Marown Commissioners chair backs legislation review

The chair of Marown Commissioners has backed calls to bring local authority legislation into the 21st century.

Alison Lynch says she would support updating the current laws as long as it didn’t have a negative impact on the services provided.

Her comments come after central government was urged to review current rules earlier this week.

Mrs Lynch believes broadcasting meetings online could boost engagement. 

Dr Michelle Haywood, the chair of Port St Mary Commissioners, claims the current law prevents virtual meetings and needs changing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Legislative Council member Rob Mercer also hinted he would be in favour of a permanent change, however, former Lib Van chairman Michael Josem was hesitant to offer his backing.

In a post on social media, he said he would only support amendments “if there are good provisions for non-internet public access (eg, people can phone in etc).