Discussions will continue later this month on proposals for delivering more local services at a local level.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK is hosting a series of meetings with local authorities aimed at further modernising the relationship between central and local government.
He is seeking to build on the initial phase of the process, which has seen the majority of local authorities agree to take on responsibility for a range of highway maintenance functions.
Minister Gawne says he is encouraged by the ‘enormous progress’ that has been achieved and is eager to maintain that momentum by discussing issues such as waste management and housing.
He said: ‘The basic principle I am trying to deliver is that local services should be provided by local authorities at a local level. The ultimate objective is to give Douglas Borough Council and Town, Village and Parish Commissioners responsibility for services that matter to their ratepayers. I am approaching this with an open mind and no fixed view on what needs to change. This approach has been welcomed by local authorities as it allows all parties’ views to be treated equally and fairly, rather than central government dictating to local authorities how they should conduct their affairs. With strong levels of trust now being generated on all sides, I look forward to us making significant and meaningful progress in the months ahead.’
The Minister first wrote to all 24 local authorities in October 2014 regarding the possible transfer of certain services from central government. A total of 17 have signed the formal agreement to date, while others have indicated their willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Many local authorities have already started to carry out hedge cutting, street sweeping, verge clearing and weed spraying in their towns, ports and villages.
Minister Gawne said: ‘I’d like to thank local authorities for showing the vision to start the process of modernising the relationship between central and local government. If the transfer of highway maintenance functions proves a success, then I see no reason why we should not consider the transfer of other services in the future.’
The Minister said agreement on any further changes would need to be reached by December 2015, so that candidates standing in local authority elections in April 2016 had clarity about the new challenges they would be taking on. Discussions will take place this week and next as part of efforts to progress matters.
The opportunity to assume responsibility for a number of services previously delivered by central government has been welcomed by the majority of local authorities.
Alwyn Collister, Chairman of Castletown Commissioners, said: ‘It makes sense for local authorities to be given the responsibility to make decisions on functions that we all agree are better provided at a local level. We believe we are well placed to respond to the needs of our town and its ratepayers. Castletown Commissioners is already deploying its own resources to carry out some of the highway maintenance functions transferred from the Department of Infrastructure at the beginning of April.’
He added: ‘The current changes have been achieved by central and local government working in partnership and we look forward to discussing the way ahead with Minister Gawne.’
Photo- (left to right) Kevin Weir, Deputy Chairman of Castletown Commissioners, Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK, and Alwyn Collister, Chairman of Castletown Commissioners.
