Infrastructure Minister welcomes Rushen/Arbory merger proposal

The infrastructure minister has welcomed the proposition of a possible merger between two local authorities.

Arbory and Rushen Commissioners have written to ratepayers requesting their views on a possible amalgamation.

Options include either an administrative merger, or a full union to create a new authority.

Ray Harmer is pleased the authorities are working together to improve the delivery of services, and says it forms part of an ‘organic’ process of local authority transition.

The minister supports commissioners deciding their own futures, and believes forcing change from the top down isn’t an effective strategy.