Isle of Man Government News

Deadline approaching for responses to private landlord register and minimum standards consultation

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 09:56:01 GMT

There is still time for people to submit their views on proposals aimed at bringing forward legislation making it mandatory for private landlords to register themselves and their property.

When enacted, the Bill will assist in ensuring that Island residents have access to a better standard of private rental accommodation. Minimum management and property standards will also be established, for the benefit of both landlord and tenant.

Public feedback will be considered by the Department before the Bill is finalised and taken to Tynwald.

Responses can be submitted using the Government consultation hub or alternatively, written comments can be emailed to landlordregistration@gov.im or by post to Public Estates and Housing Division, Department of Infrastructure, 1^st Floor, Sea Terminal, Douglas, IM1 2RF.

The deadline for responses is 5pm on Monday 27 July 2020

Summer of activities planned for young people

Sat, 11 Jul 2020 07:00:14 GMT

Children of all ages will be able to try new sports, learn new skills and make new friends during this year’s summer holidays through a range of initiatives.

With lockdown lifted, the Isle of Man Government’s Manx Sport and Recreation team and the Youth and Careers Services are gearing up for a jam-packed summer of activities to support young people through this difficult time and allow them to catch up.

Manx Sport and Recreation will run multi-sport holiday schemes at the National Sports Centre in Douglas, providing a positive experience through sport, in a safe, fun and productive environment. Sessions are available for children in Reception through to Year 7 and cost £15.70 a day - with daily and weekly schemes available from 27 July - 8 September. To find out more visit msr.gov.im or call +44 1624 688588.

The Youth Service offer a range of holiday clubs, educational activities through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, careers advice and support and a wide range of activity sessions. Holiday clubs are for years 4-6 and other sessions are up to age 18. Sessions are from £20 a day with daily and weekly schemes available from 27 July - 4 September - as well as some evening provision. They are also continuing drop-in support sessions for specific groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ). To find out more call +44 1624 686076.

Help is also available for those moving on from education into the world of work. The Careers Service will host daily drop in sessions at locations across the Island from Monday 27 July. Career experts will be on hand to discuss employment and training options available on Island. To find out where the closest drop in session is to you visit the signposts website.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘It’s been a difficult three months for everyone and in particular for our young people. I would encourage children and parents to get in touch to find out more about the activities and support available. There are a range of learning activities and sports to try with advice and support available to those who wish to take part. It is also a great opportunity to have fun, reconnect with friends and meet new people.’

Planning Applications - Publication List

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 07:00:27 GMT

In accordance with the Orders and Regulations listed below, the most recent planning applications received and validated for publication are now available for viewing online including a link on which the site extents can be viewed via an online map.

A PDF version is available if you wish to print off the list.

You may also, if a planning application has not yet been determined, use this service to submit an objection or comment in support of the application.

Comments or objections relative to this list must be submitted by 31 July 2020.

A laminated Site Notice has been sent to each applicant for displaying at the site.

Copies of the applications are also available for viewing at the Office of Planning and Building Control or via the appropriate Local Authority.

Any persons wishing to make written representation or submission must direct them to:

Secretary to the Planning Committee

Planning and Building Control Directorate

Department of Environment Food and Agriculture

Murray House

Mount Havelock

Douglas

IM1 2SF

Telephone:+44 1624 685950

Please be aware that all written representations OR SUBMISSIONS will be available for PUBLIC scrutiny and will form part of any proceedings arising in connection with the application.

Whilst criteria for the submission of comment may differ under each instrument of legislation, to give weight to any representation or submission, and enable assessment of parties for interested person status (as defined in the gov.im/interestedperson), persons are encouraged to clearly indicate the relationship between their land or buildings and the land that is the subject of the application. Sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application must be demonstrated if the person making representation should wish to be considered to take part in any subsequent proceedings.

Guidance on how to comment on planning applications is available online.

Please also be aware that any anonymous representations or submissions will not be considered as part of any planning determination.

