Manx National Heritage are seeking views and feedback to the manner in which the bequest from the late Mr John Donald Collister of Colby should be used. Comment is sought from individuals, groups or organisations on options, projects and activities falling within the remit of the Manx Museum and National Trust which may be partly or wholly funded by this bequest.

The outcome of this consultation will help the Trust to create a decision framework for managing this bequest in accordance with its statutory duties and role within the Island’s community.

The Department has now considered the contents of Inspector’s report on the Modified Draft of the Area Plan. In light of this consideration, it is now proposing to adopt this plan with modifications.

The adoption of the Plan will result in the revocation of the following Plans as they relate to the area covered by the Plan:
• Arbory and East Rushen
• Castletown
• Small part of the Foxdale
• Port Erin
• Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Development Plan) Order 1982
In accordance with paragraph 6(2)(a) of Schedule 1 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1999, the Department invites representations on the proposed modifications only. The consultation opens on Thursday 7th June 2012 and representations must be submitted on the response form within 22 days from the consultation period opening so that they are received by 4.30pm on Friday 29th June 2012, at the Planning Division’s Offices, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas.

This consultation paper aims pending the preparation of the Area Plan for the East, to provide guidance to developers and the public alike on our vision for the key gateway area to the Island and Douglas.

Over the next few years the Centre of Douglas has the potential to be radically transformed through a number of major initiatives centred upon the Douglas Town Centre Regeneration activity and the refurbishment of the Promenade. The development opportunities identified in Lower Douglas will play a key complementary role in helping to deliver this transformation.

The consultation closed on the 19th June 2012. The Department has now compiled a summary of responses document, which can be found below. The Department is currently considering these responses with the view of publishing a final version of the Interim Planning Guidance.

The Department of Social Care has commenced public consultation on the Housing Review. The purpose of the consultation exercise is to invite comments on the information and potential options identified with the Housing Review. It is vital that everyone feels they have adequate opportunity to put their views forward to help shape the future of housing provision and service for future generations. The consultation will allow the Department to take an informed decision on the final options for the affordable Housing Sector.

We welcome general comments on the proposals from the Housing Review but we have also compiled a survey to help people respond to key areas of the Scheme.

If you would like to complete the questionnaire electronically online, please use the link below:

One of the consequences of the introduction of the Unified Scheme is that the current Injury Benefit arrangements for those affected employment groups will no longer be valid, as some of the benefits provided for by the former Injury Benefit Schemes are based upon the retirement provisions of the former pension schemes which, following the introduction of the Unified Scheme from 1 April 2012, are no longer applicable.

In order to maintain access to current Injury Benefit provisions, on an ongoing but interim basis, the PSPA is proposing to make the proposed Interim Injury Benefit Scheme 2012 at the earliest opportunity

This scheme seeks to keep in place the current Injury Benefit arrangements for those employment groups covered by the former civil service and analogous schemes and the former National Health Service and Firefighters schemes.This Scheme does not seek to reduce any level of benefits currently available to these employment groups.