Legislation is to be prepared for progression by the next administration to establish the Isle of Man Government as a Single Legal Entity.

The move follows a public consultation on the issue, the outcome of which is published today (Friday April 29, 2016).

A large majority of respondents supported making Government a Single Legal Entity, with most also favouring the retention of a Departmental structure within that framework.

At present individual Departments have separate legal identities but the Isle of Man Government is not recognised in law as one body. Supporters of a single legal framework say it would reduce internal barriers within Government, allowing further co-ordination in the delivery of public services.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said: ‘The Single Legal Entity initiative is an important step forward in modernising Government and providing a structural framework to enable it to function more effectively.

‘Following the public consultation and further consideration by the Council of Ministers, it is now intended that final proposals should be ready for Tynwald to consider following the General Election, for progression by the new administration.’

The public consultation invited responses to a series of questions exploring issues raised in a report by Sir John Elvidge KCB, formerly a senior civil servant in the Scottish Government.

Sir John’s report which was considered by Tynwald in November 2014 looked at the merits of the Isle of Man Government adopting a Single Legal Entity status for the purposes of external and internal relations, and whether the current Departmental system remains the most appropriate structure for the effective delivery of public services.

The consultation report has now been reviewed by the Council of Ministers and its recommendations accepted, including the commencement of preparatory work on legislation for Government to be established as a Single Legal Entity.

Consideration will also be given to identify which, if any, further incremental reform options should be progressed, in addition to developing legislation, in terms of how Government might be structured within a Single Legal Entity. This work will be led by the Cabinet Office with full consultation and involvement of Members of Tynwald.

The Cabinet Office report ‘Consultation on Isle of Man Government as a Single Legal Entity – Summary of Responses and Proposed Way Forward’ can be found in the Consultations section of the Government website on this page:
https://www.gov.im/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=507