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

The idea of a merger has been welcomed by Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer.

Options include either an administrative merger, or a full union to create a new authority. In a letter sent to ratepayers, Arbory Commissioners’ chairman Stephen Gawne and Rushen chairman Stan Pilling said a merged administration would likely save a penny on the rates, while a full merger could see a rates reduction of up to 4p in the pound.

They said: ’The Arbory and Rushen parish commissioners are keen to hear your views and guidance before reaching any conclusion on what would be a momentous decision for our parishes.’

In the next two months, the two parishes will be a recruiting a deputy clerk, with current clerk Phil Gawne then reducing his hours accordingly.

This move, says the letter, will allow the clerk ’to use his skills and experience to undertake the keys roles of political and financial support, while the deputy clerk will provide more general administrative assistance.’ The new part-time role will be paid a salary starting on or about £12,000.

Mr Harmer said he 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 said he supports commissioners deciding their own futures, and believes forcing change from the top down isn’t an effective strategy.

He said: ’It’s a really positive move, and it’s good that it’s come from the local authorities themselves.’

Some ratepayers have expressed surprise that the letters were each posted in A4 envelopes with 10 stamps to the value of £1.10.

Mr Gawne said the company that did the mail shot accepted it was their error and was only charging for the envelopes/postage that had been asked for.

Closing date for applications for the deputy clerk role is Friday, August 16.

An election of one member of the Rushen Commissioners will be held on August 29 to fill a vacancy after Justin Young’s departure in February.

Completed nomination papers must be delivered before 5pm today (August 1) to the clerk at Lamode, Ballakillowey Road, Rushen.