The size and scope of Government will be a central theme of the next community meeting to be hosted by the Council of Ministers.

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

It will aim to build on the success of the first community meeting in March when more than 100 people attended the Manx Museum to air their views and learn more about Government’s priorities.

One of the topics up for discussion in Peel will be the Scope of Government Report 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.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK, who will chair the meeting, said: ‘These meetings represent a new era in open and transparent communication between the Council of Ministers and the Manx people. It is particularly important during times of financial challenge for Government to get out into the community to highlight its policies, explain the reasons behind some difficult decisions, and take on board the views of local residents. The first event saw some lively exchanges and I expect there will also be robust debate and strong opinions expressed in Peel.’

He added: ‘One of my first decisions on being elected as Chief Minister was to reappoint the Scope of Government Committee. The independent report will be published in due course and I want to gauge public reaction to its recommendations 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.