Isle of Man Government News

Scholarship winner will learn more about global affairs

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:05 GMT

The winner of a scholarship to study in America says she hopes to gain a broader understanding of how different countries tackle global issues.

Brontë Wright, of Port St Mary, will study at the University of Idaho from August 2018 after being awarded the Ella Olesen Scholarship by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

The scholarship is named after a registrar of the university who died in 1985. Ella’s Manx ancestry – her mother Margaret Teare was born in Ballaugh and emigrated to America in 1890 – led her to gift the scholarship in 1971.

It is awarded annually to a female degree student who has been supported through her studies by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, and Andrew Shipley, Legal and Administration Manager, selected Brontë from four candidates they interviewed.

The 21 year old former Castle Rushen High School student is studying for a BA honours in history at the University of Durham.

Alongside her main subject, she has studied Russian and Arabic at university, has helped transform disused offices into an art space where students and residents collaborate, belongs to the Folk and Caledonian Society and has been a member of the sailing team.

This year, she volunteered with a human rights charity in Ghana, later mounting an exhibition of her art, inspired by the country. She has also worked at a refugee camp in Greece.

Brontë is a past winner of the Barclays Student of the Year Award and has received a North American Manx Award.

In Idaho, she hopes to study international relations, which she plans to pursue as a career, as well as immersing herself in learning a language and continuing her art.

The Minister said:

‘The scholarship is a superb opportunity for a local graduate to live and work in another country and experience its life and culture while continuing to study.

‘Generations of Isle of Man students have benefited from this unique opportunity, flying the Manx flag while expanding their knowledge.

‘I wish Brontë well as our latest Ella Olesen scholar.’

Brontë said:

‘I am delighted to have been awarded this scholarship. It will give me an opportunity that would have otherwise been impossible. I am sure it will prove to be an invaluable stepping stone towards a career in international development. I hope to give as much as I will gain from the experience by being a good ambassador for the Isle of Man.’

Final phase of Port Erin regeneration work to commence

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:07 GMT

The final phase of regeneration work in Port Erin gets under way on Monday 8^th January.

Work will involve completing paving around the railway station and widening the platform.

Work is expected to take 10 weeks and will be confined to the pavement, so there will be no disruption to motorists or loss of parking in Station Road.

The work will take place while the Isle of Man Steam Railway is not running and will complement track realignment, carried out recently by Isle of Man Public Transport.

The Isle of Man Government has carried out regeneration work in towns and villages to enhance the Island’s reputation as a special place to live, work and visit.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘On completion of this work, the centre of Port Erin will be more inviting for residents and its many visitors and this will hopefully boost trade.

‘I realise that there has been disruption to people and businesses while the regeneration works have been undertaken and I thank everyone for their patience while we make these final improvements on behalf of the local regeneration committee.’

Action aimed at preventing blockages at EfW Plant

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:12 GMT

Companies that attempt to dump oversized or hazardous items at the Energy from Waste Plant will face financial penalties from 1 January 2018.

The Department of Infrastructure has announced that it will seek to recover the cost of handling non-conforming waste following a number of blockages at the facility on Richmond Hill.

In the most recent incident, the EfW plant had to be taken offline while part of a skip or metal container was removed. Clearing problems can take up to 48 hours and cost thousands of pounds as the system must be cooled before engineers can safely access and decontaminate the blocked section.

Additional spot-checks were implemented earlier this year after the facility had to be shut down on three separate occasions in the space of seven days because of blockages.

Problems arise when non-conforming items are among loads delivered to the EfW plant, mainly in skips. This can include bulky tree trunks and stumps, scaffolding poles, metal settee and bed frames, plasterboard and asbestos.

Efforts to educate users and promote voluntary self-auditing by companies, local authorities and the operators of civic amenity sites have failed to address the issue. As a result, the Department has decided to recover the costs of managing any non-conforming items identified during inspections. It is hoped this action will encourage users to sort and manage their waste more responsibly.

