Braddan Commissioners’ 0.5% increase on the rates to 201p has been called ’modest’ by the authority’s chairman.

Andrew Jessopp told local democracy reporter Ewan Gawne that the board ’underspent last year’ and can therefore afford to be bear the brunt of increasing pensions and waste costs with only a small rise.

The authority has an expected rates income in excess of £1 million pounds for the next financial year, a third which will be spent on staffing costs. The remainder will predominantly be spent on waste disposal fees and community projects.

Mr Jessopp also hinted that changes to the recreation areas in Clybane, Snugborough and Cronk Grianagh Park could be due over the next year.

A reduction in the discount offered for early payment of rates was also introduced.