The Island's biggest local authority is suggesting it would struggle to limit its rate rise for the forthcoming financial year to the figure suggested by the government.

Leader of Douglas Council David Christian (pictured) doesn't want to ask too much of rate-payers in the current economic climate, but says the Town Hall has to consider its own costs.

They include wages and money spent on fuel and buildings, which he feels might not be covered by the proposed figure of four per cent. He told Manx Radio:

"We've indicated that the Manx Retail Price Index is likely to be around about six per cent. Those are the views that we have forwarded to the minister and at this time we await a response.

"One of the things we are looking at is our current list of capital schemes, and where a scheme may be desirable but not essential then we are looking to postpone those works to future years.

"So we are looking to keep any rate increase in the forthcoming year as low as we possibly can, bearing in mind the current financial climate."