After 1 January 2018, companies will be charged a handling fee (£70 or £105 – see table) to remove the non-conforming waste and reload it onto their vehicles. Records will be maintained and repeated incidents will result in double or triple the initial fee being imposed. Letters will be issued to users of the EfW plant to advise them of the charges.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘To date, the Department has relied on users sorting through their waste to remove items that could potentially cause a blockage at the Energy from Waste Plant. However, it is clear that self-regulation is not working. Given the cost, inconvenience and hazard of dealing with frequent blockages, we will seek to recover the costs from 1 January 2018.’

The Department is working with the operators of the EfW plant to draw up a User Access Agreement which, along with a revised EfW site induction process, will be launched early in 2018.

Chief Minister pays tribute to proud Manxman

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:12 GMT

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK has paid tribute to Lord Randolph Quirk, who passed away this week at the age of 97.

Baron Quirk was born in the Isle of Man at Lambfell, where his family farmed, and attended Douglas High School for Boys before reading English at University College London.

He went on to become one of the most important figures of 20^th Century English linguistics and was highly regarded in the fields of academia and politics.

He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1976 New Year honours and was knighted in 1985. He became a life peer as Baron Quirk of Bloomsbury in 1994 and was an active member of the Lords into his 90s.

The Chief Minister said:

‘I am personally very saddened to learn of the death of Baron Quirk and I wish to express my condolences to his family. I will remember him as a proud Manxman and one of the most influential people to come from our shores. Working behind the scenes, he also made a contribution to the reciprocal health agreement between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom.’

He added:

‘While he may not be so well-known among today’s scholars, Lord Quirk was a towering intellect whose work defined English language studies over the second half of the 20^th Century. The Isle of Man and the wider academic community has lost a truly outstanding figure.’

Met Office introducing new weather warning system

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:12 GMT

The weather warning system used to alert people to the potential for adverse conditions is being updated with effect from Wednesday 3 January 2018.

The Isle of Man Meteorological Office is revising the existing colour-coded warnings, which were introduced more than 10 years ago.

The changes reflect advances in technology that enable met officers to make more accurate forecasts, in particular the impact of severe weather events such as storms, flooding and snow.

The intention is to bring the Island into line with current best practice and provide greater consistency with the weather warning system used by the UK Met Office. This will reduce the potential for any confusion between the colour-coded warnings used in the Isle of Man and those issued in the UK and published online or broadcast on television and radio.

The Island’s weather warning system provides advance guidance about the severity of forecast conditions and the likelihood of issues such as disruption to outdoor events, travel delays or structural damage.

In the Isle of Man, the warning levels are vital to the decision-making, operational planning and deployment of resources by the emergency services and Government Departments.

The new warning levels that will be in place from 3 January 2018 are:

Weather Advisory: ‘Weather Watch’. Normally issued a few days in advance, usually anticipating an ‘Amber’ or ‘Red’ level event.

Weather Alert: YELLOW – ‘Be Aware’. Risk of bad weather affecting outdoor activities and work plans, possible travel delays, some minor damage and localised or temporary disruption.

Weather Warning: AMBER – ‘Be Prepared’. Higher risk of severe weather affecting work, schools and travel, causing some disruption and significant damage in places, interruption of power and a risk of injury.

Severe Weather Warning: RED – ‘Take Action’. Extreme conditions expected with high impacts, widespread significant damage, travel and power disruption, interruption to communication and risk to life is likely.

People in the Island will notice more ‘Yellow – Be Aware’ warnings being issued than under the previous system. This will also result in fewer Amber warnings, while Red warnings will become even rarer.

It is expected that only Amber or Red weather warnings will trigger a multi-agency meeting and any contingency planning or subsequent action.

Senior Met Officer Adrian Cowin said:

‘The current system has served the Isle of Man well for more than a decade. However, the changes we are introducing will enable the team of professionals at the Met Office in Ronaldsway to further enhance our service to the local community.’

