Isle of Man Cabinet Office News

Public invited to celebrate Armed Forces Day 2019

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 15:04:49 GMT

Members of the public are being invited to show their support for the armed services this Sunday 30 June to mark Armed Forces Day 2019.

The event celebrates the role local servicemen and women have played in conflict and peacekeeping the world over.

This year the event will be marking the 75th Anniversary of the D Day landings and post Second World War Two conflicts in which many attending will have participated

A march from Regent Street Douglas will begin at 3.00pm and parade along Douglas promenade. Reserves, veterans of all services, emergency services, schools, and uniformed organisations will be taking part in this year’s parade with music by the Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band. Members of the public are encouraged to line the route towards the Villa Marina to show their support.

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and the Deputy Mayor of Douglas will be taking the salute at the Villa Marina colonnade.

At 3.45pm a religious service will take place and will be followed by other commemorations in support of the armed forces in the Villa Marina Royal Hall. A multi-media presentation honouring the work and sacrifice of the Armed Services will also be led by students from Ballakermeen High School before an evening of dancing and entertainment from local stars and the D Day Darlings.

Members of the public who would like to help celebrate Armed Forces Day are encouraged to come along and enjoy the fun, family friendly outdoor entertainment in the Villa Marina Gardens throughout the day, starting at 10.30am.

Armed Forces Day 2019 is free to attend. Further information can be found online.

Meetings with UK parliamentarians on beneficial ownership registers

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 17:24:49 GMT

The Chief Ministers of Guernsey and the Isle of Man, and Jersey’s Minister for External Relations, today met with UK parliamentarians in London, to discuss the joint commitment made by the islands to move towards the implementation of public registers of beneficial ownership.

The commitment has been welcomed across the UK political spectrum.

The Prime Minister, Theresa May, in response to a question by Nigel Mills MP commented during Prime Minister’s Questions:

'I’m very pleased to see the announcement today from Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man and indeed we continue to work with the Overseas Territories to ensure that they do follow those standards and open those books, so that people can see who is actually owning those companies.'

Following a series of meetings, the Ministers issued the following statement:

'Our joint commitment was broadly welcomed by the parliamentarians we met with today and generally accepted as a proactive step to ensure that the Crown Dependencies remain among global leaders in matters of transparency and financial services regulation.

'We had frank and constructive discussions about the implementation of the commitment and the indicative timetable we have outlined. We will continue to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including local industry, UK parliamentarians, and European partners.'

Joint statement by governments of Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man on beneficial ownership registers

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 09:57:29 GMT

The governments of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man are today jointly announcing a series of steps regarding each jurisdiction’s central register of beneficial ownership information of companies and how they will move towards developing international standards of accessibility and transparency in the coming years.

The three jurisdictions have a long track record of high standards which are effective in helping to tackle financial crime and countering the financing of terrorism, and all three actively support the development of global standards of transparency.

The commitment announced today will increase further transparency and accessibility whilst maintaining high standards of accurate, up-to-date, verified information. It sets out three clear stages which are consistent with the EU’s approach to transparency of beneficial ownership data of companies under the EU’s Fifth Money Laundering Directive (‘the EU Directive’) within a deliverable timeframe. The stages are:

the interconnection of the islands’ registers of beneficial ownership of companies with those within the EU for access by law enforcement authorities and Financial Intelligence Units; then
access for financial service businesses and certain other prescribed businesses for corporate due diligence purposes; then
public access aligned to the approach taken in the EU Directive.

Click here to download a copy of the announcement.

Deputy Gavin St Pier, Chief Minister of Guernsey said:

'Guernsey has stated repeatedly that we would move to a public register of beneficial ownership as that becomes an international norm. We are publishing a detailed action plan to demonstrate how Guernsey will respond to global developments in regard to beneficial ownership over the next couple of years. It will also help understanding of our commitments and approach.

'The action plan also reinforces our message that it is for Guernsey to determine its own policy position. We will never compromise the high standard of our register, which is populated by verified up to date data, by the adoption of an inferior model. Our action plan will ensure that our register and corporate regulation continue to set a standard for larger jurisdictions to follow.'

