BRADDAN Parish Commissioners have announced that they have been able to retain the current rate level.
For the third year in succession ratepayers in the area will retain the rate of 227p in the pound.
The Commissioners said this was down to "careful scrutiny of the cost of core functions including waste disposal and the effective use of the authority's finances".
Even without a rate rise the Board of Commissioners said it is still heavily committed to providing improved services for the youth of the parish.
A spokesperson explained: "A large investment, in excess of £100k, is included in the estimates for play equipment at all the play parks. In particular Grianagh Park will see the creation of a BMX track and skateboard and BMX tricks area.
"The Commissioners also intend to upgrade play equipment in each of the three playgrounds to allow less able bodied children to participate - a matter that has been a wish of the Commissioners for some time now."
The Commissioners added that they had several other projects "large and small" in the planning stage including improvements to the facilities at the Memorial and Port Soderick halls and the upgrading of various lights in the Parish as well as the development of Strang Corner Field.
The spokesperson continued: "From April 2012 a key change is the partnership with Douglas Corporation to provide the refuse and kerbside collection services. Both form part of the waste management service and both authorities will be carefully examining opportunities for further efficiencies through closer co-operation with other like-minded authorities.
"However it's unfortunate that the board still has to make contingent provision to defend the legal action against the authority brought by Mr Lewin, the former clerk to the authority, as this money would otherwise allow greater investment in services, or facilities, in the parish."
Further details of the commissioners' plans for the forthcoming year, 2012/13, will be contained in their business plan which will be issued to all ratepayers in April.
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