Manx Newscast

A Douglas East MHK is calling for mandatory neurodiversity and inclusive practice training in education across the Isle of Man.

At this month's Tynwald sitting, Joney Faragher will table a motion calling for such training to be 'embedded into core provision'.

It's based on a petition for redress presented at this year's Tynwald Day ceremony - which was signed by 28 parents.

Ms Faragher told Siobhán Fletcher more

With a General Election looming, a MONEYVAL visit ahead, and mounting pressures on the economy and housing, the Isle of Man faces a defining year.

In this episode, Christian Jones and Alistair Ramsay unpacks the key themes from the recent IoD Isle of Man event - from economic confidence to long-term vision - and ask what kind of Island we want to be beyond 2026.

Lawrie Hooper shares his thoughts on the recent government conference and the major announcements that came out of it - including plans for a National Office for AI Development and Regulation, expanded apprenticeship and housing support schemes, and a refreshed economic strategy.

With Manx Radio's Christian Jones, he explores what these announcements could mean in practice, and looks beyond the headlines to uncover what might really be driving these initiatives.

The chair of Douglas Council's Housing Committee says it's 'imperative' that properties are turned around as soon as possible to allow those on the list to move in.

At its public meeting, the local authority confirmed it had reallocated 41 properties last month and had received 17 back from tenants - which it said is 'significantly' high. 

The council also says it has changed its operations from giving a house to a new tenant as is, to now investing in a maintenance program so homes won't need refurbishing for five to 10 years. 

Councillor Peter Washington says the committee looks at the trend over the last 12 months but 'cannot predict' how many houses are added to the vacant list. 

Douglas Council has the largest stock of social housing on the Island with over 1,000 properties. 

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Councillor Washington.

A group of residents say they are 'fairly suspicious' of a move by Douglas Council to cut down a number of registered trees in a local playing field. 

The 'Keep Willaston Field Green' community page believes the notice to fell 39 is 'incredibly coincidental' to the timing of a proposed building compound in the Ballanard Road park.

Douglas Council has told Manx Radio that no trees are being removed to accommodate the compound it was agreed following a consultation with DEFA and the location of the compound has been chosen to 'minimise disruption' to residents.

The local authority is looking to build a construction compound on the playing field next to the road whilst it carries out its refurbishment of its social housing stock in the area.

However, a representative from the resident's group, who wished to be referred to only as Michael, believes if the trees are removed then it would be the 'first step' for the building compound to be developed. 

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

Is party politics a blessing or a curse?

With the Isle of Man’s general election on the horizon and new political parties emerging, some are asking whether a party system could help - or hinder - government on the Island.

Lord Daniel Finkelstein, a long-time political adviser, Times columnist, member of the House of Lords and director of Chelsea Football Club, recently visited the Island and toured Tynwald.

Christian Jones sat down with him to talk politics, parties, newspapers, and the Manx way of doing things.

• The boss of Manx Care has ruled out resigning following political calls for the board to step down.
• A record number of cruise passengers visited the Island this season.
• Isle of Man pro boxer Sam Rennie is set to return to the ring tomorrow, hoping to extend his perfect record thus far.

The leader of Douglas City Council has welcomed government plans to reform rates exemptions on dilapidated and ruinous properties.

At the 2025 Isle of Man Government Conference, Treasury reaffirmed its commitment to bringing forward new legislation that would require landlords of such properties to pay rates in full, as incentive to bring them back onto the market.

Manx Radio's Christian Jones sat down with Leader of Douglas City Council Devon Watson to discuss his reaction to the proposals set out.

In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Manx Care CEO Teresa Cope speaks to Lewis Foster about the reaction to the health body's latest annual report.

A former MHK who has called for a referendum on net zero believes the proposal could help rekindle public interest in Manx politics.

Paul Quine’s idea, which Middle member Stu Peters will bring to Tynwald in December, would see voters decide on the government’s net zero policies in a referendum held alongside next year’s House of Keys General Election.

He's been talking to Beth Espey.