Port
Erin Commissioners has announced that its local authority rate for the
forthcoming financial year 2022-23 will be set at 331p, an increase of 4.75% from the
current rate of 316p. This increase equates to approximately 30p per week for a
typical 3-bedroom property within Port Erin.
Port
Erin Commissioners’ Chair Mr Godfrey Egee announced, “The current financial
year has been affected by the ongoing operational challenges presented by the Covid-19
pandemic along with the significant inflationary increases faced not only by
Port Erin Commissioners but the Island as a whole. Increases in energy costs
and food have added to the squeeze we are all experiencing regarding the cost
of living.
The
Board and Officers of Port Erin Commissioners have focussed on providing a
budget which is realistic and will allow the continued provision of excellent
service for its ratepayers.
Some
costs are outside of the control of the Board but those under its control have
been reviewed and adjusted where possible and practical.
Provision
has had to be made in the rate regarding the uncertainty surrounding additional
potential costs to be passed onto Port Erin ratepayers for the Southern
Swimming Pool. The Board has strongly opposed the proposed increase from 2.5p
to 6p for the forthcoming financial year but the matter is now with Government.
Port Erin’s annual contribution towards the Southern Civic Amenity Site will also
be increasing by £13,687 equating to an additional 4.8p rate. This increase was
supported by the Board which will allow for much needed investment in the site.
These two contributions are responsible for over half of the increase in rate.
With
material costs having risen sharply over the past year and the current consumer
price index running at 6%, the pressures on the cost of operation have been carefully
considered by the Board which has agreed to release funding from its rate
reserves to alleviate some of these pressures.
Several
of its current projects have suffered further delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic
but the Board is pleased that these are close to commencing. Works for the new Commissioners
Depot, at Breagle Glen, and the new tourism site including glamping and a campsite
at Ballafesson are both scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
The
delays to the proposed development of the Cosy Nook Café have been well
publicised, and with the ongoing appeal against registration, the Board is seeking
to offer the site on a short-term lease whilst these matters are resolved. For
many years, Port Erin Commissioners’ office has been a collection point for Treasury
issued rate demands, which has provided an income equivalent to around 1p rate.
The Board has agreed to cease this practice meaning that Port Erin Post Office should
receive additional customers and income, which will hopefully assist in ensuring
the future of such an important community asset.
Port
Erin Commissioners’ close working ties with Malew Parish Commissioners
continues to benefit both authorities with additional areas being explored to
further improve value for ratepayers.
The
Board is considering library membership options for non-Port Erin rate paying
members and will raise these with the other local authorities in the coming
weeks.”
Mr
Egee concluded by adding, "Port Erin continues to be a great place to live,
work and visit. The diligence of the Board and its staff along with the excellent
businesses and fantastic community groups makes Port Erin a very special place.”
Issued
by Port Erin Commissioners on 27 January 2022
607 words
Link to 2022-23 BUDGET
For further information please contact:
Jason
Roberts, Clerk, Port Erin Commissioners
Email j.roberts@porterin.gov.im
Tel (01624) 832298
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