put in place measures that will achieve savings yet allow for continued improvement in service provision. In summary this Council remains committed to working to ensure a positive future for the Borough of Douglas.’ Council Leader David Christian’s Annual Review and Presentation of the Budget speech together with a ‘Budget 2011-2012 in Brief’ document can be downloaded from the Council’s website, www.douglas.gov.im Ends