Douglas Council could undergo an independent review of its governance, organisational effectiveness and accountability.

Council leader Devon Watson has submitted a motion, due to be debated in January, calling for the local authority to be independently assessed to identify areas for improvement and potential weaknesses.

The review would also examine how services could be delivered more effectively and provide ratepayers with reassurance that the council can meet their needs.

Mr Watson said the findings would also help demonstrate whether public money was being spent responsibly.

‘We’re pushing for deeper democratisation of the council and that’s not only with our internal structures,’ he said.

‘That’s not only about the public’s needs in terms of dogs on the beach or free weekend parking, it’s also about making sure people know and have that assurance that their money is being spent well.

‘Having an independent review that looks not only at the way money is being spent, but also taking a look at the internal structures and finding ways of modernising or improving the organisation, is absolutely essential.’

Asked whether there were specific changes he wanted to see, Mr Watson said that would depend on the review's findings.

He added: ‘If the report finds that the organisation is doing well, then we know we’ve been independently reviewed and verified that we have the ability to deliver these services and it’s doing well.

‘But what I’m hoping we get from it is ways in which we can make improvements, deliver services better, and deeper align the work of councillors to the needs of the public.

‘The big value of finding weaknesses is that you can then find improvements.’