Senator Ian Gorst, External Relations Minister for Jersey, said:

'Jersey is proud to be among global leaders in matters of tax cooperation, transparency and in combatting money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. The commitments we are announcing today, alongside Guernsey and the Isle of Man, will help to ensure that this leadership role is maintained whilst taking into account the standards being developed within Europe. We hope to encourage other jurisdictions to raise their own standards, particularly in relation to the verification of data and the regulation of the financial services sector.'

Howard Quayle MHK, Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, said:

'The Isle of Man has a longstanding, and independently verified, track record of meeting international standards. EU Member States' implementation of Public Registers creates a clear direction of travel. It is in all our strategic interests and our standing as responsible jurisdictions to commit to further develop the accessibility and transparency of our register of beneficial ownership for companies. The EU’s review in 2022 gives us the opportunity to follow best practice and implement a register that meets the principles of the Fifth Money Laundering Directive.'

Consultations seek public's views on proposed planning changes

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 16:48:32 GMT

The Isle of Man Government is seeking views from the public on planning reform; specifically on areas surrounding a potential Telecommunications Development Order; and a Use Classes Order and Changes of Use Development Order.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minster for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

‘Following a consultation on the Action Plan to improve the Planning System there was a clear public desire for the Government to increase Permitted Development rights to allow greater flexibility for changes of use within town centres. If approved, these orders would allow some development without the need to submit a planning application.’

Chris Thomas MHK, Minister for Policy and Reform, said:

‘These orders can be very helpful both to encourage activity within existing retail and commercial areas, and to facilitate important and substantial telecoms investment in 5G and fibre to the home. I hope that the informed and reassuring public health comments about 5G and public health are considered widely and properly.’

Both consultations will close on 5 August after which the responses will be reviewed. Orders will require Tynwald approval before coming into effect.

The consultations can be found on the Consultation Hub: https://consult.gov.im/

Further information about radio-frequency electro-magnetic fields (RF-EMF), the 5G network and the evidence relating to any public health concerns are addressed in a document published here.

Re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:40:19 GMT

Speech by: Hon Howard Quayle MHK, Chief Minister

I would like to welcome you all and thank you for attending this very important event.

I am very honoured to introduce to you the representatives of the Armed Forces who have attended today to sign the Covenant:

Commodore Phillip Waterhouse ADC RN on behalf of the Royal Navy
Colonel Russell Miller OBE on behalf of the British Army
Wing Commander Stephen Chaskin OBE on behalf of the Royal Air Force
Colonel (Retired) Mark Underhill OBE DL, the Chief Executive of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man

I will be signing on behalf of the Isle of Man, along with the Speaker of the House of Keys, and the Armed Forces Champion for the Isle of Man, Juan Watterson.

The purpose of the Covenant is to encourage support for the Armed Forces Community working and residing in the Isle of Man and to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of this Armed Forces Community, especially those who have given the most.

For the Isle of Man Government and partner organisations, the Covenant provides an opportunity to bring our knowledge and expertise to bear on the provision of help and advice to members of the Armed Forces Community. It also presents an opportunity to build upon existing good work on the Island.

For the Armed Forces community, the Covenant encourages the integration of service life into civilian life and encourages members of the Armed Forces community to help this Island community.

This is a two-way agreement which recognises the debt we owe to those who serve, who have served, and who will serve in our armed forces.

We will encourage our young people to carry on this tradition of service
We will recognise, respect and celebrate their work on our behalf
We will seek to ensure that their welfare and that of their families is protected
Those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice we will cherish and remember always.

To those who have served in the past we thank you. To those returning home from service, we encourage you to take part in our Island’s activities, to walk amongst us in the Queen’s uniform and become a significant part of our society.

Today we forge a continuing bond. I commend this covenant and ask that it be signed on behalf of the Armed Forces community in the Isle of Man.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2019

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:03:04 GMT

Government House is pleased to announce that HM The Queen has recognised four people in the Isle of Man in her 2019 birthday honours list.

