Friday 30 October 2009
DLGE Minister Spells Out Scale of Difficulties to Local Authorities
Members of Maughold Commissioners joined fellow Commissioners and Officers from local authorities around the Island on Thursday 29th October to be briefed by the DLGE Minister on the consequences of the recent changes to the Revenue Sharing Agreement between the Isle of Man and the UK.
Mr Shimmin advised that the likely option was for structural and fundamental change and that the 'unacceptable' would now have to be given serious consideration. He went on to tell those present that the Department would now enter a period of consideration of all the options; after which local authorities would be told what changes were taking place. The impression being given that these changes would be non-negotiable.
No details of any changes were given by Mr Shimmin, but it is likely that an option that may be considered could be a reduction in the subsidy on tipping charges at the EfW plant which currently stands at 90%.
Mr Shimmin affirmed the autonomy of local authorities and advised them that in their rate setting they too must rise to the challenges presented by the changes imposed by the UK government.
He asked that local authorities did their utmost to generate their own solutions.
The Commissioners meet next on Monday 2nd November. It is expected that these matters will be discussed in detail. ¶ 07:58
Mr Shimmin advised that the likely option was for structural and fundamental change and that the 'unacceptable' would now have to be given serious consideration. He went on to tell those present that the Department would now enter a period of consideration of all the options; after which local authorities would be told what changes were taking place. The impression being given that these changes would be non-negotiable.
No details of any changes were given by Mr Shimmin, but it is likely that an option that may be considered could be a reduction in the subsidy on tipping charges at the EfW plant which currently stands at 90%.
Mr Shimmin affirmed the autonomy of local authorities and advised them that in their rate setting they too must rise to the challenges presented by the changes imposed by the UK government.
He asked that local authorities did their utmost to generate their own solutions.
The Commissioners meet next on Monday 2nd November. It is expected that these matters will be discussed in detail. ¶ 07:58