Lezayre Commissioners not in support of new local authority bill

It was discussed at its public meeting last night

Lezayre Commissioners has agreed to write to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood to say it’s against the Local Government Amendment Bill.

It’s currently going through the House of Keys and will be discussed by the Legislative Council next.

Clerk Lynn Smith told the commissioners other boards don’t think that the proposed legislation is in the ‘best interest’ of local authorities.

She also said there will be a consultation into the suggestion of sanctions being included in the bill.

Commissioner Karl Brew said there didn’t seem to be any sanctions on the Department of Infrastructure if it’s not carrying out its own functions to that standard.

He said if the department is supposed to replace or fix something in 24 hours, there should be something in place for sanctions to be placed on it.

Mr Brew added that if it becomes a daily sanction, it could ‘bankrupt’ a small local authority.

The board agreed it would be ‘prudent’ to reply to the minister before the elections take place.

Also on the agenda, was an update about the Northern Civic Amenity Site.

Chair Julian Teare said there was ‘a lot of effort’ being put in to try and keep the site open and the situation is a ‘team effort’ between the seven local authorities on the joint committee.

The commissioners' representative Karl Brew said there were things going on in the background, but he is ‘hopeful’ of a resolution that suits everybody.

But he said if it was going to close, the next set of committee members would have to get their heads together to work something out.

Mr Brew also confirmed that the Department of Infrastructure is supporting the joint board.

A letter was sent to the commissioners from the daughter of the owner of the former Sulby Woolen Mills asking if the commissioners would like some items.

The clerk said they would be best kept in the store cupboard and would go and see what things would be able to be kept at the commissioners' office.

The board unanimously agreed to this.

Lezayre Commissioners will meet next on Thursday, 3 April.