Government ministers — rather than the Governor — will be able to appoint parish councillors under a law passed in the House of Assembly.

The Parish Councils Amendment Act 2022 also gives ministers the authority to review and abolish individual councils, but only if a council agreed to be wound down.

In a further shake-up, councils will be able to operate with just three councillors rather than 12 members. Previously, appointments were made by the Governor.

The Bill will also free the Government of any liability for parish council expenses.

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PARISH COUNCILS AMENDMENT ACT 2022.pdf

Presenting the Bill on Friday, Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, said it will “correct critical deficiencies” with outdated regulations which present “a legal or financial risk for the Government”.

She said: “This Bill provides for the minister to undertake a review. The review can be initiated upon a council’s request or by the minister following the consideration of individual council’s circumstances.

“The Government is currently liable for parish council expenses … when such expenses cannot be paid out of council funds. This provision has not been used in recent history and is a financial risk to the Government.”

At present each council receives a $40,000 grant annually from the Government.

Ms Furbert added that councils will continue to receive funds, but the Government will not be responsible for further funding “beyond what is appropriated”.

She added that the Bill will take away the operation of rest homes from parishes. Only Warwick Parish Council operates a rest home.

“The Bill seeks to provide for between three and 12 members which will provide flexibility in the appointment process and allow at the very least for a chair, a treasurer and a secretary.”

For the opposition One Bermuda Alliance, Susan Jackson acknowledged that the 1971 Act was outdated and needed to be revised.

But she questioned if the new law will give a minister the power to scrap councils without their agreement.

She said: “This is a very good time to review, but don’t want to dismantle or phase out councils without recognising their historical significance.”

Scott Pearman, the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, raised the same concern.

He said: “Would a council be closed down against their wishes if they couldn’t survive independently financially?”

Other MPs expressed strong support for parish councils. Government backbencher Renée Ming said: “As we move forward with reviews, I would hope that the results of any view be shared and we don’t look to diminish the role and importance of parish councils.

“I remain actively involved with my parish council and was extremely proud as they pivoted during the pandemic. They offered assistance. They had a cash balance at the pharmacy in St George’s to assist seniors with their prescriptions. ”

In response to questions, Ms Furbert insisted that individual councils would be abolished only after consultation with the minister.

She said: “We don’t want to devalue the work they do, from providing persons with groceries, food vouchers, even scholarships. We are definitely not discounting the value of our parish councils, although some are more active than others.”