Port Erin Commissioners vote to cut board numbers

Port Erin commissioners have voted to cut the village authority’s membership from nine to seven.

Phil Crellin, who’s been a commissioner for thirty years, brought forward the proposal at a board meeting last night (February 12).

He says local authorities across the Island need to change, and reduced membership is a step in the right direction.

Mr Crellin thinks smaller boards would lead to better election turnouts, and would increase the quality of debate on local issues.

Five members voted to support the proposal, whilst three were against including chairman Nick Watterson.

The change still needs to be approved by Tynwald, and wouldn’t be implemented until the local authority general elections in 2020.

Douglas Council, Castletown Commissioners and Port St Mary Commissioners have also all committed to reductions in numbers.