Bin collections in Douglas will be reduced from weekly to fortnightly.

This will come into effect this year.

The move was approved at the Douglas Council budget meeting on Wednesday when it discussed the new rates.

It voted through a 3.8% increase in rates for 2022/23.

Claire Wells, council leader, blamed this on the rise in inflation and said the rates would have been higher without changes to waste services.

She said: ’[The rate has been set against] a background of rapidly rising inflation and influences outside the council’s control.’

Inflation rose to six percent in December 2021, a 1.4% increase from the previous month. The rate of inflation in the UK currently stands at 5.1%.

The bin service will alternate between recycling and black bin collections.

It was said to be saving around £25,000 per year.

This comes as energy from waste plant costs are set to increase due to inflation - it will rise from £95.66 to £97.53 per tonne.

During the meeting there were a number of concerns raised about the move as councillors said changing the frequency of collections would be unpopular.

However, others argued it was an essential move.

Mrs Wells said that she was ’surprised’ some services hadn’t been fully cut when putting together this year’s budget.

Douglas Council currently does about 600,000 general refuse collections and more than 100,000 recycling collections per year.

Eleven councillors voted for the rise, with one against.

Meanwhile, Port St Mary Commissioners has agreed on a rate increase of 1.5% for the 2022/23 budget, which equates to 354p, a rise from 349p last year.

In a statement, the board said it had ’worked hard’ to minimise the impact of rates on Port St Mary residents.

It added that there were several budget increases from external sources which were beyond the control of the commissioners.

These included the percentage rise in government salaries, which is unknown at this time, disposal costs at the energy from waste plant, the Southern Swimming Pool contribution, which has risen by 140% and the increase in contributions to the Southern Civic Amenity Site.

Port St Mary Commissioners ae intending to carry our several projects throughout the coming year, such as resurfacing the boat park, maintenance on garages owned and let out by the board, replacing flooring at the car park, and further investment in festive lighting in the village.

Port Erin Commissioners also announced an increase of 4.75% (331p) in its rates, up from the current 316p. This equates to 30p per week for a typical three-bedroom property in the town.

Godfrey Egee, chair for the commissioners, said: ’The current financial year has been affected by the ongoing operational challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic along with the significant inflationary increases faced not only by Port Erin Commissioners but the island as a whole. Increases in energy costs and food have added to the squeeze we are all experiencing regarding the cost of living.

’The Port Erin Commissioners have focused on providing a budget which is realistic and will allow the continued provision of excellent service for its ratepayers.

’Some costs are outside of the control of the board but those under its control have been reviewed and adjusted where possible and practical.’

It listed the same reasons as Port St Mary and Douglas for these outside costs.

Mr Egee added: ’Several of its current projects have suffered further delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic but the board is pleased that these are close to commencing. Works for the new commissioners depot, at Breagle Glen, and the new tourism site including glamping and a campsite at Ballafesson are both scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

’The delays to the proposed development of the Cosy Nook Cafe have been well publicised, and with the ongoing appeal against registration, the board is seeking to offer the site on a short-term lease whilst these matters are resolved.’