Braddan Commissioners are setting the local authority rate for 2021/2022 at 224p in the pound.

It’s a hefty rise. Last year it was 203p in the pound.

The board says 2021 will be a notable year for the parish with investment in schemes either beginning or coming to fruition whilst still maintaining, unchanged, all their other services, such as kerbside recycling, waste collection, street sweeping, hedge cutting and byelaw enforcement.

The year will see the opening of its 30 unit housing block at Union Mills, and also the start, in April, of their £6.5m community centre at Strang Corner Field.

In addition, the board were also able to budget for further investment in the Cronk Grianagh Park with the provision of a toilet block and covered seating area.

The authority’s other major project for 2021/22 will be the refurbishment of its playgrounds at Clybane and Snugborough.

The commissioners’ chairman, Andrew Jessopp, said: ’Thanks to careful management, the board has been able to lower the rates gradually from their height of 230p in 2008/9 but, after many years in the planning, we now feel the time is right to invest in exciting, new facilities for the residents and ratepayers of Braddan.

’Obviously the board are always reluctant to increase the rates, even more so in light of the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, however, we feel that the new facilities, including Strang Cornerfield, will be of huge benefit to the community; and are facilities that are currently lacking at present.’

He added; "We believe the provision of a £6.5million community centre will represent excellent value for money for our ratepayers and will provide much needed extra facilities . It will include a multi-use sports hall and event venue, gym and yoga studio, chemist, dentist, coffee shop, nursery, children’s indoor soft play area, an outside playground and an extensive green area which incorporates an exercise track.

It will become a "centre" for Braddan and we are excited about the opportunities it will provide to expand our services to Braddan ratepayers."