Douglas Council says it's not putting up its rates this year and leader David Christian has unveiled a huge new development in the heart of the capital.

The corporation is to spend ?12.7 million on a multi-storey car park, offices and library at Cambrian Place in Lord Street.

Councillor Christian described it as the biggest building project the local authority has ever undertaken outside housing schemes and said a planning application will be made next month.

But the scheme won't mean an increase in rates, which stay at 387p in the pound.

He explained how that has been possible: