Mon, 05 Jan 2026

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 Warning against 'systematic reliance' on reserves

A scrutiny committee says the Manx government's size and scope should be reduced to cut spending.
Tynwald scrutiny committee warns government over reliance on financial reserves, recommends reducing size of government and increasing personal allowances and tax thresholds. Key recommendations:
* Treasury should take an "active interest" in reducing government costs to ensure value for money
* Government size should be reduced as it "consistently overextends its services"
* Minimum wage hike from £12.25 to £13.46 is a "tax on businesses" and not as beneficial to lowest paid due to rising tax contributions
* Tax policy setting should be taken out of Treasury control and instead developed by the Council of Ministers
* Recruitment control framework should be updated to reflect risk that size of public sector could threaten private sector Committee also highlights need for:
* Restoration of sustainability of public finances
* Development of a more "cost effective" structure for government after 2026 House of Keys general election.
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