The question of whether or not to pursue a reduction in the size of the local authority has been discussed - and rejected - by two boards.

Recent changes to other authority memberships and the intended change to Douglas Town Council prompted discussions by both Ramsey Commissioners and Port St Mary Commissioners.

There are 12 members of Ramsey Commissioners.

Town clerk Peter Whiteway pointed out that if a change was to be implemented in time for the next election in 2020 the process would have to be commenced before the end of this year.

In the course of discussion, the majority felt that a board comprised of 12 members encouraged diversity and allowed the ever- increasing workload to be shared equitably.

Chairman Andy Cowie was only one of two members who felt that the number should be reduced to 10 (five in each ward).

His proposal to this effect was seconded by Pat Ayres, but failed to win support when put to the vote.

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Meanwhile, a bid to reduce the number of commissioners in Port St Mary from nine to five failed at a recent meeting.

Commissioner Andy Phair made the proposal.

Alec Merchant said: ’In principle I’m not against it but five is too low. It would mean three people get to say what happens in Port St Mary, which is undemocratic. More numbers allow more opinion.’

Alan Grace said: ’What about seven?’

Rob Hirst said: ’I’d be happy to go to seven. Nine is too many. Sometimes we go round and round the houses, there are too many opinions. I can see where Andy’s coming from.’

Mr Phair said: ’Thirteen authorities including Braddan and Marown have five.

’With nine members the ratio of commissioner to resident is 1:213. Out of all the authorities that have not gone to five, Port St Mary is the authority is the most commissioners per head of population. In Castletown it is 459 with seven members. They manage. Braddan is much bigger than Port St Mary.’

Mr Phair’s proposal was supported by Michelle Heywood, Mr Hirst, Mr Grace and Mr Phair and four - Richard Ashcroft, Mr Merchant, Bernadette Williams and Mr Vaughan-Williams - voting against.

Chairman Laurence Vaughan-Williams had the casting vote and went against the reduction.

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Mr Phair agreed a different proposal for reducing the board can be brought to a future meeting.

Mr Vaughan-Williams said: ’One of the reasons I was against this proposal I think we have an excellent board, everyone has the interests of Port St Mary at heart and we have some robust discussions and I’m all in favour of robust discussions.’