Public offered say on single entity government

Status for government out for consultation

The Manx government is asking the public whether it should change its status, to become a single body in the eyes of the law.

At present, individual departments are separate legal entities, while Isle of Man Government as a whole is not recognised.

Proposals to give government a status of its own have just gone out for consultation.

The move comes in the wake of a report last year by Sir John Elvidge, a former senior official in the Scottish govenrment. 

He said the concept had created a more integrated system of government north of the border - and could work here.

In his report, Sir John argued a single entity government  would make it easier for staff in different areas to work together in common cause.

Chief Minister Allan Bell says the public and international organisations already view the Isle of Man government as one body, in terms of responsibilty and accountability.

He's confident becoming a single legal entity would improve joined-up working, reduce silo thinking and allow collaborative solutions to challenges which go beyond departmental boundaries. 

But the idea has not gone without criticism, with the LibVan party unconvinced and Trades Union Council's president Eric Holmes concerned the government may be able to avoid  responsibility for talking to certain bodies.

Back : You can have your say at www.gov.im/consultations.gov until July 31.