He added:

‘The new system has been welcomed by our partner agencies that spearhead the response to severe weather events, as it will provide greater clarity for their decisions about how best to serve and protect the Island.’

Student applications open for the 2018 STEP Programme

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:12 GMT

Undergraduates from the Isle of Man are being encouraged to apply for the 2018 STEP Programme.

The STEP Programme is run by the Department for Enterprise (DfE) and places undergraduates with small and medium sized organisations for eight weeks during their summer break where they undertake specific projects relating to the business.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise commented:

‘We have received fantastic feedback from students over the years and would like to thank local organisations for supporting the programme which has enabled students to undertake useful and relevant projects for the host businesses. The STEP Programme has proven to be an invaluable opportunity for students to gain work based experience before they embark on their careers post-graduation.’

At the end of their placement the students attend an event to showcase the results of their projects while competing for the prestigious title of Most Enterprising Student – along with a host of other awards and prizes.

The 2017 STEP Programme saw a record 45 students complete a range of projects including creative, manufacturing, marketing and quality assurance. The 2017 award for Most Enterprising Student went to Jak Morris who completed a research project for Strix Ltd to calculate the amount of silver used within different control products and recommend improvements.

Local second or penultimate year students, who are undertaking a full time degree at a University or College in the UK or the Isle of Man and are keen to obtain some valuable workplace skills are encouraged to consider enrolling in the Programme.

Benefits of the Programme include a tax and NI free training allowance of £240 per week, workplace experience, personal development, a great enhancement to a CV, the chance to work on a genuine organisational project, and in some cases, the possibility of a permanent job offer post-graduation.

Application forms are available through the Department for Enterprise website.

For further information please contact a member of the STEP administration team on 01624 682383.

Financial Sanctions: Terrorism and Terrorist Financing

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:11 GMT

The Terrorism and Other Crime (Financial Restrictions) Act 2014 implements the terrorist asset-freezing requirements of UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) and Council Regulation (EU) No 2580/2001.

The Treasury has renewed the final designation in respect of Khalid Sheikh MOHAMMED with effect from 18 December 2017.

This means that this individual is a Designated Person and remains subject to the financial sanctions imposed by the Act.

RENEWAL OF FINAL DESIGNATION

Date of Renewal of Final Designation: 18 December 2017

Individual

MOHAMMED, Khalid, Sheikh

DOB:

01/03/1964
14/04/1965

POB:

Kuwait
Pakistan

a.k.a.:

ALI, Salem
BIN KHALID, Fahd, Bin Adballah
HENIN, Ashraf, Refaat, Nabith
MOHAMMED, Khalid, Shaikh
WADOOD, Khalid, Adbul

Nationality: Kuwaiti citizenship

Passport Details: 488555

Other Information: Both UK listing and EU listing. In US custody (as at December 2017).

Listed on: 12/10/2001 Last updated: 18/12/2017

Group ID: 6994

Part 4 of the Act allows a designated person to appeal to the High Court against any decision of the Treasury to make or vary, or not to make or vary, any interim or final designations and allows a designated person or anyone else affected by a decision of the Treasury to appeal to the High Court for a decision to be set aside.

Financial institutions and other persons are requested to check whether they maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds or economic resources for, or provide financial services to, the designated person. If so, they must freeze such accounts or other funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, refrain from dealing with said funds or economic resources, and suspend the provision of any financial services. They must also report their findings to the Sanctions Officer at the Customs and Excise Division of the Treasury. Where a relevant institution has already reported details of accounts, other funds or economic resources held frozen for the designated person they are not required to report these details again.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Terrorism and links to the 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.

Spend on locum doctors on target to reduce significantly

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:11 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, has described comments made by Unite the Union’s regional officer Eric Holmes on locum doctors as “completely inaccurate and extremely unhelpful”.

It comes as the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) forecasts spending on locum doctors to have decreased significantly by the end of the financial year (31 March 2018), if the current trend remains on track.