The Hon Stephen Rodan OBE

On coming to the Isle of Man in the 1980s Steve Rodan immersed himself in the Island’s historic, cultural, charitable and political life. From early days as a pharmacist in Laxey, supporting local charities and as a Commissioner, through service as an MHK and Minister, his commitment to the people of the Island has been strong. He helped to achieve the right to vote for 16 and 17 year olds. In the Legislative Council since 2016, he has been an even handed President of Tynwald. As County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, he led them with dignity during the commemorations of the 100^th Anniversary of WWI. For outstanding service and dedication to the Isle of Man, Steve Rodan receives an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, 2019.

Mrs Tonia Lushington MBE

As Secretary General of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association for over 10 years, Tonia Lushington guided the Association through a raft of financial and other complex challenges. She was also Chef de Mission for Manx Teams competing in Delhi and Glasgow and for Youth Teams attending the Games in Pune and Samoa. In addition to organising, mentoring and coaching, she has been at the heart of much of the Association’s fundraising activity for many years. Her support to Manx charitable and sporting sectors spans 5 decades, as an administrator and as a competitor. For services to sport and the community in the Isle of Man, Tonia Lushington is awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, 2019.

Mr Ivor Ramsden MBE

For over 25 years, Ivor Ramsden has made an outstanding contribution to the social and military history of Manx people by establishing, in his spare time, the Manx Aviation and Military Museum. He has catalogued over 9,000 items in the Museum and created a unique set of personal histories and records. He uses these freely to help others, including visitors, schools, community groups, families and individuals from across the Island and beyond. The exemplary levels of conservation, display and customer service have helped tourism on the Isle of Man and to establish useful links with UK museums. For services to Manx heritage and tourism, Ivor Ramsden is made an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, 2019.

Mr Tony Fox BEM

For over 40 years, Tony Fox has raised funds for many good causes, including local Manx charities, Coronary Care at both Nobles Hospital and Broad Green in Liverpool, and Robert Owen House. Most significantly, he has raised over £100,000 for the Liver Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. The latter stemmed from his wife’s liver failure and treatment there 5 years ago, and has allowed purchase of a Normothermic Regional Perfusion machine, called the ‘Fox Machine’ by the hospital. He hopes to raise another £30,000 for good causes this year. For services to medical charities and the community of the Isle of Man, The Queen has recognised Tony Fox with the award of a British Empire Medal in the Birthday Honours List, 2019.

Manx charity recognised with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2019

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 09:40:42 GMT

A breast cancer charity inthe Isle of Man has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK and Crown Dependencies.

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has been recognised for raising more than £2.8 million to improve the experience of patients in the Isle of Man since 2012. This figure is rising and the work of the group grows.

Patron of the group Sheila Dean recently attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace where she and other representatives of the 2019 awardees met members of the Royal Family.

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group is one of 281 volunteer-led groups to receive the award this year. The number of awards has increased in 2019, reflecting the expansion of the voluntary sector today.

The award recognises exceptional service by voluntary groups within their communities. The recipients are announced each year on the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group will receive their award from the Lieutenant Governor at an event in their honour at Government House later in the year.

The Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney warmly received the news of the Queen’s award to the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, saying:

‘I have been impressed by the scale and scope of the group’s achievements and by their enthusiasm and commitment to supporting patients on and from the Isle of Man. Everyone involved with the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group should be proud of their positive impact.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle, who supported the original nomination which resulted in the Queen’s Award, said:

‘I have watched this extraordinary group of committed people, many of whom have fought breast cancer, work tirelessly to improve facilities for others facing the same frightening diagnosis.’

‘They’ve surpassed ambitious targets thanks to the dynamism and flair of their members and supporters. Having established the Manx Breast Unit, they are now championing new projects and are widely admired by the Manx public for their efforts. I am delighted the group has been recognised with this prestigious award – it is truly deserved.’

Chair of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group Julie Stokes said:

‘We are proud and honoured that our efforts have been recognised by this prestigious award which has been achieved through much hard work and dedication by a team of ladies and gentlemen who have committed themselves to giving the best possible support, care and facilities to those affected by breast cancer.’

