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Fairer Local Democracy 3 November 2004 Reform proposals outlined in a report published today (Tuesday, November 2,
2004) offer a 'fairer, stronger' system of local democracy for the people of the
Isle of Man, says DLGE Minister John Rimington MHK.
The report recommends the introduction of four new north, south, east and west
area authorities outside Douglas, with the scale and
viability to deliver consistent, cost-effective local services. But town,
village and parish bodies would be retained to reflect the identity and views of
their individual communities.
Mr Rimington said:
"The report sets out a framework for the development of a fairer, stronger
system of local democracy in the Isle of Man - one that gives all ratepayers the
opportunity to benefit from proper, accountable, value-for-money services.
"The present system is outdated, manifestly unfair, inefficient and riddled with
anomalies. The public of the Island deserve a new structure that will deliver
local services more effectively while preserving the spirit of local
communities."
The Department's report on the effectiveness of the Island's local government structure is due for debate at the
December sitting of Tynwald. It highlights wide variations and inequalities in
the level, cost and burden of local services across the Island. The report
states:
- Some Island residents are paying twice for services, through rates and
taxes
- Taxpayers and some ratepayers are subsidising local residents in other parts
of the Island
- Few local authorities publish a clear statement of how their ratepayers'
money is spent
The report shows that residents in the same area can pay vastly differing rates
but often have access to similar services and facilities. For example (in
2003/04):
- A resident of Four Roads in Rushen could be in either Rushen Parish (rate of
71p in the £), Port St Mary (242p) or Port Erin (210p)
- The residents of Andreas (108p), Ballaugh (83p), Bride (32p), Jurby (98p),
Lezayre (90p) and Maughold (72p) are very likely to enjoy the facilities of the
neighbouring town of Ramsey (275p) whose ratepayers
will, to some extent, be subsidising their rural counterparts
- It costs the ratepayers of Castletown over
twice as much as ratepayers in neighbouring Malew to provide a similar service
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