The Minister said:

'It is highly concerning that Unite the Union is spreading false and deliberately provocative misinformation about the cost and governance of locum doctors working within our health service. Our health and social care professionals operate as one team. Unite’s comments are less than constructive at best and, at worst, irresponsible and toxic, with the potential to stir a completely unnecessary sense of conflict between doctors and other care professionals.

'The DHSC is in complete control of the appointment and management of locum doctors which is subject to weekly scrutiny, with new locum appointments requiring the personal authorisation of the Director of Hospitals.

'We have been exploring more creative solutions to address recruitment difficulties for doctors within particular specialties and I am pleased that we are beginning to reap the benefits of this.'

Measures to reduce the cost of and reliance on locum doctors have included:

A renewed and concerted effort to recruit to vacancies and attract doctors to the Isle of Man, which has seen 14 appointments made in recent months
An increased reliance on a bank of on-Island locum doctors, with a significantly lower rate of pay compared to off-Island agency doctors
The re-grading of four vacant middle-grade doctor posts to consultant-grade, which are more senior but generally easier to recruit to.

The recruitment of middle-grade doctors has been particularly challenging and makes up a significant proportion of doctor posts currently vacant at Noble’s Hospital, 20 out of 34. Middle-grade doctors are those who have completed their primary medical training and have begun to specialise, but who have not yet reached consultant grade. This is because an increasing number of doctors are choosing to delay progressing into a speciality, instead working at more junior grades.

The Minister continued:

'Re-grading some of our vacant doctors posts up to consultant-level is actually more cost-effective for longstanding vacancies as the costs of a substantive consultant is less than the cost of a locum middle-grade doctor.

'This approach has the added benefit of increasing the number of consultants on the Island, providing peer support for consultants who have been the sole specialists in their field locally. An example is ear, nose and throat; we have recently appointed a new consultant meaning the Island will have two ENT consultants for the first time, whilst reducing the overall wage bill.

'This will help to reduce costs but more importantly it should help to address waiting times, meaning that patients are seen more quickly and by a more senior doctor.'

The Minister concluded:

'Of course the number of vacancies is still higher than we would like. We want our vacancies to be filled with high quality doctors who choose to be based here in the Isle of Man. But we are making progress, and I am greatly encouraged by this.

'We must be realistic, however, about the nature of the challenge. There continues to be a global shortage of doctors in many fields and without locums services simply could not function. Locum doctors are a necessity, not a luxury. They keep vital services running. Hanging up a closed sign and telling patients ‘sorry, go away’ is simply not an option.'

Help shape eco-friendly Island by taking part in consultation

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:10 GMT

The public is invited to help shape a more eco-friendly Island by taking part in a consultation on proposed changes to building control regulations.

The consultation is being conducted by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

It addresses areas such as:

making homes and businesses more energy efficient
increasing airtightness of new buildings
creating near zero carbon dwellings
encouraging the use of electric vehicles by providing more charging points
paving the way for high speed data cabling.

Tim Baker MHK, acting Minister of DEFA, said:

‘It’s incumbent on us to look to the future and move towards a built environment that is as friendly as possible to the environment.

‘The proposed changes to regulations governing building fulfil a pledge in Programme for Government and form an important part of our Climate Challenge Mitigation Strategy.

‘They complement our newly launched energy efficiency scheme, which will encourage greater use of green forms of energy – and lead to lower fuel bills.’

Hard copies can be obtained from the Planning and Building Control Directorate of DEFA at Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas. For queries, contact Head of Building Control and Standards, Maurice Callister on 01624 686447.

The consultation closes on Friday 16 February 2018.

UK round pound coins to be removed from circulation by 28 February 2018

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:18 GMT

The phased withdrawal of the United Kingdom’s round pound coin will continue in the New Year, when it will no longer be accepted as a form of payment for services and retail purchases in shops after 28 February 2018.