Applauding the work of her team, Mrs Stokes added:

‘We could not have done it without the support of the Manx people who have thrown themselves wholeheartedly behind us, and the partnership we have enjoyed with the Department of Health and Social Care, hospital management and teams in Breast Care and Radiology. ‘It shows what working together can achieve and that together we can do so much more. Manx Breast Cancer Support Group will continue to fund-raise to improve the experience for breast cancer patients on our Island.’

Chief Minister commits to landmark climate change bill

Mon, 13 May 2019 11:04:04 GMT

In a speech given today, the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man Howard Quayle MHK announced that a bill to tackle climate change would be introduced into the parliamentary branches before the end of the next legislative year.

He said:

'The Climate Change Bill will commit this government and future administrations to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.'

The Chief Minister also outlined an imminent action plan to include:

new building regulations which include the introduction of a SAP energy efficiency rating for homes with an escalating target for all new properties, to be brought into July Tynwald
the launch of a retro fit competition for houses, the re-launch of the energy efficiency grant scheme and the banning of peat cutting within months
all fossil fuel boilers will be banned in new build housing by 2025, the sale of new fossil fuel cars will be banned by 2040 and cycle racks and showers will be installed at all suitable public buildings, as well as introducing incentives for tree planting under the imminent revisions of the agricultural support scheme

The Chief Minister concluded:

'This government recognises the climate change emergency that is facing the planet, and we are committed to acting on this. We are not about words, we are about the actions that we take and we will work with Tynwald members, the public and interested groups to put in place a comprehensive action plan to reach this achievable target.'

View the full copy of the speech.

Chief Minister announces Climate Change Bill.

Fri, 10 May 2019 14:52:54 GMT

Today’s Active Travel event highlights the efforts being made across government to encourage the public to walk and cycle to work and school.

Along with the long term health benefits, there will also be a number of improvements to our environment, including better air quality as people take fewer car journeys. This will also help us to reduce our overall carbon emissions on the Island.

Today I am announcing that we will be bringing forward a Climate Change Bill which will be presented to Tynwald in the next legislative year. We have taken on board the comments and concerns of our residents during the climate change mitigation consultation, and I look forward to working with all Tynwald members in developing this bill.

This Climate Change Bill will commit this government and future administrations to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.

Alongside the Bill will be an action plan outlining key objectives to help us achieve this.

The majority of recent increases in our carbon emissions comes from residential properties and we must identify ways to reduce this.

As part of this plan we will look into a number of imminent actions. These will be:

New Building Regulations which include the introduction of a SAP energy efficiency rating for homes with an escalating target for all new properties, to be brought into July Tynwald

The launch of a retro fit competition for houses, the re-launch of the energy efficiency grant scheme and the banning of peat cutting within months

We will ban all fossil fuel boilers in new build housing by 2025, ban the sale of new fossil fuel cars by 2040 and install cycle racks and showers at all suitable Public buildings, as well as introduce incentives for Tree planting under the imminent revisions of the agricultural support scheme.

We have received over 600 responses so far on the Climate Change Consultation and this feedback reflects the sense of urgency and willingness from the public to embrace climate change on the Island.

It’s important to note that while we make progress towards this action plan, each one of us as individuals must continue to play a role in this too.

Greta Thunberg and our own younger generation on the Island have made their voices heard over recent months, and I would encourage these students to continue to pave the way forward in their everyday lives too.

This government recognises the climate change emergency that is facing the planet, and we are committed to acting on this. We are not about words, we are about the actions that we take and we will work with Tynwald members, the public and interested groups to put in place a comprehensive action plan to reach this achievable target.

This won’t be easy and it will take all of us to play a part to save the planet for future generations.

Thank you for coming to today’s event and now I will handover to Minister Harmer, Minister for Infrastructure to say a few words.

*SAP = Standard Assessment Procedure

Public encouraged to take part in cyber security survey

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 12:53:29 GMT

The public are being encouraged to take part in a survey to measure awareness of cyber security in the Isle of Man.

