Controversial local authority legislation debate deferred to end of March

Clause five could see functions imposed on authorities without financial support

A debate about whether a new piece of legislation to regulate local authorities should be introduced has been deferred. 

Members of the House of Keys were due to discuss it at this week's sitting (10 March) however due to the absence of the infrastructure minister it was delayed. 

Clause five of the Local Government Bill is seen as controversial by local authorities due to the potential for the Department of Infrastructure to impose functions with no financial support. 

The Legislative Council has included amendments to the proposed legislation including mandatory consultation and financial impact assessments before any changes are made. 

It's also wanting to introduce a specific review for clause five after three years.

The bill, and its amendments, will now go before the House of Keys on 24 March.