The UK round pound ceased to be legal tender at midnight on 15 October 2017. Since that date many of the Island’s retailers have continued to accept the coins and return them to banks, assisting with the manual process of removing them from circulation and repatriation to the UK. This has ensured a smooth transition and kept disruption to the coin currency circulation to a minimum.

Following discussion between banks and retail outlets on the Island, it has become apparent that the coins are being taken out of circulation faster than anticipated, and so the current arrangements need not continue indefinitely. Treasury is now asking retailers to ensure that UK round pounds will no longer be accepted as a form of payment in local shops after 28 February 2018. After this date the Manx round pound and UK 12-sided pound should be the only £1 coins in circulation in the Island.

Manx residents are being urged to return any remaining UK round pound coins to their bank as soon as possible. In the meantime, retailers are being asked to support the process by making every effort to separate remaining UK and Manx pound coins before returning them to their bank.

Treasury Member Bill Henderson MLC said:

‘This announcement is the next logical step in the removal of the UK round pounds from circulation. Many retailers, at their discretion as is currently the case, will still continue to accept these coins up until that date in the safe knowledge they can be returned to their bank.’

‘From 1 March 2018 it will still remain possible for anyone to return any remaining UK round pound coins to the banks, where they can be exchanged for valid tender coins or notes. This will continue to be the case for some time to come, so there is no need for concern.’

He added:

‘We are grateful for the effort made to date by retail businesses, banks and individual members of the public in making the transition away from the UK round pounds as smooth as possible. Everyone’s co-operation has made the operation go largely unnoticed for most people, allowing those behind the scenes to get on with the job of sorting, repatriation and replenishment with new coin stocks ’

Further information is available through a Frequently Asked Questions document available on Isle of Man Government website.

To-do list essential: check fire safety at home!

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:15 GMT

As the Christmas holiday fast approaches, checking fire hazards around the house would be a good bet for your to-do list.

The chance of having a fire at home is higher at Christmas than at any other time of the year, and recent figures highlight faulty appliances and leads as one of main causes. Home Office detailed analysis of fires attended by fire and rescue services, England, April 2016 – March 2017, published October 2017.

Overloading plug sockets and careless use of devices pose a real risk of sparking an electrical fire – a preventable nightmare, which could ruin a dream Christmas.

Hot hair straighteners left on a pillow, portable heaters placed near curtains, laptops whirring away under duvets: all can cause flammable material to smoulder and catch fire, putting property and even lives in danger.

Community fire safety officers are giving a no-frills message this winter: wise-up to simple steps to prevent an electrical fire and get your Christmas wrapped-up.

Risk-assess your home, share the do’s and don’ts with friends and family and stay safe, before powering up those new gadgets, gizmos, devices, toys and tools.

Community Safety Officer Mark Caley has this advice to avoid an electrical fire:

don’t overload sockets by plugging too many appliances into an adaptor
switch off electrical appliances at night
turn off and unplug hairdryers and straighteners
don’t leave laptops or tablets on bedding
unfurl coiled extension cables
if an electric blanket has scorch marks, a worn flex or loose connections, bin it
check sockets regularly – if you see burn marks or they feel hot, call an electrician
test your smoke alarm every week and replace the battery once a year

e-cigarette and mobile phone chargers are a recent menace, and with numbers of devices in use in many homes, householders are urged to ensure chargers are up to spec.

Fake chargers are often made with components that fail to meet UK safety regulations and can cause injury, electric shocks and even fires.

Mark said:

‘Electrical fires are a year-round risk, and people should never overload sockets, especially with kettles, irons, heaters and other appliances with a high electrical current rating.

The festive season heightens the risk, as people spend more time at home relaxing with friends and family and many households reach ‘peak’ appliance use.’

He summed up:

‘Fire safety may not seem priority when you’re running out of road before Christmas. But a few minutes spent identifying risks could prevent a disaster. We’re urging people to push the item up their to-do list this year.’

Minister for Home Affairs Bill Malarkey said:

‘We hope the public will take note of these important safety messages from the fire prevention team and that everyone will have a safe and enjoyable festive season.’

