The minister in charge of local authorities says he expects to see more mergers, but that the government’s role was to ’guide’ commissioners rather than impose change.

That was the message from Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer.

Over decades, numerous attempts have been made by various governments to impose a way of reducing the number of local authorities in the Isle of Man, but none ever gained enough support.

The only change of has been to go down from 24 to 22, which came about through the voluntary merger of Lonan, Laxey and Maughold commissioners, to form Garff.

Responding to a House of Keys question from Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey), Mr Harmer said: 'I am pleased that the merger of three local authorities into the new Garff authority has been reported as being a success.

’I am equally pleased that a number of authorities have been progressing schemes to reduce the numbers of members. I hope and expect that we will see more mergers and further streamlining of authorities.’

He added: ’I am firmly convinced that the department’s role is to guide, facilitate and enable this sort of change.

’It is critical that any change is not for its own ends but improves the services and lives of the local authority it serves.’

Mr Hooper wanted to know whether the department was ’trying to lead the local authority plans rather than simply allowing things to plod along as they have done for the last century’.

Mr Harmer said there was an ’essence’ of working with local authorities.

Earlier, the minister said: ’This department continues to work with local authorities to help them work as efficiently and effectively as they can.

’The department is paying particular attention to helping local authorities work well with each other and helping local authorities work well with the department.

’Our shared aim is to ensure that both the taxpayers and ratepayers get good value for money.’

He cited the moving to regional housing waiting lists, rather than one waiting list for each authority, as an example of improvements.

Local authorities were also asked to take over ’basic’ highway maintenance, but Mr Harmer admitted that had not gone smoothly everywhere.

’I accept that there may be, as a result, some variation in standard, so the department is working with local authorities on setting appropriate standards for highway maintenance,’ he said.

Work was also taking place to introduce improvements in waste management.