Local Authorities Unite Against Government

More than 5 years on Arbory & Rushen Parish Commissioners, including two terms as Chair, has taught me that good representation is about more than attending meetings or making promises. It is about doing the work: reading reports, analysing legislation, understanding the detail, listening to people and standing up for your community when it matters.

A good example was the Local Government (Amendment) Bill. As Chair, I was concerned that a Clause inserted at the eleventh hour fundamentally altered the relationship between Government and local authorities. I worked collaboratively with colleagues in local authorities across the Island to make our views known; because those delivering local services should have a voice in legislation that affects them.

When I gave evidence on behalf of the Board to the Legislative Council, I argued that legislation should be built on evidence, consultation and partnership—not introduced without a clear policy rationale or proper safeguards.

“The relationship between Government and local authorities should be one of partnership for the betterment of all Island residents...”

This was about scrutinising legislation properly, identifying unintended consequences and ensuring local voices were heard before decisions were made.

That is one of the experiences I would bring to the House of Keys: taking the time to understand the detail, asking the difficult questions, working constructively with others and always putting the people I represent first.

If you’d like to judge my approach for yourself, you can read my evidence to the Legislative Council (from page 11 of Hansard), along with some of the media coverage of the issue.

Hansard: https://www.tynwald.org.im/spfile?file=/business/hansard/20202040/c251028.pdf#search=%22Local+government+amendment+%22

Previous coverage: https://www.manx.news/power-grab-by-doi-as-local-authorities-unite-against-government/