Douglas Council leader seeks independent review of how the authority is run

The leader of Douglas Council has tabled a motion calling for an independent review of the authority’s governance, organisational effectiveness and accountability.

Councillor Devon Watson’s motion is due to be debated by members in January. The plans were reported on 15 October by Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper, in coverage carried by both 3FM and Manx Radio.

According to those reports, the purpose of the review would be to establish where the council can “improve” and to identify weaknesses in the way it operates.

The reports said it was hoped the exercise would also point to ways of making the council’s services more effective. It would also demonstrate to ratepayers in the capital that the authority is able to deliver what they need.

Mr Watson said the outcome would also provide assurance that the council is spending money responsibly.

The reports did not say who would carry out the review, how much it might cost or how long it would take. They also did not say whether its findings would be made public.

Manx Radio said Ms Draper had interviewed Mr Watson about the proposal. No specific date in January has been given for the debate.