Port Erin freezes rates due to healthy reserves

Port Erin is the latest local authority to announce it's frozen its rates.

They'll remain at 288 pence in the pound for the next financial year.

That's despite the transfer of a number of services to the commissioners from central government over the last 10 months.

Commissioners say this means they now have "closer control" over the cleanliness of the village which is a "positive step".

Looking ahead they say waste charges are due to increase, and a small deficit is expected, which will be covered by their "healthy reserves".