Andreas rates rise 30.5% amid island-wide increases

Andreas Commissioners have announced a 30.5% rise to rates amid a raft of increases across the Isle of Man.

The local authority said the rise was partly down to anticipated increases in the operational cost for the Northern Civic Amenity Site, as well as rises in contributions to the Ramsey Swimming Pool.

Meanwhile, Michael Commissioners confirmed rates would go up by 23% to "build a financial resilience and create a robust reserve to ensure long-term stability and maintain continuity of services".

The changes, which come into effect from 1 April, have been put down to inflationary pressures and waste disposal costs by a number of local authorities.

Port St Mary has announced an 8.3% rise, blaming the maintenance of the play park and public amenities as well as refuse costs.

In Onchan, the local authority agreed to a 6.03% rise, with a third of that to be used to fund street lighting replacements and road improvements.

A 5% rise in Garff is down to "general inflationary pressures", the local authority has said, which will also be used to replace inefficient lighting.

And in Lezayre, rates will also rise by 5%, Santon Commissioners have approved a 4.8% rise on last year's rates, and the figure for the Jurby local authority will go up by 3.7%.

In the capital, rates will increase by 2.99%.

Council Leader Devon Watson pointed towards investment in play areas, public sector housing and infrastructure on Douglas Promenade in the 2026/27 budget.

Port Erin Commissioners have agreed to a 4.9% rise.

Chairman Hannah Mackenzie said it would "ensure Port Erin remains a vibrant and well-maintained destination that continues to attract the footfall our local shops, cafes, and services rely on year-round."

Meanwhile, rates in Ramsey will see a 3.5% increase, with the local authority saying that the change reflects an "inflationary rise, rather than expansion of any services."

Arbory and Rushen Commissioners have announced a 2.7% rise in rates, with chairman Kirree Jenkins commenting that the majority of parish rates were "driven by costs that are largely outside of the parish's control", such as waste disposal.

In Ballaugh, the local authority has increased the rates by 3.6%, which it put down to "uncertainty surrounding future costs of the Northern Civic Amenity Site, essential tree felling work, and a general rise in costs due to inflation."

Braddan Commissioners will put in place a 2.8% rise, with Chairman Neal Mellon commenting that the below inflation increase "reflects a well-managed, prudent and community-focused budget for the year ahead."

The first to announce their rates, Peel Commissioners has agreed to a 1.1% rise, which would support future projects and regular maintenance around the town.

However, not all local authorities will be increasing their rates, with Bride confirming there will be no change for residents, which they said was due to "careful stewardship".

For the fifth year in a row, Malew Commissioners also said there would be no rate increase, which it said was following a "careful review" of current and future finances.

Castletown Commissioners will decrease their rates by 3.1%, which it said would provide "much-needed support to our community without any detriment to the commissioners providing and investing in good public services."

And in Marown, the rates are set to decrease by 1.26% after a 22% rise last year which was due to "significant investment for street lighting."

Patrick and German are the last two of the 21 local authorities to announce their upcoming rates.

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.