Peel Commissioners says LegCo measures will 'mitigate' some issues in local gov't bill

Chair Ray Harmer says local authorities still have 'deep concerns' about clause five

The chair of Peel Commissioners says measures introduced by the Legislative Council will 'mitigate' some of the issues brought forward in a new local authority bill. 

Clause five of the Local Government (Amendment) Bill is seen as controversial by authorities due to the potential for the Department of Infrastructure to impose functions with no financial support. 

The Legislative Council has included mandatory consultation and financial impact assessments before any changes are made, and the clause will undergo a review after three years.

It will also not be in force with immediate effect; the Department of Infrastructure will have to make an 'appointed day order' if it needs to use clause five. 

Ray Harmer says the lack of clarity over what services would be given and the intention behind the clause is raising 'suspicion' and 'deep concern' between the commissioners. 

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:

In response, the Department of Infrastructure says: "The Department is supportive of many of the amendments that bring additional clarity to Clause 5 and provide greater reassurance to Local Authorities. 

"The Department thanks the members of Legislative Council for their careful consideration of this Bill and for their help in progressing this important legislation. 

"Legislative Council’s final reading of the Bill is due on 16 December and then the Bill will return to Keys for consideration of the Legislative Council amendments."