The survey, which launches today, 15 April 2019, follows the publication of the Isle of Man’s first National Cyber Security Strategy in May 2018 and the establishment in 2017 of a dedicated team within Government to lead on cyber security and information assurance at a national level.

The strategy makes clear the economic and social importance of the Isle of Man’s digital infrastructure to the Island’s way of life. Through collaboration with business and the public, the strategy aims to protect the Island from cyber-attack and improve the resilience of critical digital infrastructure.

Cyber security is a shared responsibility between government, organisations, and citizens. Having a clear understanding of current levels of awareness is essential as a baseline measure, and will help with planning future activity.

The Isle of Man to participate at EuroMAB

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:52:23 GMT

The Isle of Man will participate in delivering three workshops at a major biennial gathering of European and American Biospheres.

EuroMAB takes place in Dublin from 1 to 5 April and will explore 'Local Actions for Global Challenges'. The event will be attended by representatives from 30 countries.

UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man has been chosen to help deliver workshops on protecting and promoting coastal and marine life (Dr Fiona Gell, Ecosystem Policy Manager at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture), protecting and promoting indigenous languages (Dr Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin), and tackling marine plastics (Bill Dale BEM, founder of Beach Buddies).

The UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man delegation will also share local expertise at workshops on empowering young people, developing local enterprises (including branding and product labelling) and engagement through arts and culture.

Each workshop will decide on a 'Big Idea' that Biospheres will work together to fulfil.

The Isle of Man is participating in a World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves' initiative to reduce plastic pollution affecting such areas and this will be launched at EuroMAB.

Sustainability – and supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals – is a central aim of Biospheres.

The Isle of Man has contributed a video that will be screened at the event's opening gathering on a collaboration between Foraging Vintners and grower Will Qualtrough that demonstrates responsible consumption and production.

Isle of Man food and drink will also be showcased at an ethnic evening on the penultimate day of the conference. Isle of Man Creamery has provided a consignment of cheese to showcase Manx farming and produce.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

'The Isle of Man's membership of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programmes provides us with the chance to share our knowledge and good practice with others from across the globe and to also learn from them too.

'Through collaboration, we can share opportunities and work together on solutions to challenges facing our Biospheres.

'It is an honour to be invited to assist in the delivery of three of the event's 19 workshops, under the chairmanship of UNESCO figures.

'The Isle of Man recently established nine new marine nature reserves and works hard to ensure a sustainable future for all sea users, so it's great for us to be able to share this story at EuroMAB.'

Isle of Man recognised for international tax standards

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 16:43:45 GMT

The Isle of Man has been removed from annex II of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council's (ECOFIN) non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. This follows a long programme of work and proactive engagement. The Isle of Man Government welcomes this positive recognition of the Island's ongoing commitment to international standards.

In December 2017 the Isle of Man was placed in annex II by the EU Code of Conduct Group as there were concerns that the Island did not have legal substance requirements for entities doing business in or through the jurisdiction.

In response the Isle of Man proactively engaged with the Group and worked closely with fellow Crown Dependencies Jersey and Guernsey to develop proposals to address the concerns raised. This resulted in new legislation which was introduced in December 2018.

The Group has now reviewed the Isle of Man’s work over the past year and have removed the Island from annex II.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK said:

'We welcome this positive endorsement of our commitment and proactive engagement with international standards. The government has engaged at every stage to ensure any concerns expressed by the Group were addressed.

'The Isle of Man is a well-regulated transparent jurisdiction that takes its international responsibilities extremely seriously.

'We have a positive role to play in today’s global economy and will continue to be a responsible and open member of the international community at the forefront of international standards and have a continued commitment to tax transparency and cooperation.'

European Union Settlement Scheme to go live on 30 March

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 14:40:33 GMT

The Isle of Man European Union Settlement Scheme will go live on 30 March 2019.

The Scheme sets out the basis on which a European Economic Area (EEA) citizen and their family members, and the family members of a qualifying British citizen, will, if they apply under it, be granted an immigration status of indefinite leave to enter or remain or limited leave to enter or remain. There is no application fee for this immigration status.

