Port Erin Commissioners has announced that its local authority rate for the forthcoming financial year 2021-22 will be set at 316p, an increase of 1.9% from the current rate of 310p. The new rate will represent an increase of approximately 60p per month for a typical three-bedroom property within Port Erin.

Port Erin Commissioners’ Chairman Mr Godfrey Egee announced, “The current financial year has been unusual to say the least and hopefully something none of us will have to experience again. I would like to thank the rest of the Board and staff of Port Erin Commissioners who have kept the village running smoothly whilst dealing with the challenges throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. The Board is also mindful of the uncertainty and hardship experienced by ratepayers as we continue to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been a testament to the residents of Port Erin the way the community has pulled together during this challenging time. We would encourage residents to continue to observe Government guidelines in the coming months and I am sure we are all looking forward to a return to more normality.

Several projects scheduled for the current financial year have unfortunately been delayed due to the Covid-19 lockdowns and border restrictions. The new multi-use games area at Breagle Glen is ready to be installed as soon as the suppliers can visit the Island. The new Commissioners Depot, also at Breagle Glen, has also been delayed by Covid-19 restrictions but we are encouraged that this project will commence before the end of this financial year.

It is pleasing that the Board was granted planning permission to establish a tourism site including glamping and a campsite at Ballafesson and it is looking forward to making progress with this over the coming months.

The planning application for the Cosy Nook Café has been well publicised and is still pending consideration by the Planning Division. A Building Preservation Notice was issued by the Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture which has delayed any planned progress until April of this year, at the earliest.

The Board remains committed to maintaining a viable and sustainable financial plan while continuing to invest in Port Erin and meeting increased costs. Prudent financial management over recent years has allowed the majority of those increases to be absorbed. Unfortunately, not all costs can be absorbed which has resulted in the 1.9% increase in the rate for 2021-22.

It is perhaps important to note that the rates within Port Erin over the past 6 years have increased overall by just 9.7%. Over that same period, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased 10.2% and the Retail Price Index (RPI) has increased by 22.7%.”

Mr Egee concluded by adding, "At the risk of repeating myself from last year, the Board remains committed to ensuring that Port Erin continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.”

You can view a copy of the rates budgets HERE.

Issued by Port Erin Commissioners on 29th January 2021