Orders and Regulations

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019
Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013
Town and Country Planning (Registered Buildings) Regulations 2013
Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2013
Amended by
The Town and Country Planning (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2019

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If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list to receive a weekly email advising when planning lists are published, please forward your email details to planning@gov.im

Surveys to gauge economic impact of coronavirus pandemic

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 12:59:26 GMT

Two surveys aiming to assess the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic in the Isle of Man have been launched today.

The findings will be used to inform the Isle of Man Government’s ongoing response and economic strategy over the longer term.

The Coronavirus Business Survey will be emailed to all employers signed up to Online Services, and should be completed by a senior member of an organisation, such as a chief executive or managing director.

The Coronavirus Household Impact Survey is directed at all residents and is designed to gain an accurate picture of personal finances, how they have been affected and changes in spending patterns.

The surveys should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete and it’s hoped as many people as possible will take the time to provide the required information.

As similar surveys were previously run in early June, the latest versions will provide an important update in light of the relaxation of social distancing, the lifting of other restrictions and many sectors returning to economic activity.

Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and will never be connected with any other records or identifying information.

The closing date is Wednesday 15 July.

Financial Sanctions: Syria

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 15:07:37 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise a correction for two listings in the Syria regime, which brings the UK’s Consolidated List into line with Annex II to Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.

The following entry has been amended and remains subject to an asset freeze.

AMENDMENTS

Deleted information appears in square brackets. Additional information appears in italics.

Individual

AL-JARROUCHEH, Ahmed

DOB: --/--/1957.

a.k.a: (1) AL-JAROUCHA, Ahmad (2) AL-JAROUCHA, Ahmed (3) AL-JAROUCHAH, Ahmad (4) AL-JAROUCHAH, Ahmed (5) AL-JAROUCHEH, Ahmad (6) AL-JAROUCHEH, Ahmed (7) AL-JAROUSHA, Ahmad (8) AL-JAROUSHA, Ahmed (9) AL-JAROUSHEH, Ahmad (10) AL-JAROUSHEH, Ahmed (11) AL-JARROUCHEH, Ahmad

Other Information: Gender: male. Former Head of the foreign branch of General Intelligence (Branch 279). Responsible for General Intelligence arrangements in Syrian embassies.

Listed on: 24/07/2012 Last Updated: [04/06/2020] 10/07/2020 Group ID: 12724

The following entry has been removed from the UK’s Consolidated List and is no longer subject to an asset freeze.

Delisting

AL-FURAYJ, Fahd Jasim

DOB: 01/01/1950.

POB: Hama, Syria

a.k.a: (1) AL-FREIJ, Jasem (2) AL-FREIJ, Jasim (3) AL-FREIJ, Jassimm (4) AL-FURAYJ, Fahd, Jassem (5) AL-FURAYJ, Jasem (6) AL-FURAYJ, Jasim (7) AL-FURAYJ, Jassim

Other Information: Former Minister of Defence and Deputy Commander in Chief of the Syrian Armed Forces.

Listed on: 16/10/2012 Last Updated: [27/02/2018] 10/07/2020 Group ID: 12763

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Syria and links to the UK’s Consolidated List of Individuals and entities subject to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Financial Sanctions: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 15:27:55 GMT

This news release is issued to correct an entry listing for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea sanctions regime.

Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1509 has been amended so that an asset freeze no longer applies to the following person.

DELISTING

Individual

CHOL, Ri Pyong

DOB: --/--/1948.

Position: First Vice Director, Munitions Industry Department

Other Information: As First Vice Director of the Munitions Industry Department, holds a pivotal position within the DPRK's ballistic missile programme. Annex XIII.

Listed on: 16/10/2017 Last Updated: [18/07/2019] 10/07/2020 Group ID: 13546

Further details of the sanctions regime related to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and links to the UK’s Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to these and other financial sanctions may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

No active cases of coronavirus - 4pm 10 July 2020

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:00:46 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Thursday 09 July) there have been no further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

This means the Isle of Man has no active cases and the total number of confirmed cases remains 336.

