An MHK has urged the Legislative Council to reject amendments to the Local Government Bill, arguing they were introduced without proper consultation and could have significant unintended consequences for local authorities.
The bill has sparked controversy with commissioners across the island voicing concerns over its potential impact on local governance.
Speaking to Manx.News, Chris Thomas outlined the troubled history of the bill, explaining that it has “been kicking around since 2011” and has gone through various consultations, committees, and legislative hurdles.
However, the most contentious issue, he says, stems from amendments introduced by Lawrie Hooper (Ramsey) from his position within the Department of Infrastructure.
“His minister, although she supports it, insists he put it in as a backbencher,” Mr Thomas noted, highlighting what he sees as a fundamental flaw in the legislative process.
Consultation
Mr Thomas told Manx.News that he agrees local authorities were not properly consulted on these latest amendments.
He said: “It’s fact they haven’t been consulted,” challenging the claim that backbench amendments do not require formal consultation.
He further suggested that different regions on the island have interpreted the amendments differently, with some believing they relate to the Northern Civic Amenity Site, others fearing new obligations for highway maintenance, and some worried about the future of public swimming pools.
Responsibilities
One of Mr Thomas’ key concerns is that the amendments could allow government to transfer responsibilities to local authorities without clear limits.
He said: “It’s incredibly vague what it means. What I said in the House of Keys to make the point… I actually said that Bride could be instructed to prepare the launch site and the landing pad for the Manx Lunar Mission inside one of its parks. It’s that vaguely written.”
Now that the bill has passed through the House of Keys, it heads to the Legislative Council which Mr Thomas is hoping will reject Mr Hooper’s amendment entirely.
He said: “The neatest thing to do is for them to just reject this new clause and then have a Local Government Amendment Bill Two after proper consultation with local authorities.”
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