Port Erin Commissioners has announced that its local authority rate for the forthcoming financial year will be set at 378p, an increase of 4.7% from the current rate of 361p. This increase equates to 38p per week for a typical 3-bedroom property within Port Erin.

Port Erin Commissioners’ Chair Mr Godfrey Egee announced, “The current financial year has continued to deliver many challenges which has impacted all of us on the Island. The Board is also very mindful of the ongoing cost of living pressures, so has again focussed on providing a realistic budget which maintains an excellent value service for its ratepayers. It is worthy to note that Port Erin Commissioners local authority rate equates to just 40% of the total rates bill residents receive, with  58.7% going to Manx Utilities and the remaining 1.3% to Rushen Burial Authority.

As the Board states each year, many costs are outside of its control, however the budgeting process ensures that all expenditure is reviewed and, where possible, and practical, adjusted.

With December 2023 CPI inflation standing at 5.2% and continued cost pressures on the operation, after careful consideration, the Board has agreed to release the £55,000 surplus made in the year ended 31 March 2023 from its rate reserves to absorb some of these pressures. 

The budget still provides for further investment in amenities around Port Erin including several streetlighting schemes and works within the Glens.  

The George Herdman Library continues to provide a fantastic resource with increased numbers of users across all ages seen over the past year, with various groups also making great use of the facility.

Following the recent well publicised issues faced by the Southern Swimming Pool, the Board has agreed an increased rate provision to ensure the pool is able to continue operating in the short term, but the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Government funding is a matter of concern which will be monitored closely. 

Our staff have settled into the new depot at Breagle Glen which has allowed us to repurpose the former depot and fire station properties within the village, which have been leased to local existing businesses and new start-ups. The recent public consultation exercises regarding public spaces provided a great insight into what people would like to see in the areas around those properties and the village, so we will be working on bringing some of those schemes forward over the forthcoming year. 

The Cosy Nook has been undergoing some winter works and with a new tenancy due to commence ahead of the forthcoming 2024 season. The incoming tenants have plans to reopen the inside dining area and improve weather protection on the outside dining area, which is great to see.

Port Erin Commissioners’ close working ties with Malew Parish Commissioners continues to benefit both authorities with other aspects and opportunities under ongoing discussion.”

Mr Egee concluded by adding, “It is both heartening and reassuring to hear people talking so positively about all that is happening in Port Erin and that it continues to be such a highly regarded place to live, work and visit.”

You can view the budget breakdown HERE. 

Issued by Port Erin Commissioners on 24 January 2024