No local government reform 'for a century'

DoI doesn't plan to reduce numbers

Reforming local government has been stalled for decades - but the Department of Infrastructure believes progress is gathering speed.

Minister Ray Harmer revealed in Tynwald today (13 Dec) there are no plans to reduce the number of local authorities in the Island, but efforts are being made to have them work more closely together.

He was answering a question from Douglas Central member Ann Corlett.

There are currently 22 councils and commissioners boards, many of which failed to attract significant interest from voters or candidates in April's local authority elections.

Laxey, Lonan, Maughold last year merged their operations into a unified Garff authority, cutting overheads and personnel while taking on additional responsibility.

But former councillor and North Douglas MHK David Ashford told the Court that was a rare example of change in the system: