Four local authorities on are currently operating without a permanent clerk, the DoI has confirmed.
In a written response to a question from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper, Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall said Castletown, Port St Mary, Port Erin and Ramsey all have deputy clerks acting in the role.
He said there are “varying reasons” for why these four do not currently have a permanent person in place.
“Under Section 21 of the Local Government Act 1985, authorities ‘shall appoint a fit person to hold the office of clerk of the authority’,” Mr Crookall said.
He added: “A local authority may appoint a deputy clerk for the purposes of acting in the place of the clerk whenever the office is vacant or the clerk is unable to act.”
The minister said the department has “limited powers” over local authority governance but these are being addressed in the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2023.
“The department will be seeking to provide more guidance, and work with the local government sector, to ensure that the governance of local authorities is improved,” he added.
Authorities have been advised to follow employment law and keep the department’s local government team informed of their situations.