Residents across Castletown may have noticed their household rates bills climbing for the 2026/27 financial year — but the local authority wants to set the record straight. Despite announcing reductions in town rates and refuse charges, overall bills have risen, leaving many homeowners puzzled. The good news? Castletown Town Commissioners says the increases are driven entirely by government-set charges beyond their control.

Local Cuts Overshadowed by Government Rate Hikes

Tony Brown, chair of Castletown Town Commissioners, has responded to concerned residents by clarifying exactly where the bill increases are coming from. The commissioners have actually made efforts to ease the financial burden on households, reducing their own charges for the current financial year.

What Castletown Has Done to Help

• Reduced the general town rate by 3p in the pound — from 398p to 395p
• Cut the annual fixed refuse charge from £230 to £220 per household

Where the Real Increases Are Coming From

Unfortunately, these local savings are being offset by significant rises in government-funded services. The government water rate has increased by 8.6p in the pound, while the sewage rate has climbed by 7.9p in the pound. These charges are part of the rates system but set by government rather than the local authority.

Brown emphasises that the bill increases "solely lie with government decisions" relating to services funded through the rates system. For residents in Castletown planning visits or considering relocating to this historic town, understanding your local costs is part of the bigger picture — though the commissioners are doing their part to keep town-level charges competitive.

Source: Read full article on ManxRadio