The application form together with guidance notes will be available to download from the Isle of Man Government website, and also from the Isle of Man Immigration Office, from 30 March 2019.

Applications should be submitted to the Isle of Man Immigration Office by post or in person and follow the same format in which other immigration applications are currently made in the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man Immigration Service aim to process applications within 28 business days.

Successful applicants will receive a physical document (status letter) confirming their grant of leave under appendix EU to the Isle of Man Immigration Rules.

UK scheme

The Isle of Man Immigration Service has progressed with the UK Home Office the provision for EEA nationals who are resident in the Isle of Man to make an application for their immigration status to the UK scheme if they wish. Eligible applicants can make an application from 9 April 2019.

The UK scheme will accept eligible applications from EEA nationals residing in the Isle of Man, their family members, and the family members of a qualifying British citizen, and if successful will be granted an immigration status of either indefinite leave to enter or limited leave to enter. There is no application fee for this immigration status.

Successful applicants will be given proof of their status through a UK online service confirming their grant of leave under appendix EU to the UK’s Immigration Rules.

Urgent statement by the Chief Minister to the House of Keys

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 12:27:02 GMT

The Chief Minister, Hon. Howard Quayle MHK has this morning delivered an urgent statement to the House of Keys:

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address the house at such short notice today.

On Sunday night I left for London so that I could speak to contacts in Westminster regarding proposed amendments to the United Kingdom's Financial Services (Implementation of Legislation) Bill, which were, in the opinion of our Government, wholly unconstitutional. The bill was ultimately deferred by the UK Government late yesterday morning, thereby avoiding the risk of the UK's democratically elected Parliament legislating for the Isle of Man without our consent.

As I said in the joint statement with Jersey and Guernsey yesterday, this deferral provides us with the opportunity to undertake real and meaningful engagement with the UK Government regarding public registers.

As a crown dependency along with Jersey and Guernsey, we are not represented in the UK Parliament. It is therefore a long standing convention that the UK does not legislate on domestic matters for crown dependencies.

The amendments proposed without consultation with us and specifically without our consent were unconstitutional, unworkable and in the opinion of our Government unenforceable. If passed, we may have been left with no alternative but to challenge the legislative provisions before the Courts.

Honourable Members, as a Government we do wholeheartedly endorse the aims of the MPs who proposed and supported the amendments to the Bill in the House of Commons yesterday. These were designed to tackle money laundering and financial crime on a global scale. Every day law enforcement authorities in the Island work with international partners with the aim of robustly tackling money laundering and related financial crime. Over the past few years this Government has invested millions of pounds in developing and improving our ability to join the fight in this arena. Indeed just a few weeks ago, further money was pledged in the budget for asset recovery, financial intelligence and economic crime investigation. Our commitment is clear and continuing.

On Sunday, I forwarded you a copy of the letter that I sent to a number of MPs. The letter showed that the issues around the introduction of public beneficial ownership registers are complex and that currently there is an absence of global standards in this area.

We recognise that the UK has taken its decision to adopt and implement a form of public register. However, currently within EU member states, the adoption of legislation to introduce and commit to public registers, in line with the 5th Money Laundering Directive, has been markedly slow. The majority of EU countries are a long way from having working public registers of beneficial ownership.

Therefore, there is no EU Member State or internationally recognised model of public register which provides the required standard of accuracy in addition to balancing concerns regarding privacy and the safety of individuals' data. However, there must be no doubt that we are fully committed to working globally in helping to define what those standards could look like in the future.

We have always met our international commitments. On beneficial ownership we meet the standards of both the FATF and the OECD. The Isle of Man works internationally to combat financial crime, contributing to improvements in global standards for anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing. Our law enforcement agencies and Financial Intelligence Unit regularly work with and assist other countries with their investigations, providing information which includes beneficial ownership.

However, it must be for the Isle of Man to decide if and when we will introduce public beneficial ownership registers.

We are fully supportive of measures aimed at combatting money laundering and other financial crimes. We have made our commitment clear, with our Exchange of Notes with the United Kingdom in 2016 that we will exchange adequate, accurate and current information on beneficial ownership to combat tax evasion. And I have said before: we are committed to working with the UK Government, the OECD and the FATF in order to develop an effective global standard.

