Concerns have been raised in Tynwald over the lack of public consultation regarding a proposed new joint board to oversee the Northern Civic Community Site, with questions also asked about the timing of a new operating contract.
The DoI is currently consulting on a draft order to establish a Northern Civic Community Board. It would comprise eight members, with representatives from the northern parishes, Ramsey Town Commissioners and the department itself.
Responding to a question from Lawrie Hooper, Minister Tim Crookall confirmed the site is due to close this Sunday and will be handed back to the department next week.
It is anticipated a new operator will be announced shortly, with the site scheduled to reopen on April 1. The new board’s governance arrangements would then be put to Tynwald for approval in May.
Why?
Mr Hooper raised concerns about the lack of public engagement and questioned why the department would have a voting seat on the board without contributing financially.
“Does he think it is right to actually that he is looking to bring the control of this almost entirely within the DoI’s remit by signing a contract before the board is established, and not taking on board the views of the northern authorities in that contractual process?” Mr Hooper asked.
The Minister acknowledged the process was “sort of a rush” due to pressure to keep the site running, adding: “We’re still consulting on it and I will happily talk to the honourable member afterwards.”
Mr Hooper also challenged whether the proposed representation was fair given Ramsey contributes over 50 per cent of the costs and has more than half the north’s population.
The minister noted similar arrangements existed elsewhere, citing Peel’s position on the Western Civic Amenity Site board.