There have been 7,008 concluded tests and 23 people are awaiting results.

Thirty people are awaiting a test, 28 of whom are part of the extended testing regime.

Applications for Dissolution - 2006 Act Companies

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:00:23 GMT

The Companies Act 2006

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 190(3)

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the Companies referred to in the attached Notice have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 190 of the Companies Act 2006. Unless written objection is made to The Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the Companies.

Applications for Dissolution - 1931 Act Companies

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:04:05 GMT

The Companies Acts 1931 to 2004

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 273a(3)(A) of The Companies Act 1931

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the attached companies have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 273a(3)(A) Of The Companies Act 1931. Unless written objection is made to The Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the Companies.

Financial Sanctions: Libya

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:10:50 GMT

This news release is issued to correct an entry listed under the financial sanctions regime imposed on Libya.

Council Regulation (EU) 204/2011 was amended so that an asset freeze no longer applies to the following individual.

DELISTING

Individual

ABDULHAFIZ, Mas'ud

Title: Colonel

DOB: 01/01/1937.

POB: Tripoli, Libya

a.k.a: ABDULHAFID, Massoud

Position: Armed Forces Commander

Other Information: EU listing. Not UN. 3rd in command of Armed Forces. Significant role in Military Intelligence.

Listed on: 03/03/2011 Last Updated: [10/03/2015] 10/07/2020 Group ID: 11641

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Libya and links to the UK’s Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Financial Sanctions: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:22:48 GMT

This news release is issued to correct two entries in respect of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Council Regulation (EC) 1183/2005 has been amended so that an asset freeze no longer applies to the following individuals

DELISTINGS

Individuals

KIBELISA, Roger

DOB: 09/09/1959.

POB: Fayala, DRC

a.k.a: NGAMBASWI, Roger, Kibelisa

Nationality: DRC

Address: 24, avenue Photopao, Kinshasa/Mont Ngafula, RDC.

Position: Interior Director of the National Intelligence Service (ANR)

Other Information: EU Listing. As Interior Director of the National Intelligence Service (ANR), Roger Kibelisa is involved in the intimidation campaign carried out by ANR officials towards opposition members, including arbitrary arrests and detention. Roger Kibelisa has therefore undermined the rule of law and obstructed a consensual and peaceful solution towards elections in DRC.

Listed on: 12/12/2016 Last Updated: [13/12/2018] 10/07/2020 Group ID: 13437.

MENDE, Lambert

DOB: 11/02/1953.

POB: Okolo, DRC

a.k.a: OMALANGA, Lambert, Mende

Nationality: DRC

Passport Details: Diplomatic passport DB0001939 (issued 04/05/2017 - expiring 03/05/2022)

Address: 20, avenue Kalongo, Kinshasa/Ngaliema, RDC.

Position: Minister of Communications and Media

Other Information: EU listing. Spokesperson of the Government

Listed on: 30/05/2017 Last Updated: [13/12/2018] 10/07/2020 Group ID: 13463.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and links to the Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to these and other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Return lane to be added to the Douglas Promenade one-way system to help businesses

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 09:21:59 GMT

Isle of Man Government is adding a return lane to Douglas Promenade that will help businesses on the south end of the Promenade by allowing northbound traffic to return south along the walkway.

Running from the access point used for walkway parking at Christmas through to the Sea Terminal, cars will be able to return alongside the Sea Wall in a fully coned segregated area, leaving over ten metres of width for other users.

The measure will help businesses make their deliveries and enable customers to be dropped off or picked up by car or taxi.

Infrastructure Minster Tim Baker MHK said:

‘We are committed to getting the Promenade done and we will be getting it done by the end of March so we can make a success of next year’s visitor season. I am very aware that this comes with short term impacts and will do what I can to help without compromising the delivery of the scheme.