You are half as likely to die in a house fire if you have a working smoke alarm. If a fire starts in your home, a smoke alarm gives you the time to get out.

Views sought on public sector housing proposals

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:13 GMT

Feedback is being sought on proposals aimed at promoting greater fairness in the allocation of public sector housing in the Isle of Man.

The Department of Infrastructure has today, Thursday 21 December 2017, launched a public consultation on plans to modernise the access and eligibility criteria for general needs public sector housing to ensure resources are targeted at those most in need.

The consultation forms part of a wider review of all aspects of housing provision in the Island, with the focus on fairness, affordability and sustainability.

The criteria have not been subject to major revision since they were introduced in 2002 and the Department is proposing a series of changes to update and clarify key measures in relation to eligibility, residency and financial qualification.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘The Programme for Government recognises the importance of having affordable and accessible housing that meets our social and economic needs. There are about 5,500 general needs public sector houses in the Island, which provide safe and affordable homes for those who may require support at certain stages in their lives.’

He added:

‘Public sector housing receives a substantial subsidy from the taxpayer, so it is important to have a system in place that properly targets our resources.’

A points-based system is used to prioritise the needs of those on the housing waiting list, which currently stands at 663 people.

A range of factors are taken into consideration, including residency, income, number and ages of dependent children and time spent on the waiting list. The total number of points provides an objective measure of priority and determines an applicant’s position on the waiting list.

The consultation intends to modernise and clarify the existing access and eligibility criteria to better reflect changes in society.

People are being asked for their views on proposed changes to local residency requirements, reduced thresholds for savings and financial assets, capping the number of points awarded for time spent on the waiting list and prioritising families with younger children.

Responses can be submitted using the Government consultation hub.

Further information is available from housing@gov.im and the closing date for comments is 18 February 2018.

Julie Edge MHK, DOI Member with responsibility for Public Estates and Housing, said:

‘the Department is continuing to work with local housing authorities to review access and eligibility criteria. We now wish to gauge public opinion on the proposed changes before they are finalised and taken forward for approval by Tynwald.’

Drum roll as Manx Youth Orchestra revives festive concert

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:13 GMT

Save the date: Manx Youth Orchestra will perform its postponed Christmas concert on Tuesday 6 February 2018 – with tinsel and all the trimmings!

The popular annual event at the Villa Marina Royal Hall was called off on 9 December 2017 after heavy snowfall around the Island created severe travel difficulties.

With several key routes blocked and the risk of further wintery weather on the way, the safety of around 240 musicians and their audience was paramount, and a firm promise was made the concert would be rescheduled early in the New Year.

Maggie Richardson, Head of Music Service at the Department for Education, Sport and Culture said:

‘The young performers were so excited about taking part in our biggest concert of the year, some for the first time. We’re determined that all their hard work and enthusiasm won’t be wasted, and holding our festive celebration in February will give everyone something cheery to look forward to.'

She added:

‘The weather outside was frightful but it certainly hasn’t dampened our spirit. Our programme will be changed a little but we will keep the festive feel at the centre of our evening and we hope the audience will enter into the spirit of the occasion with us.’

The concert is a showcase for young players and an invaluable opportunity to perform in front of a large audience in the Island’s premiere concert venue.

A feast of music featuring styles to suit all tastes will be performed by Junior Strings, Junior Wind Band, the Wind and String Orchestras, Concert Band, Guitar Ensemble, Manx Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Training and Senior Manx Youth Orchestras.

Those who bought tickets for the December event can use them for the February concert. For those cannot attend, refunds are available until 31 December. Remaining tickets are on sale at the Welcome Centre and Villa Marina box office at £10, or £5 for under-16s, visit Villa Gaiety.

Temporary closure of Isle of Man’s king scallop fishery

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:12 GMT

The Isle of Man’s king scallop fishery is to close temporarily from Friday 22 December 2017 to Wednesday 3 January 2018, reopening on Thursday 4 January.

