Local government bill changes 'mitigate' issues

Changes brought by the Isle of Man's upper branch of parliament would "mitigate" some of the issues in a new local authority bill, the Chairman of Peel Commissioners has said.

Legislative Council has its final reading of the Local Government Amendment Bill later, which includes a clause that the Department of Infrastructure could impose new functions on local authorities without financial support.

It proposes introducing mandatory consultation with local authorities and financial impact assessments before the new functions are imposed.

Ray Harmer, chairman of Peel Commissioners said there was "no need" for the contentious clause - called clause 5 - and it left a "very bitter taste."

A lack of clarity over what services would be given and the intention behind the clause was raising "suspicion" and "deep concern" amongst local authorities, he said.

During a Legislative Council evidence session held in October, 16 of the island's local authorities spoke out against that particular clause, with one commissioner saying it would symbolise "death to democracy".

Other changes brought forward by the Legislative Council include that a new function would not be in force with immediate effect; the Department of Infrastructure will have to make an "appointed day order" if it needs to use clause five.

Legislative Council also proposes that the clause should be reviewed after three years.

Harmer said those changes "mitigate some of the problems with the bill."

He said: "It is ironic having something in the bill where they have to go back after three years to check if they still need it."

The Department of Infrastructure said it was "supportive of many of the amendments that bring additional clarity to clause 5 and provide greater reassurance to local authorities."

A spokesperson added: "The department thanks the members of Legislative Council for their careful consideration of this bill and for their help in progressing this important legislation."

Once Legislative Council has completed its final reading, the bll will go back to the House of Keys to consider the changes made by the upper branch.

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.