‘The return lane will help residents and businesses at the south end of the Prom; those at the north end can use Empress Drive or Port Jack to return south. Meanwhile we are retaining most of the walkway for use by pedestrians, cyclists and, if necessary, the emergency services. We announced the changes to Marina Road and Summerhill in early June and have plenty of time to install the return lane next week so it is ready when the closures take place later this month.

‘The Department remains willing to adapt its plans in the light of experience and feedback, provided this can be done without affecting the delivery of the scheme. For example we recently extended the left turn lane at St Ninian’s and added a cyclist advance stop line to help this junction cope better with the 10,000 extra cars a day heading south.

‘The Department will continue to make what changes it can to support local businesses and residents. I am currently reviewing the provision of parking in Douglas and plan to use the imminent return of both Chester Street and Drumgold Street car parks to our management to help those affected by the Promenade works.’

The end of the VAT deferral period

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:09:00 GMT

This news release is issued to draw attention to the end of the VAT deferral period.

VAT payments could only be automatically deferred if they were:

quarterly and monthly VAT return payments for the periods ending in FEBRUARY 2020, MARCH 2020 and APRIL 2020;
annual accounting advance payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020.

This means that you will need to submit returns as normal for May 2020 onwards on time and pay the VAT liability in full unless prior ‘time to pay’ arrangements have been agreed with the Debt Management Unit to meet this liability.

If you have any difficulty paying your VAT return please contact the Debt Management Unit on 648160 or dmu.customs@gov.im.

No active cases of coronavirus - 4pm 9 July 2020

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 16:04:14 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Wednesday 08 July) there have been no further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

This means the Isle of Man has no active cases and the total number of confirmed cases remains 336.

There have been 6,937 concluded tests and 26 people are awaiting results.

Twenty two people are awaiting a test, all of whom are part of the extended testing regime.

Value Added Tax: Guidance on the temporary reduced rate of VAT for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 15:41:19 GMT

Further information on the temporary reduced rate of 5% VAT for the hospitality industry, holiday accommodation and on admission charges to attractions announced yesterday has now been released.

A reduced rate of 5% for holiday accommodation already exists in the Isle of Man.

Details of the measures can be found in the following publications or by contacting the Advice Centre on 648130 or at customs@gov.im :

Revenue and Customs Brief 10 (2020): temporary reduced rate of VAT for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions.

VAT on admission charges to attractions

VAT Notice 709/1: Catering, takeaway food

VAT Notice 701/14: Food Products

Continued support announced for the Tourism and Travel sector

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 16:41:35 GMT

The Department for Enterprise has announced that it will offer an extended range of support to tourism and travel businesses which continue to be financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as a direct result of the continuing restrictions on the Island’s borders.

The new measures mean that there is a second payment available for those who have applied previously under the Strategic Capacity Scheme, based on their registered accommodation across a range of accommodation categories.

Further support is also being made available to businesses and the self-employed in the broader Tourism and Travel sector. Businesses who significantly rely on tourism income may also apply for a contribution towards salary and ongoing overhead costs, whilst self-employed in these sectors may be eligible for a further grant of up to £3,000.

The latest support has been made available in an effort to ensure the Island retains its strategic capacity in the tourism sector with a view to enabling a more rapid recovery as the Island emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. These extended support packages are in addition to the Salary Support Scheme, which will continue for the Tourism and Travel sectors until at least September 2020.

Full details on this substantial set of support packages and application forms will be available from Friday 10 July at: https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/financial-support/funding/coronavirus-business-support-scheme/

Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK, commented:

‘As a Government, our focus remains on making decisions that balance our Island’s health, societal and economic needs. We have successfully suppressed the spread of COVID-19 here in the Island, and the ability to take clear and decisive action to close our borders has played a vital role in this, however, some sectors continue to be significantly impacted by these decisions and we recognise the considerable challenges they are facing at this time.

‘We have been consulting closely with industry partners and representatives of the tourism and travel sector to understand the best ways to support going forward. The recent announcement of an air bridge between Guernsey and the Isle of Man is a small positive step forward and provides opportunity for businesses to start to welcome visitors once again, but we recognise that the sector also requires ongoing tangible support to best enable our recovery once borders are able to fully reopen.

