UK training for Douglas Councillors a 'waste of time'

David Christian sees NASC trips as 'irrelevant'

The Leader of Douglas Council says sending councillors to learn about UK local authorities is 'a waste of time'.

The authority's Standards Committee, chaired by Councillor Malarkey, has discussed signing the Council up to the National Association of Councillors (NASC).

The organisation represents a range of local authorities in the UK, and offers study trips, education and training.

The issue was discussed at a council meeting yesterday (Oct 10) , Councillor Malarkey said the cost was minimal and that learning from other authorities was often a valuable experience.

The Council has previously sent members on NASC courses, with subscription costing £16 per year per member.

Councillor Malarkey cited the success of the twinning relationship with Douglas and Ballymoney in Northern Ireland, which was agreed in 2006.

But David Christian dismissed the trips as 'irrelevant' to the Isle of Man and said in the past the visits had proved pointless.

There was no resolution made on the issue, and the minutes of the meeting were approved.