I would like to thank the Ministers and officers that have worked across the weekend preparing briefing material and statements and coordinating our work effectively with those of Jersey and Guernsey. While we welcome the swift action of the UK Government yesterday, we will continue to strongly resist any attempt to undermine our longstanding democracy.

Joint Statement on the deferral of the Financial Services (Implementation of Legislation) Bill

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:45:53 GMT

The governments of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man welcome the decision of the UK Government to defer debate of the Financial Services (Implementation of Legislation) Bill, and its associated amendments.

This deferral provides the opportunity for meaningful engagement with UK Ministers and parliamentarians on the matter of public registers of beneficial ownership, in a way that does not contravene the well-established constitutional relationships between our Islands and the Crown.

In particular, we want to move forward in a way that does not breach the rule that the United Kingdom does not legislate for the Crown Dependencies on domestic matters without our consent.

All of the Crown Dependencies observe the highest standards of financial services regulation and transparency.

We share a common policy aim with the United Kingdom of preventing international financial systems being used for criminal activity.

We are committed to exchanging adequate, accurate and current information on beneficial ownership to combat tax evasion, money laundering and corruption. Our track records on this matter, including the Exchange of Notes agreement we entered into with the United Kingdom in 2016, demonstrates that commitment.

We are determined to work with the UK Government, the OECD and FATF in order to develop an effective global standard that addresses the global problems of financial crime and tax evasion.

Chief Minister writes to select Members of the UK Parliament ahead of vote on UK’s Financial Services (Implementation of Legislation) Bill

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 11:36:53 GMT

Further to the joint statement with the States of Guernsey and Government of Jersey released on Friday, the Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK has left for London this evening to have meetings and discussions with MP’s ahead of the vote in Westminster tomorrow afternoon. This follows on from a weekend meeting of the National Strategy Group.

The Chief Minister has written to select MP’s ahead of tomorrow’s vote in Westminster. The Isle of Man Government will issue a further statement following the vote.

Joint Statement on the proposed amendments to the Financial Services (Implementation of Legislation) Bill

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 10:56:08 GMT

The governments of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man have raised strong objections to several amendments that are being proposed to the UK’s Financial Services (Implementation of Legislation) Bill.

We are not represented in the UK Parliament, and it is a respected constitutional position that the UK does not legislate for the Crown Dependencies on domestic matters without our consent. The proposed amendments are contrary to the established constitutional relationships that exist between the United Kingdom and each of the Crown Dependencies and, if passed, would produce inoperable legislation.

The proposed amendments attempt to impose public registers of beneficial ownership for all Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories. We also consider the legislation to be wholly unnecessary in the context of our robust existing approach to the retention and sharing of beneficial ownership information. All Crown Dependencies are committed to the highest standards of financial services regulation and transparency. Our jurisdictions are parties to Exchange of Notes for Beneficial Ownership information with the UK and are committed to the aim of exchanging adequate, accurate and current information on beneficial ownership to help combat tax evasion, money laundering and corruption. These arrangements were reviewed in 2018 and found to be effective; the 2019 review is underway.

The standards applied by our jurisdictions exceed those of the United Kingdom, the registers in the Crown Dependencies contain information that is accurate and up to date. The Crown Dependencies cannot support any step that would adversely impact the effectiveness of our beneficial ownership registers, dilute the commitments we have made to transparency or reduce the robustness of our regulation.

We are proactively engaging with the UK Government and parliamentarians to address these concerns, providing focus on the importance of rejecting these amendments for the Crown Dependencies, in the wider context of the business before the UK Parliament this month.

The Chief Ministers of all three jurisdictions will be holding meetings in London on Monday on this matter.

Proposals aim to modernise Island’s rates system

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 12:21:15 GMT

A consultation has been launched today (28 February) to gain feedback on specific proposals to modernise the rates system. This work is an action from the Programme for Government and will inform a debate in Tynwald in June. It also builds on the feedback provided in the 2015 consultation.

