Port St Mary Commissioners to ask LegCo for consultation on Local Government Bill

Local authority says some clauses are 'inappropriate' for the Island

Port St Mary Commissioners will be asking the Legislative Council to reconsider the Local Government Amendment Bill.

It’s been through the House of Keys and the bill’s aim is to strengthen the terms of how mandatory functions of local authorities across the Island are carried out.

It’s also due to update how expenses are managed, pensions are regulated and byelaws are made within the local authorities.

The commissioners agreed that they weren’t happy with the bill, and felt that it had ‘lifted’ policies from the UK and are trying to apply them here.

Commissioner David Scott said the idea is ‘totally inappropriate’ for the way local authorities are run here.

Commissioner Jean Teare said the board should write to the Legislative Council and ask them to make sure the consultation processes for the additional clauses have been ‘adhered’ to.

This was unanimously agreed. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted the Department of Infrastructure for response.

An item which sparked debate was a discussion about housing and the Department of Infrastructure’s request for a list of housing plans.

Clerk Hayley Kinvig said she had looked at the area plan and found some land that could be submitted for potential development.

The corner of Park Road was suggested as a site, but the commissioners agreed only two houses would fit on the land.

Links Avenue, one of the local authority’s social housing estates, was brought up as potential redevelopment, but she said an audit confirmed the bungalows are suitable for a few more years.

The board agreed more social housing in the village is needed and would submit suggestions to the consultation.

Also on the agenda was the introduction of 20mph zones in the village by the DoI.

Mrs Teare said she had been contacted by some residents asking why they weren’t told that the changes were being made.

It was agreed by the board to put information on the noticeboards and include plans of what roads will be changing.

A commemoration service for the Mona’s Queen has also been organised by the board.

It will take place on 29 May and the commissioners have invited the Lieutenant Governor and local MHKs to the event.

Port St Mary Commissioners will next meet on Wednesday 26 March.