Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK says he is looking forward to a lively public debate at the next community meeting to be hosted by the Council of Ministers.

The event, which takes place at Peel Centenary Centre on Tuesday, June 26, will provide an opportunity for Island residents to engage with Ministers on matters of national importance.

One of the main points of discussion will be the independent review of the Scope of Government which looks at how public services are delivered and whether some could be placed outside mainstream government.

There will also be an open question and answer session where members of the public can ask Government Ministers about key issues and challenges facing the Isle of Man.

The Chief Minister, who will chair the meeting, said: ‘The community meeting in Peel is now just a month away and I expect there will be robust debate and some strong opinions expressed. I’m particularly looking to generate feedback about the revised report into the Scope of Government in the Isle of Man. This has been published purely as a discussion document at this stage and the Council of Ministers are making no recommendations as yet.’

He added: ‘The review team has raised some valid questions about the size and role of Government, and my Ministerial colleagues and I are keen to hear the public’s response to the proposals and see if there is an appetite for change.’

The community meeting at Peel Centenary Centre will start at 7.30pm on June 26. The event is free and open to all members of the public. There is a limit on the number of people the venue can accommodate and seats will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. No bookings will be taken.

The Scope of Government Reports can be viewed on the Government website at http://www.gov.im/cso/ministers/.

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