Comments that increased rates in the south are in part down to a 37% hike in costs at the Southern Civic Amenity Site are inaccurate, the amenity site has said.

Costs have not risen by that much, the site said, but its method of accounting has changed.

The newly formed Arbory and Rushen authority has set its rate for 2020-21 at 130p in the pound, which will mean a reduced rate for Rushen residents but a 4% hike in Arbory.

Parishioners reacted saying they understood a merger would lead to a rate reduction, but the authority explained this could only happen after the merger in spring and show in next year’s rates.

They added: ’The costs for the amenity site alone have gone up by 37%.’

Port St Mary’s 2.5% increase to 346p is in part down to a ’37% increase in contributions to the Southern Civic Amenity Site, this accounts for 6% of our budget.’

The SCAS board, which is comprised of representatives from each local authority in the south, responded to ’some inaccuracies in recent statements made regarding the contributions made by the six member local authorities,’ said chairman Jerry Ludford-Brooks

The board, which is now managed by the authority in Port Erin instead of Port St Mary, has changed the way it does the accounting.

’In recent years, the local authority contributions have been requested based on the net operating figure for the site, thus assuming all budgeted income will be achieved.

’For various reasons the budgeted income has not been achieved and the site cannot continue to operate at a loss.

’As such, the board has resolved to base the local authority contributions from 2020-21 onwards on the gross cost of operating the site and provide an annual credit for any surplus generated (income), in line with The Southern Civic Amenity Site Board Order 2000.

’The local authority contribution for Arbory Parish Commissioners for 2019-20 was £36,188 which on a like for like basis can be compared to the estimated net parish contribution of £37,469, which is an increase of 3.5%.

’The costs have certainly not increased by 37%. The initial contribution has increased by that amount, however, the authority will receive a rebate at the end of the financial year.

’All costs of running the site have been fully reviewed at the board’s December 2019 meeting, with several savings and further opportunities identified for investigation.

’Some investment is required for the operation with equipment now at the end of its workable life and external pressures such as increasing costs from the Energy from Waste Plant ... impact the operating costs adversely.’