The current system is based on the Rates and Valuation Act 1953 using historic rental values. Rates calculations are based on what a property could have been rented out for in 1969, in a good state of repair with the landlord meeting insurance, tax and maintenance costs. Properties built or extended after 1969 are given a value of a comparable property built before 1969.

A proposal to change the way non domestic and domestic rates are calculated and other aspects of rates modernisation will be debated by Tynwald in June.

The Government will propose that in future, rates are based on the size in square metres of all the floors in a building, with several aerial views and software used to measure each property initially. If this proposal is agreed by Tynwald then it is expected this methodology will be introduced with legislation in the 2019/2020 sittings, and revaluations carried out in coming years.

Other matters tackled in the consultation, and what to do about them, include the unequal distribution of non-domestic rates around the Island, the operation of businesses from domestic properties, charitable use, dilapidations, single occupancy, prompt payment and ability to pay.

Minister for Policy and Reform, Chris Thomas MHK, said:

‘Tynwald agreed in October 2018 that water and sewerage will be priced using an all-Island CPI-linked rate for the next five years. This increases the pressure to modernise the current rates system which is out of date and unfair. So the real issue is how to deal with this, and how to transition to an appropriate and fair system. This consultation will inform that practical decision.’

He added:

‘Having rates based on property area will provide consistency across the Island. Rates revaluation was carried out in Guernsey using this system at a fraction of the £2 million Tynwald approved for a traditional revaluation in 2015. Keeping the rateable values up-to-date would be easier and cheaper too, so we wouldn’t go nearly 50 years before the next comprehensive review, as has happened.’

‘It is also paramount that we address the unfair distribution of non-domestic rates across the Island, as well as the many other challenges that exist around the efficient and effective use of the £48 million plus raised and spent using the rates system.’

The consultation opens today for eight weeks and in addition, a series of workshops will be held with local authorities and other stakeholders. The results of the consultation will be published before the debate in June.

View the consultation online

Deadline approaching to respond to update of electoral register

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 15:19:55 GMT

The deadline is approaching for people to respond to the 2019 update of the Isle of Man’s electoral register.

More than 31,000 households have so far responded to the annual canvass, which captures the information required to maintain an accurate record of eligible voters.

Reminders are being sent to non-responding households ahead of the 18 March closing date.

It is a legal requirement to provide the information requested by the Electoral Registration Officer. Not being registered can also affect a person’s credit reference history and potentially result in an application for a mortgage, loan or mobile phone contract being refused.

People can respond in less than a minute via the online, telephone or text options if their household’s information remains unchanged. The web link can also be used to notify the Government of any changes to the details printed on the form.

Responses can still be provided by completing and signing the paper form and returning it in the pre-paid envelope provided. However, people are encouraged to use a computer, tablet or mobile phone wherever possible, as it is quicker and easier for households and more cost effective for the Government.

Any household that has not yet received a registration form should contact the Electoral Registration Unit on +44 1624 685741 or by email to elections@gov.im

Further information can be found on the Government website at www.gov.im/elections

Chief Minister welcomes planning approval for hotel and cinema complex

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 15:26:06 GMT

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK has today welcomed the news planning approval has been granted for a £25m hotel and cinema complex to be built on the former Lord Street bus station site in central Douglas.

He said:

‘This is fantastic news. The development of this site will be a welcome addition to Douglas town centre, creating a focus of activity with new jobs and facilities - key objectives of both the Programme for Government and Central Douglas Masterplan.

‘With the promenade works now well under way and the regeneration project in the main shopping area approaching completion, this private enterprise will complement government’s investment in modern infrastructure extremely well.’

The proposed development features:

• 7-screen Omniplex cinema

• 80-bed Travelodge hotel

• 3 restaurants

• 20 residential units

• 4 retail units, which may be changed to become 2 larger units

• 6-storey car park

Agreement for sale was reached with Kane Limited in December 2017 for the freehold purchase of the site from the Isle of Man Government.

The project fulfils a policy within the Programme for Government to consider the social and economic benefits alongside financial considerations when disposing of Government property.