Manx Newscast

The December sitting of Tynwald gets underway today (9 December) and amongst the topics on the agenda is government's commitment to Net-Zero.

Specifically, Middle MHK Stu Peters is to move a motion calling for a referendum on whether or not to abandon the policy.

Siobhán Fletcher speaks to Stu on the proposal, and hears from the Isle of Man Green Party, who are opposed to it.

A number of services normally delivered at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital are being temporarily relocated while Manx Care continues to deal with a pest control problem there.

The healthcare provider says the work coincides with the completion of pest control measures at Martin Ward, which has been closed since October.

It includes a comprehensive deep cleaning and inspection programme, along with other structural improvements.

Amy Griffiths has been finding out more from Chief Executive Teresa Cope:

A Manx woman hopes her business can help provide a community to women on the Isle of Man who've suffered hair loss. 

Megan Coulthurst runs Embrace Wigs, a wig shop which also provides consultations to those trying to find the best fit for them.

She has alopecia herself, and lost her hair three years ago.

Megan has been telling Amy Griffiths why she wanted to start the business:

Douglas Council is planning to sell 35 social housing properties which require 'significant investment' to the private market. 

The local authority says it has met with the tenants on Falcon Cliff Terrace and Marathon Drive who will be affected and is operating with a 'tenants first' policy. 

It's confirmed that each house will be sold individually to avoid them being 'swept up' by a developer, and this will start with six vacant homes in the next few weeks. 

Leader of Douglas Council Devon Watson says the money from the sales will be ring fenced for future social housing developments in the city.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

Treasury will continue to work with the banks to offer appointments to MiCard users in the north and south of the Island who want to open an account, according to the minister. 

After this month the current card will cease from working and so a new one needs to be given to those, who cannot open an account or don't want to receive it in the form of a cheque.

Manx Youth Orchestra is returning to the Villa Marina for its Christmas Concert on Saturday, after last year's event was cancelled due to Storm Darragh.

Around 150 young musicians will perform across ensembles spanning wind, strings, and the full orchestra, in a programme mixing seasonal and film music.

Manx Radio's Christian Jones sat down with Miss Victoria Hope, Daniel, Matthew and Daniel to find out more.

An MHK wants to bring in new legislation that would block development on Ramsey's South Beach.

Ramsey member Lawrie Hooper will ask for leave to introduce a bill that would prevent development on the site.

Plans for a 400-berth yacht marina on the beach were unveiled in 2019, although the project has not progressed.

Mr Hooper's been speaking to Amy Griffiths:

Plans are progressing for a new sheltered housing building and commissioner's office space in Laxey. 

Garff Commissioners is hoping to take over the former Princes Motors site to build new accommodation for residents and is due to submit a planning application soon. 

The local authority wants to fund the site partly from the housing deficiency fund from government and from the sale of its current building - which it's hoped will mean rates won't be as affected. 

Julie Mattin, who runs the local authority's Cooil Roi property, says it 'breaks her heart' to tell people there's a two year wait for accommodation in the area.

She's been speaking to Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper.

Treasury is trying to engage with about 600 MiCard users who haven't contacted the department yet. 

At the end of the year the cards, which have been used since 2009, are 'hardwired' to stop working. 

On Wednesday, a drop-in session will be held with four of the Island's banks at Markwell House to assist people who haven't been able to open a bank account yet. 

The education minister says her department is listening to feedback and actively tweaking menus for school meals.

It as figures show a decline in the uptake since a new menu was introduced in September, which cut the amount of ultra-processed foods, increased the amount of Manx produce, and swapped desserts for fruit and milk.

Data provided in response to a Tynwald Question for Written Answer shows a trend towards pupils bringing their own packed lunch.

In this edition of Newscast, Education Minister Daphne Caine brings Lewis Foster up to speed with how the menu is being received.