A special meeting of Douglas Borough Council will be held on Thursday January 24th 2013 to set the rate levy for the 2013-2014 financial year.

The meeting will begin at 10am when Council leader Councillor David Christian will present his annual review and deliver his budget speech.

The impact of the continuing economic downturn and mounting pressure on the Council’s resources has determined much of the rate-making process, as Councillor Christian explained. ‘Rises in charges imposed by government and its phased withdrawal of the ?5.7 million annual waste disposal subsidy to local authorities are just some of the grave new economic realities to which the Council has had to respond. Against this sobering economic background the Council is having to take a long hard look at its future capital schemes and service provision priorities. These are difficult times demanding difficult decisions to be made.’

The meeting is open to the public and will take place in the council chamber of Douglas Town Hall.