Manx Newscast

New research by population analyst and Member of the Legislative Council Paul Craine has revealed that the Isle of Man recorded its lowest number of births in more than 100 years in 2024, raising questions over the Island’s long-term demographic outlook.

The treasury minister says changes to the child benefit are about 'putting money back into the pockets of working families'.

A 2.2 percent uplift comes into effect from today (7 April), whilst income thresholds are increasing for the first time in a decade.

Those with a household income between:

• £50,000 and £60,000 are eligible for the full amount of £28.65, worth an extra £7.61 a week for each child in their family

• £60,001 and £70,000 are entitled to £21.49, up an extra £7.46 a week for each child in their family

• £70,001 and £80,000 are entitled to £14.33, up an extra £7.32 a week for each child in their family

• £80,0001 and £90,000 are to be eligible for support and able to claim £7.16 a week for each child in their family

Almost 5,800 families on the Island currently receive the benefit, around two-thirds of which have a household income under £50,000.

In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson discusses the changes - and responds to criticism from the IOM Medical Society over plans to implement an NHS levy.

The RNLI has released its annual rescue figures, showing crews on the Isle of Man were called out 40 times last year.

That's an increase on 2023, during which lifeboats were launched 31 times.

During last year's callouts four lives were saved - double the figure from 2023.

The number of people aided rose from 27 in 2023 to 53 in 2024.

In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster catches up with Chair of Peel Lifeboat Management Group, Stuart Blackley, about the latest annual rescue statistics.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and on 15 May the Isle of Man mental health training business Manx Minds will be hosting its annual conference.

Taking place at Babagge's at the Mountain View Innovation Centre, it's open to anyone interested in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

It's described as a 'chance to learn, connect, and share ideas with others who care about making a difference.'

There'll also be talks from guest speakers: Diana Parkes (Co-Founder of the Joanna Simpson Foundation), Sarah McIntosh (CEO of Mental Health First Aid England), Heather Melvin (Director of Rock 2 Recovery), and Graham Makepeace-Warne (Manx Wildlife Trust).

In this edition of Newscast, Manx Radio speaks with Ali Vondy - founder of Manx Minds - about what people can expect from this year's conference.

'We all have a stake in our health and social care on the Island' - that's the message from the health minister, who says 'this is the right time' to review the working arrangements between her department and Manx Care.

Later this month, Claire Christian will ask Tynwald to support her motion to form a committee of five members to take evidence and review the governance framework, the division of responsibilities, and the statutory relationship between the DHSC and the healthcare body.

It comes four years after Manx Care came into operation; and four months into her term as minister.

Ms Christian told Manx Radio the move represents 'good practice' from her department:

A number of changes come into force today concerning employment rights on the Isle of Man.

Written statements are becoming a 'day one right', partners will be granted time off for antenatal appointments, and people going through the adoption process will have the right to leave to attend appointments.

There are also new rights for people taking time off to care for dependents, and changes to the Island's whistleblowing regime.

In this edition of Newscast we hear from Kimberley Emery, Industrial Relations Officer with the Manx Industrial Relations Service.

A number of changes come into force today concerning employment rights on the Isle of Man.

Written statements are becoming a 'day one right', partners will be granted time off for antenatal appointments, and people going through the adoption process will have the right to leave to attend appointments.

There are also new rights for people taking time off to care for dependents, and changes to the Island's whistleblowing regime.

But there's also been criticism as new rights to Shared Parental Leave have been left out of these latest measures.

In this edition of Newscast, Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston and Interim Enterprise Chief Officer Andrew Stewart discuss the latest changes and confirm that rights to shared parental leave will 'definitely' be brought in 'later this year'.

March marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and it's the fifth most common cancer in women, with one in 50 in the UK diagnosed with it. 

Sarah Jarvis, who found out about it in May 2023 says it's difficult to detect it as initial tests won't pick up the form of cancer, but symptoms will be able to give medical professionals a clue of what it could be. 

Joined by her consultant, Tony Stock, they spoke to Chanelle Sukhoo about how vital it is for women on the Island to listen to their bodies and go through with their screenings.

Earlier this week, the Isle of Man became the first place in the British Isles to approve assisted dying legislation.

On Tuesday (25 March), the Legislative Council voted to accept the House of Keys' changes to Dr Alex Allinson's proposals.

In this special Newscast, we hear from campaigners Vicky Christian - Chair of the Isle of Man branch of My Death, My Decision - and Sue Biggerstaff - who has been campaigning in her late husband's name for Dignity in Dying.

Siobhán Fletcher got their reactions after the news broke.

The Department of Infrastructure has opened a consultation for local authorities to have their say on new clauses in the Local Government Amendment Bill. 

It follows widespread criticism about the potential impact one of the new clauses could have - including mandating new functions without providing extra money and introducing 'standards' for work carried out. 

The bill was first introduced in 2021, and was brought back to parliament again in 2023, to 'strengthen' and 'update' current duties like byelaw processes and members expenses. 

DoI Minister Michelle Haywood says there's been no consultation up to this point because the bill's amendments were introduced by a backbench MHK.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her: