Port Erin Commissioners announce rate increase for 2018-19 Port Erin Commissioners has announced that its Local Authority rate will increase by 4.86% to 302p for the forthcoming financial year 2018-19. Following its meeting on 23rd January, Port Erin Commissioners’ Chairman Mr Nick Watterson announced, "The Board has considered the estimates and, having held the rate at its current level for the past few years, has agreed, in light of rising costs over the same period, to increase the Local Authority rate by 4.86% to 302p. We should maybe put this in context. Over the last 4 years Port Erin Commissioners’ rate has increased by only 3.57% against a 16.7% increase in RPI over that same period giving a saving of 13.13%. This has been achieved by our officers and staff, who have implemented a wide number of cost cutting measures and operational efficiencies whilst continuing to deliver an excellent service. It is also important to highlight that in the current financial year Port Erin Commissioners receive only 38.8% of the total amount of the Rates Demand paid by each property. So, for example, based on the current years Rates Demand, the rate increase of 4.86% would only add £18.86 to a Demand of £1,000 and £28.29 to a Demand of £1,500. Manx Utilities and Rushen Burial Authority may of course increase their respective elements of the Rates. This, however, is outside of our control, and is likely to have a larger impact on the overall Rates Demand received by each property. Our General Rate fund reserves remain healthy and the forthcoming year’s budget will, therefore, run at a small deficit allowing us to continue to pursue several exciting schemes which we are planning to see commence in 2018. These include improvements to children’s play areas, decorative street lighting schemes, beach access & activities, as well as several other schemes which will significantly benefit Port Erin for many years to come. We are also in active discussions with other Local Authorities regarding a number of collaborative opportunities to identify further cost savings for the benefit of Port Erin rate payers.” Mr Watterson concluded by adding, "I must thank my excellent fellow Board members, all the staff at Port Erin Commissioners and everybody else who has contributed to making Port Erin a great place live, work and visit. The Regeneration Scheme has been a very positive development, so I would also like to thank the local shopkeepers, business owners and their customers who kept the village going during the lengthy works.” Issued by Port Erin Commissioners on 25thJanuary 2018
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A budget breakdown can be found HERE.
For further information contact
Jason Roberts Clerk Port Erin Commissioners
Tel: 01624 832298 Email: j.roberts@porterin.gov.im
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