Onchan MHKs hit back at commissioners' decision to cancel quarterly meetings

Manx Newscast

The two MHKs for Onchan have hit back at the village's local authority after it cancelled its quarterly meetings due to two board members being civil servants.

MHK Rob Callister, who’s also the Chair of Public Service Commission, says he is ‘extremely disappointed’ at the decision.

It was agreed by the board because members Scott Wilson and Gabriella Corkish felt they would be going against the civil servant's code of conduct and would be 'conflicted' on a number of matters.

A vote was held and it was agreed by four votes to three to cease holding them and instead contact the representatives directly if there is an issue.

Mr Callister says the meetings are 'needed' and are important for both parties to challenge decisions made in both the House of Keys and at the local authority.

Fellow Onchan MHK Julie Edge says she would like to see them reinstated as a meeting rather than a surgery.

Ms Edge says it was an 'opportunity' for her to bring up issues that residents have contacted her about, for example social housing, and what support she can give them in Tynwald.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to them.