Opposition abstains on local government bill

THE Senate on Tuesday passed a bill to empower municipal corporations to collect property tax, amid other changes to local government, the Miscellaneous Provisions (Local Government Reform) Bill 2020.

Piloted by Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi, the bill was passed with the support of some 24 government and independent members but opposition senators abstained, while no-one voted against. This was all in line with its passage through the House of Representatives last month where 20 MPs voted for, none voted against, while 12 abstained.

During committee stage on Tuesday, independent senator Amrita Deonarine complained about the late submission of annual financial statements by state bodies, such as municipal corporations.