Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK is encouraging people to stand as candidates in next month’s local authority general election and help shape the future of their communities.

Minister Gawne says the elections, which take place every four years, provide an opportunity for people to make a positive contribution to how their towns, villages, districts and parishes are run.

Individuals interested in standing for election as a Councillor or Commissioner must submit their nomination papers by 5pm on Tuesday 5 April. A total of 150 local authority members are needed to serve 22 different boards. Voting will take place on Thursday 28 April in constituencies where there is a contest for the vacant seats.

Minister Gawne, who is spearheading efforts to modernise the relationship between central and local government, is urging more people to become actively involved in local politics.

He said: ‘Local people know their communities better than anyone and I hope public spirited individuals will come forward to stand for election. This is an opportunity to influence the issues that directly affect people’s daily lives. We all want to see greater public engagement in Manx politics and an end to uncontested elections. Some areas of the Isle of Man have not witnessed a local authority election for many years. That cannot be healthy in a modern democracy.’

The Minister added: ‘There have been a number of significant transfers of powers and services to local authorities over the last year or two and there are plans for more to follow. This is an exciting time to be a member of a local authority as you will be shaping the long-term relationship between local and central government, as well as having a significant say in how your local community is governed.’

Local authorities have recently taken on additional responsibilities for a range of highway maintenance functions, while new approaches are also being explored for big ticket issues such as waste management and public housing.

Chris Thomas MHK, the Department of Infrastructure Member whose responsibilities include local authorities, commented: ‘April’s elections are important. Those Commissioners and Councillors who are elected – with or without a contest and regardless of the turnout – will be able to contribute to the determination of the scope and structure of local government and housing authorities in coming years.’

People are reminded that they must be on the electoral register at 1 April to be eligible to stand as a candidate, or to vote, in the 2016 local authority general election. The cut-off point for inclusion is 18 March. Further details are available from the Electoral Registration Unit, Crown and Elections, Cabinet Office, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN, email voters@gov.im or call 685754.

Additional information about local authority elections, including guidance for prospective candidates, can be found on the Government website and Facebook page. Alternatively, people can contact their local authority or attend a public meeting to find out more.