‘Given that the continued border restrictions are an ongoing necessity to protect the whole Island, it is appropriate to extend further financial support to businesses who are wholly affected by this choice.

‘Whilst the future cannot be certain, it is clear from where we sit today that we are unlikely to be able to welcome visitors to our shores again until at least the end of September 2020, and consequently this next phase of support for this quarter to the end of September will help sustain this industry in readiness for what we hope will be a strong recovery in 2021. It will also allow more time for us all to better understand what the winter period may look like and what support may be required.’

Manx borders policy to move from Level 5 to Level 4

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 17:11:17 GMT

The Council of Ministers has agreed that, from Monday 20 July, we will move from Level 5 to Level 4 in the Isle of Man Borders Framework.

Isle of Man Borders Framework.

This will enable Island residents to visit the UK and beyond if they are prepared to self-isolate for 14 days on their return, and will replace the repatriation process.

Isle of Man residents who wish to return to the Island from Monday 20 July must have a Manx Entry Permit, granted by demonstrating residency via an online application process. Access for non-residents will remain tightly restricted.

This permit is not required to leave the Island - anyone is free to leave at any time.

But after Monday 20 July 2020, Island residents must have a Manx Entry Permit in place to ensure they can return, and must complete an online Landing Form within a 48-hour period prior to travelling back to the Island in order to provide arrival details.

These details will include the address at which you will be isolating on your return, as well as your contact number, and you will also be required to make a health declaration.

It is important to be aware that the restrictions on anyone entering the Island will remain unchanged. A period of 14 days’ self-isolation is mandatory for everyone and this must be carefully considered before deciding to travel.

Random and unscheduled checks will be made on those returning to the Island to ensure they are adhering to self-isolation and helping to protect the wider Island community.

Applications for Manx Entry Permits will open next week and will be available via Online Services at the Isle of Man Government website.

Chief Minister's statement on COVID-19 - 9 July 2020

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 17:07:54 GMT

Good afternoon,

It has been a while since I last had the pleasure of talking to you. I hope you all enjoyed the bank holiday weekend and our National Day - whatever you did and wherever you spent it.

It was an unusual Tynwald Day to say the least. At the height of the pandemic, the event was scaled right back and the usual programme of events was cancelled.

By the time we got to July, the ban on gatherings had been lifted and social distancing was no longer needed.

But by then Tynwald Day had been reduced to the formal ceremony only – another new ‘first’ for the Island.

There was no grandstand, no fair, stalls or sideshows, no marching bands, displays, entertainments or live music. But people still came out to watch.

It is heartening to know that the essence of our ancient ceremony – an outdoor gathering of parliament to proclaim our new laws in public - still has meaning in people’s lives.

It was good to come together on a uniquely Manx occasion, and express pride in our nation and its institutions.

I have seen photos of how people celebrated Tynwald Day at home, here and abroad. I look forward to seeing all the traditions return next year.

Now for today’s update on the numbers, I will hand over to the Health & Social Care Minister David Ashford.

Thank you, David.

Over the last few weeks, I promised you that the Council of Ministers would regularly review our policy on the gradual opening of the Island’s borders.

Today we once again looked at this. And the Council of Ministers this morning discussed whether it was time to move to the next stage – Level 4.

As I’ve outlined at previous briefings, this is the next stage in our stepped approach towards full re-opening of borders.

After careful consideration, we decided unanimously that we are now ready to make this significant step.

I am pleased to confirm that from Monday 20 July, Isle of Man residents will be free to travel to the UK and beyond and return.

Until now, travellers have had to show that their journey off-Island is essential. That there was a genuine compassionate reason to go. That requirement will be lifted from 20 July.

I should emphasise that today’s changes apply to Isle of Man residents only – borders are still closed to non-residents unless they have been granted an exemption.

