Port Erin Commissioners Announce Rate of 288p for 2014-2015 The Port Erin Rate for 2014/2015 has been fixed in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1985 [as amended] at 288p in the pound, an increase of 7p in the £ [approx 2.4%] over the 2013/14 rate. The past year brought change and challenges for Port Erin Commissioners. Major impacts were the dramatic increase in waste disposal charges, and the unexpected loss of the administration of Marashen Crescent Housing Committee. We are continuing to deal with significant and further changes to funding and provision, as the scope of government review progresses. Port Erin ratepayers are bearing the cost of the incremental increase in waste disposal charges for the Energy from Waste plant (“EfW”), as the central government subsidy on the gate fee is removed. Of the increase in this year’s rate, 9.7 pence alone can be attributed to increased gate fees. Our current forward estimate is that the increases in waste disposal charges alone will add between 8 and 10 pence per annum for the next 4 years or approximately 3% per annum. Port Erin Commissioners had provided administrative and management support to Marashen Crescent Housing Committee (MCHC), which is responsible for all supported housing located in Port Erin and Port St Mary, since its establishment in the 1960s. The sudden loss of this income stream has placed a strain on the budget, as, although the position of Assistant Clerk was not filled after the departure of the incumbent, because of the multi-tasking nature of our workforce, and the integrated nature of the MCHC administration, we were not able to fully effect equivalent savings. The Board of Commissioners is committed to seeking further savings, efficiencies and to generate additional income streams, as well as exploring development of working relationships with other local authorities to produce additional savings. Our Clerk and his team have a number one priority of implementing up-to-date systems and work practices to assist in generating cost savings. Whilst the outlook is challenging, the Commissioners will continue to improve the village amenities and environment within the constraints of available funds. In order to contain the increase in the rate as much as possible, the Commissioners have recognised that some spending areas must be reduced. Primarily, the ‘Entertainment of Visitors’ budget has been reduced by 25%. We recognise that these activities contribute to the economic and community wellbeing of the community, and in order to maintain and support as many activities as possible, we will be actively seeking sponsorship for events. The Commissioners remain committed to taking a realistic and prudent approach to their finances in these difficult times ensuring that we continue to provide value for money services for the ratepayer and community. We therefore propose of a rate of 288p for the financial year 2014-2015.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:04:33 +0000
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