Ramsey commissioners say ratepayers in the town can enjoy a third year of a rates freeze.

A public board meeting last night saw lead member for finance Lawrie Hooper announce rates would be set at 348p in the pound.

The board says a report on revenue estimates for next year will be presented at the next public meeting on Wednesday, February 18.

Meanwhile, Marown Commissioners say there’ll be a 6.16 per cent rate rise in the parish this year.

The board met last night to discuss rates for the coming year, and decided on a rise from 146p in the pound to 155p in the pound.

They say it’ll equate to an average increase of around ?15 to ?20 per household a year.

In a statement, the board says it’s been forced to impose the hike because of costs being passed onto local authorities by the government and Marown doesn’t have enough reserves to compensate.