An amendment to Standing Orders to allow members of the electorate to raise matters for debate by the board was implemented for the first time at the September meeting of Ramsey Commissioners.

Local resident Jackie Kneen wrote: ’There is much talk of streamlining local authorities.

’Has the board considered following others by reducing the number of members?’

In the discussion which followed, it was pointed out that in March 2018 the board rejected a motion placed by chairman, Andy Cowie to reduce the number of members from 12 to 10.

Mrs Kneen’s question provided an opportunity to take a fresh look at the matter, but the result was the same as it was previously, the consensus being that 12 is a good number because it provides diversity, wider representation, increased engagement with the town and ensures that sufficient members are available to share the workload.

Efficiency

Her second question was: ’Would the board consider approaching the other northern authorities to see if there are further efficiencies to be made by pooling resources and/or negotiating contracts with suppliers?’

In response, the town clerk Peter Whiteway had produced a list of areas in which the northern authorities already work together.

This included Ramsey and Northern Districts Housing Committee, Northern Civic Amenity Site, Northern Local Authorities Refuse Collection Board and the Northern Local Authorities Swimming Pool Board, as well as hedge cutting and staff training.

Juan McGuinness agreed to raise the topic at the next meeting of the Municipal Association to see if there was a willingness to explore further ways in which authorities could work together.