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Braddan Commissioners increase rates by just over 30%

It says actions of central government as well as loans for the roundhouse are the reason

Braddan Commissioners has increased its rates by just over 30 percent - the most of any local authority at this time. 

The increase to 351 pence in the pound is due 'very difficult challenges' the local authority says it's faced including general inflationary pressures as well as paying off loans for its new community centre. 

Chair Andrew Jessopp said the charges 'remain lower' than seven other authorities are and 'considerably less' than eastern neighbours - Douglas and Onchan. 

It says the board has taken a 'cautious' approach to estimating income from The Roundhouse and some of the increases in costs have been 'driven' by the actions of government departments.

The commissioners have also confirmed the annual waste disposal charge will be reduced to £50 per property for this year.

A spokesperson for the commissioners said: "In terms of the new community centre, the board feel that we have now weathered the storm, and when we get the new centre fully up and running, hopefully in April, it will become a fantastic benefit to the local community and the island in general.

"Taking a wider view of our budget we have made use of the opportunity to save money and improve the service to the parish by bringing in house some of the former external contracts, such as office cleaning, litter collection and amenity management.

"We have also budgeted, in conjunction with local residents, funds to appeal the planning application of Hartford Homes for the proposed Braddan Road site, which the board has consistently opposed.

The Chairman, Andrew Jessopp said: “The commissioners have had to make some tough decisions but feel that it is a realistic budget taking into consideration the responsibilities the authority have and the additional services it can now provide to its ratepayers.

The authority’s charges still remain lower than seven other authorities on the island and considerably less than it’s two largest neighbours.”

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