We have thought long and hard about moving to Level 4. We have listened carefully. We knew we could not keep border restrictions in place indefinitely.

Our decision today is a cautious one, based on an assessment of the risks involved and the evolving picture in the United Kingdom and beyond. We carefully considered the impact of our people who are separated from loved ones.

Our Borders Framework set out the indicators which allow for gradual relaxation of the closed borders policy.

According to the United Kingdom’s Office of National Statistics – a well-respected agency independent of government - the COVID infection rate in England currently stands at approximately one person in every three-thousand-nine-hundred people. We judged that this is an acceptable level for us to move to Level 4.

We are at our 50th day without a case and in many respects, Island life has returned to normal.

Allowing our citizens to travel off Island - to see family, for business purposes, to go on holiday, shopping or simply for a change of scene – is the right thing to do.

There is no compelling reason not to. Waiting yet longer - as some would have it 'just to be on the safe side' -becomes increasingly hard to justify when infection rates among our nearest neighbours are falling.

But we will need to maintain some important restrictions for a while.

The traveller must on return quarantine at home for fourteen days. This is an essential condition of travel, no ifs or buts. We will be taking this extremely seriously and will have measures in place to ensure this is respected.

Our newly-formed borders team is prepared for this stage and they will play a crucial role.

Staff will ‘meet and greet’ returning travellers - who will have to wear a mask - to ensure each individual understands what is required of them.

The traveller will receive a self-isolation Order which will make it clear that self-isolation is a legal requirement.

The Order is a legal document which will state that failure to comply could result in criminal prosecution, punishable with a fine or even imprisonment.

In this context it is only the traveller who must go into self-isolation – there is no need for the rest of the household to do so. Unless the returning traveller develops symptoms – when a test will be carried out and different rules apply.

I know that for some, this move to Level 4 will be a great relief. For others it may cause concern. I understand that. I have always been clear and honest with you. As with all the decisions we have taken there is an element of risk in taking this step.

We have enjoyed a prolonged period without any positive cases of coronavirus. Clearly, when more people move between the Island and other countries, the risk of new cases of the virus increases.

We can’t pretend otherwise. What is important is how we meet that challenge. Self-isolation will remain our most important weapon against spread. This – combined with our rapid testing and tracing - are our defence against a new outbreak.

And of course a continued effort by the community to maintain high standards of hygiene, at home and at work.

You may ask how will self-isolation be ‘policed’?

We trust people to do the right thing – and the overwhelming majority will. But as we take this next step, that will not be enough.

People who wish to travel will have to tell us about their travel plans and where they will be isolating on return. We will be putting in place measures that include regular checks on returning travellers to see that they are complying with isolation requirements – both by phone and in person.

The details will follow in the coming week, but I want to use today’s announcement to make it crystal clear that we expect people to play their part in keeping our Island safe.

The message is simple: if you want to travel to and from the Island – stick to the rules. And if people stick to the rules, we can keep our Island safe.

We have to enforce these rules firmly – the cost to our Island of a second wave of COVID would be substantial. So, we will take all steps to prevent it.

Today’s UK news is dominated by the latest package of support measures announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

His summer economic update will see billions more injected into the economy to nurse it back to health.

The figures are staggering.

The additional thirty billion pounds announced yesterday brings the total spent on measures to mitigate the crisis to almost one hundred and ninety billion pounds.

That is equivalent to 9.4% of the UK’s GDP – far more than last year’s entire UK budget for health and social care.

Clearly there’s no comparison with our situation, numbers-wise. But it is worth reflecting on the challenge the UK is facing to rebuild its economy, as we take measures to restore our own.

In ‘big picture’ terms, the economic health of the UK has always had an impact on the Manx economy. The buoyancy of our various sectors - from precision engineering to tourism - is influenced to an extent by the highs and lows of our nearest neighbour’s economy.

Changes to VAT arrangements are an example of how UK decisions directly impact us here in the Island.

So the move to cut VAT from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on most activities in the tourism and hospitality sectors in the UK, will be mirrored here.

