A number of local authorities have announced their final rates charges before the island-wide elections in April.

Most authorities have taken the opportunity to increase the amount residents will be paying.

The largest percentage increase unveiled so far has been in Marown where the commissioners have announced a 9.33% increase from £1.50 in the pound to £1.64 in the pound. However, the local authority does still have one of the lowest rates in the island.

Chairman of Marown Parish Commissioners Alison Lynch said: ’Despite the ever increasing costs associated with the Energy-from-Waste plant as well as responsibility for additional services handed down from central government, over the years the commissioners have endeavoured to run a balanced budget with minimal impact to the ratepayer.

’However, the cost of waste disposal has increased significantly, and also given the recent introduction of the Equality Act on the Isle of Man, we have decided to invest in new and replacement public amenities within the parish which we hope will be well utilised.

’The Commissioners appreciate that this is quite a significate rise at this time. However, Marown maintains one of the lowest rates of any parish authorities on the island.’

The other local authority to announce its rate on Thursday was Port Erin Commissioners which confirmed a 3p in the pound rise. Residents of the southern village have seen their rates set at 310p, an increase of less than 1% from the current rate of 307p.

Chairman Godfrey Egee said: ’The board is pleased to confirm that it has been able to apply an increase of just 0.98% to its local authority rate for the forthcoming financial year.

’I’d like to thank the excellent work by the current board not just over the past financial year, but over its whole four-year term to ensure the authority continues to operate efficiently, providing best value and service for its rate payers.

’A special mention must also go to our staff members have worked well delivering the projects and policies of the board over this period.’

Ramsey Town Commissioners have set the rate for the 2020-21 financial year at 411p, a 3 per cent rise over the 2019-20 financial year and broadly in line with the Isle of Man rate of inflation. The new rate will represent an increase of approximately 28p per week for a typical three-bedroom property.

Chairman Andy Cowie said: ’The commission is continuing its strategy to operate a sustainable budget that provides a planned approach to the updating and replacement of infrastructure and facilities whilst maintaining the high level of service we strive for.

’As well as the Commission’s day-to-day business, such as waste management, operating our library and street lighting we will continue to support the improvements and events that make Ramsey the great town it is: including our seasonal events and fireworks display.’

Ballaugh Parish Commissioners has also announced that at its recent meeting they set the parish rate at 120p in the pound, which represents a 5p increase on the previous year.

A statement from the board said: ’This rise, the first since 2016, is necessary due to a general increase in costs but in particular those incurred through the upgrading and maintenance of utilities and higher charges levied for the civic amenity site.’