Port St Mary rates are to rise by 9p, but Castletown and Port Erin rates will remain the same.

The increase, to 315p in the pound, equates to a rise of three per cent.

Castletown’s rate stays at 320p in the pound for the seventh year in succession while Port Erin rates remain at 288p in the pound for a fourth consecutive year.

Port St Mary Commissioners’ vice chairman, Rich Ashcroft, said: ’This is the first increase in our rates for several years. During that period we have taken on considerable additional responsibilities which have been funded from efficiency gains in how we operate.

’As our largest costs, such as staffing and the disposal of waste, continue to rise in line with inflation we, regrettably, require to increase our income to balance the books.’

Chairman of Port Erin Commissioners Nick Watterson, said: ’This shows that the administration at Port Erin Commissioners continues to demonstrate efficient working methods and management of its budgets.

’Significant investment has been made over the past 12 months, with the creation of a new play area at Erin Crescent, replacement festoon lighting along the promenade and a number of street lighting schemes, including replacement street lighting soon to be installed within the regeneration scheme on Station Road.

’The budget for this forthcoming year will allow the board to pursue a number of other exciting schemes.

’Provision has been made that a proportion of Port Erin’s reserves will be used to fund a replacement refuse vehicle in the following financial year and also to repay a number of long term borrowings.’

Castletown Commissioners’ chairman Richard McAleer, said: ’I am delighted that the board have again been able to constrain the cost of providing core services. We are acutely aware that there are areas of the town infrastructure that will require significant investment in the near future. There are pleasing signs of private investment in the town and the board will use the forthcoming year as an opportunity to review the direction of the town and bring forward a strategic plan to support future investment.’

We reported in last week’s Independent how other authorities had announced their new rate level.

This included an increase in Douglas of 6p, to 408p in the pound, a rise in Onchan of 2p, to 312p in the pound, a 14 per cent increase in Patrick to 160p, a 2p increase in Arbory to 117p, and a 10p rise in Rushen to 95p. Rushen also charges £65 per house for rubbish collection, up £2.

There were decreases in Braddan, down 2.44 per cent to 200p, and in Marown which dropped by 2p.

Rates in Michael, Lezayre and Peel remain the same as the previous year.