In October Tynwald members agreed to a slightly watered down proposal to tie the minimum wage to the living wage. This led to the Local Economy Forum holding a lively meeting which, while highly critical of government and Tynwald’s decision, suggested a change to tax allowances and credits which would see the lowest paid taking home slightly more money and government and the private sector sharing the burden. Lawrie Hooper spoke against the Tynwald compromise and Chris Robertshaw led the private sector charge against. They talk to Perspective. A lively exchange to whet your appetite for Sunday dinner with a surprising outcome for pudding.

Earlier this week the Year of the Manx Language, Blein ny Gaelgey was officially launched at the start of the Cooish Manx language festival. The year has been organised by Jeabin, the Manx language network and there will be loads of events during the year to celebrate the Manx language. The year is primarily supported through existing budgets and a significant amount of voluntary effort, so why does government and the various Manx language agencies, groups and speakers think the language is so important? For a language that appeared to be on it’s last legs in the 1960s and 70s it’s certainly packing a punch now.

Perspective 2.11.25 - Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce

The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce represents many Manx businesses and has been pretty vocal of late in expressing concerns over the minimum wage increase. It has at times been accused of being too influential over government but is that really the case? What do we need to change to drive economic growth, how can the Island’s housing problems be solved and what impact will artificial intelligence have on the Manx work place? And why is the oft discussed MoneyVal inspection so important? The Chamber’s pot seems to be overflowing with ideas but is government taking notice?

October Tynwald highlights this week. Questions pondered how people will cope when the MiCard system is scrapped and whether the Manx economy is in recession. A new Child First Policy was received by Tynwald and there was unanimous support for a call to introduce a comprehensive program of neurodiversity training in Manx schools.

Tynwald’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee held an evidence session with officers from the MUA last week and there were several revelations which should be of interest to us all. A thousand Manx households are contributing 7 megawatts of renewable energy to the Manx grid and the MUA is working closely with private sector renewable energy projects in the south and north of the Island. So what does this mean for future energy production for the Isle of Man? Has government been too focussed on renewable energy production and not clear enough in helping the MUA understand future energy usage. The vital sparks at the MUA reveal all.

Liberal Vannin Party leader and former health minister Lawrie Hooper leads a somewhat lonely life as the only Liberal Vannin member in Tynwald. As a party of one he recognises his influence is limited but feels passionately that party politics is the best way to ensure our politicians are held accountable for their actions. Could party politics work for us? I guess Lawrie will need to lead more than just himself to demonstrate that to us.

The fourth and final Isle of Man Government Conference of the Cannan administration brought together ministers, senior officials and business leaders to discuss some of the Island's biggest challenges.

We get the lowdown from the ministers about what their intentions are for the next 12 months, and reaction to some of those announcements.

Day One of the Isle of Man Government conference while light on major policy announcements and big reveals was very engaging and well put together. Government sees the conference as a great opportunity to engage with the public and there were plenty of opportunities to do that. Our government, like governments around the world, faces significant economic and demographic challenges but is our government ready to meet these challenges? Is real progress being made or is it just empty promises of jam tomorrow? 

There’s a consultation happening now on a new strategic plan which, according to Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford, will help build great communities, protect our environment, and promote sustainable development. The new strategic plan will probably be in place until 2041 and will cement the core planning policies which will affect our lives and the appearance of the Island in which we live. If you care about the future of our Island this is probably the most important consultation you’ll ever fill in. Whatever you think of our government this is a once in a generation opportunity to have your say on this vital plan.

Former Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw tried and by his own admission failed to bring about the reforms he believes are essential to allow the public to have greater confidence in government and to allow government to actually succeed. He wants us to have a greater say on the major policy proposals government brings forward, he believes government should act as a unified body rather than as separate ’siloed’ departments, and he wants an independent political think tank to be formed to help generate policy innovation across government. He explains all on this week’s Perspective. There’s no doubting his passion but is this just more hot air from Mr Robertshaw?