Port Erin Commissioners announce 'modest' increase to rates

Friday, 30 January 2026 06:15

By Emma Draper

Local authority confirms a six percent rise for the next financial year

Port Erin Commissioners says increasing its rate will support its plan to prioritise essential village infrastructure and community services.

It's been set at 404 pence in the pound which is an increase of 4.94 percent and equates to an increase of £22.04 per year (42p per week) for a standard 3-bedroom property in the village.

Chair Hannah Mackenzie says the board's focus for the next financial year will be a 'back-to-basics approach' and ensuring that 'primary efforts' are committed to ratepayers as well as supporting visitors who sustain the local businesses.

The local authority says the budget will support its work with the operators of the Cosy Nook, as well as a pursuing a capital scheme though its housing income, to 'modernise' St Catherine’s Terrace.

It will also be 'investing' in the glens to keep them 'well managed', maintaining a free library service.

She adds that the budget 'acknowledges' a forecast loss of income following the Reayrt Vradda project and adds a specific public meeting will be called about the situation 'imminently'.

Mrs Mackenzie also said: "To better serve our community, we have made the strategic decision to surrender the administration of the Southern Civic Amenity Site. By moving away from this regional administrative role, we are ensuring that our key officer focus is returned where it belongs: 100 per cent on the village of Port Erin. This change allows our dedicated team to spend more time on the ground, overseeing the local projects and services that directly impact your daily lives.

"Part of our commitment to you is being open about the path ahead. This budget acknowledges a forecast loss of income following the Reayrt Vradda project, which has not progressed as originally hoped. The board has already given a clear commitment to bringing information into the public domain that sets out how this project was brought forward, ensuring full transparency for our community.

"While this situation presents a financial challenge, our back-to-basics strategy is designed to absorb this shortfall by prioritising essential village infrastructure and community services over external projects. The board has decided that certain one-off costs, including legal fees in this matter, will be absorbed from our reserves. As a board, we have been disappointed by the public narrative presented by the liquidator and we reiterate that our priority is our ratepayers. We invite the liquidator to publicly share their proposals and details of the proposed investors so that the local community can then make their views known directly to us as a board.

"We believe that a beautiful, functional village is the best way to support those who live here and those who choose to visit us.

"We continue to support community spirit through event donations for key dates throughout the year, which bring life and business to our streets with the enthusiasm of our local traders association, and we have committed to investigate areas that can support visiting motorhomes in the heart of the village.

"This budget is a commitment to the quality of life in Port Erin. By focusing our time, energy and resources on our own village, we are building a stronger, more resilient community for everyone who lives, works and visits here."

Port Erin Commissioners announce 'modest' increase to rates

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