The reduced rate will apply from 15 July 2020 – that is the middle of next week - until 12 January 2021.

The aim is to gives businesses in these sectors a boost, and importantly to support jobs.

If the benefit is passed on to consumers it will provide encouragement for the public to visit restaurants, cafes and pubs – helping those which have been closed for several months to survive - and hopefully to grow.

The Isle of Man already applies a 5% VAT rate to hotel accommodation, and this rate will be extended for the period to admission fees for events and attractions.

More information and details about the measures will be published on the Customs and Excise website shortly.

In the meantime, this is an opportunity to encourage everyone to support local, to spend in our shops, pubs and restaurants, and help support businesses, employers and workers - to save jobs and keep us on a firm footing.

The latest measures announced by the Chancellor are only one step on a longer journey. Mr Sunak was keen to say that the job had only just begun – despite the huge sums of public money committed already.

Later this month, the Treasury Minister will unveil our summer budget update. This will provide an assessment of public finances – and our own economic plan to recover from the pandemic.

The ‘Purple Book’ as it’s known will indicate how we intend to support jobs and enterprise, safeguard livelihoods and young people’s futures, and create the right environment for a vibrant, confident and prosperous society to thrive.

One which can generate the revenues needed to fund public services, including of course our precious health and care service.

I’m not going to steal the Treasury Minister’s thunder but it’s safe to say that we will acknowledge the cost to the public purse of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

And that thanks to our prudent approach and the support of the whole community, there are signs the economy is starting to move more quickly than anticipated.

And now to questions from the media.

Thank you for those questions.

I imagine there will be a range of reactions to today’s news on borders. It won’t suit everyone. On a short walk from Government Office the other day I was met with opposing views from two members of the public.

A lady urged me to keep the borders firmly closed. A few steps on, a gentleman expressed fears for the survival of local businesses if they did not open.

Such is politics. Together we have done a terrific job in responding to the pandemic – that has been said many times.

But it is not ‘job done’. Just as attitudes to risk vary widely, the steps we take towards the new normal seem scary to some - but are welcomed by others.

I hope people accept though, that we cannot stay isolated forever. But today we have taken another careful step towards normality.

This is an unfolding story and we will deal with each new challenge as it arises – I know how the Manx people love a challenge!

No active cases of coronavirus - 4pm 8 June 2020

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 16:00:14 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Tuesday 07 July) there have been no further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

This means the Isle of Man has no active cases and the total number of confirmed cases remains 336.

There have been 6,849 concluded tests and 55 people are awaiting results.

Five people are awaiting a test, four of whom are part of the extended testing regime.

Improvements to the Nunnery footpath will provide a safe and enjoyable route for walking and cycling

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 13:17:23 GMT

Work is now completed on improving the Nunnery footpath. Improvements include removal of obstructions, such as undergrowth and debris, resurfacing and drainage to provide an even surface and prevent build-up of standing water and the widening of some sections to allow adequate space.

The footpath has now reopened and is an alternative route to joining the cycle lane on Peel Road from Old Castletown Road. It will allow active commuters another option to travel towards the centre of Douglas. The pathway goes through a quiet picturesque area of Douglas making it ideal for commuting and for recreation alike.

Following the opening of the Heritage Trail and the addition of the pedestrian crossing at the Quarterbridge, as part of the Active Travel Strategy, this is another section of dedicated walk/cycle path connecting Peel and Douglas.

Infrastructure Minister, Tim Baker MHK said:

‘The route was in need of clearing to make it a safer and more enjoyable path. Providing dedicated walking and cycling routes into Douglas will encourage more people to use the route, especially those who may feel less confident travelling on shared roads.

‘It is an important part of the Active Travel Strategy that we create routes that are usable and safe with minimal requirements for additional specialist equipment or clothing.

‘We will continue to work with Island schools, businesses and residents as we move towards an Island where cycling and walking are normal and realistic transport choices for people of all ages and abilities.’