A member of the Niue legislative assembly says a law that aims to give government more control over village council administration is all about accountability.
Seven village constituencies have elected five village councillors, and new legislation governing their councils is set to pass.
Legislative assembly member, Terry Coe, says at the moment there is no real accountability for how members spend their money, and the new law will address this.
"To make sure that they are having regular meetings with the committee, and also the village council, and the village itself. Because the members of the committee are getting paid $2,000 a year, the government is making sure tha money is being well spent."
Terry Coe says if councillors don't meet their obligations, the law would allow the government to take over the council and call new elections.
The proposed Act places emphasis on reporting and auditing accounts and stricter supervision over funds provided for local communities by government.
It's expected that maintenance of administration and financial records will be imposed, and councillors can be suspended by the director general for badly conducting council business.
Photo: RNZ