The decision has been taken by the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) based on the advice of the Isle of Man Scallop Management Board.

The body was established to advise the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture on the sustainable management of the Island’s scallop fisheries.

The king scallop fishery opened on 1 November 2017 and runs until 31 May 2018, but is subject to temporary and early closure.

For the 2017/18 season the Scallop Management Board recommended a total allowable catch for the king scallop fishery of 3,203 tonnes and a daily catch limit of 1,050kg per vessel.

This was based on a stock assessment prepared by scientists at Bangor University scientists in May 2017, which indicated a concerning decline in stocks.

The Scallop Management Board has been closely monitoring the fishery in conjunction with DEFA and scientists to ensure ongoing sustainability.

The daily catch limit was reduced to 700kg per vessel on 27 November to ensure fishing opportunities could continue to the end of the season without risk of exceeding the total allowable catch.

The Scallop Management Board has reviewed the fishery’s performance and agreed that, to safeguard stocks, the king scallop fishery should close over Christmas and New Year, when fishing is negligible and the processing factories tend to close down.

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

‘The king scallop fishery is worth in the region of £12 million to the Isle of Man. Given the fishery’s economic importance we are determined to diligently steward the fishery so that it sustainable and available for generations to come.

‘I am pleased with the manner in which the fishery has been managed this season. Fishing activity will continue to be monitored throughout the closure, with fisheries officers on standby.’

Public sector rents to increase by 3.1%

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:20 GMT

Public sector rents in the Isle of Man are set to increase by 3.1%, with effect from 1 April 2018.

The revised charges have been announced by the Department of Infrastructure following consultation with the Island’s 16 local housing authorities. The intention is to balance affordability for tenants with the need to pay off existing housing loans and to continue to fund investment in public sector housing.

The 3.1% increase includes 2% to meet rising costs and 1.1% ring-fenced to increase maintenance allowances for local housing authorities.

The new charges will result in average public sector rent increases of between £1.74 a week for a one-bedroom flat and £2.96 a week for a three-bedroom house. The 1,600 tenants who have their rent costs met by the Government as part of their income-assessed Social Security benefits will not be affected.

The Department considered a number of factors before setting rents for 2018-19, with the focus on affordability, service delivery and sustainability. Feedback from local authority housing providers ranged from no increase to a rise of 6%, with a number requesting an uplift in administration and maintenance allowances to enable them to deliver housing services effectively.

Public sector housing in the Isle of Man is subsidised by the Government and costs – including the construction of new and replacement properties and the maintenance of existing stock – continue to outstrip rental income.

The Department of Infrastructure is required to fund the difference, which for next year is likely to be more than £5 million based on the figures provided by the housing authorities.

The Department is continuing to look at a range of measures to ensure fairness, affordability and efficiency, while tackling the gap between income and costs. This includes moving away from annual rent setting in favour of a five-year plan.

The first of the five-year fixed-term tenancies, introduced across the sector from April 2014, are scheduled for review from 2019. The Department is working with local housing authorities on the roll-out of these reviews and the impact on housing demand and property type.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘The taxpayer subsidises public sector rents, which remain low in comparison with our neighbours in the British Isles. However, we also recognise the cost of living challenges being faced by some of our tenants, particularly those on fixed or low incomes. Our aim is to maintain affordability, while protecting the public purse and targeting need.’

Julie Edge MHK, Department Member with responsibility for Public Estates and Housing, added:

‘We have listened to local authorities and 1.1% of the 3.1 increase will be ring-fenced, so they have more money to invest in maintaining their properties. This will help them to provide an improved service and a better standard of accommodation for their tenants. It is clear that public sector rents need to be realistic and sustainable and we are continuing to modernise our overall approach as part of the Programme for Government commitment towards a caring and inclusive society.’

Property type	Average weekly public sector rent 2018-19	Average weekly increase
1 bed flat	£57.83	£1.74
1 bed flat (sheltered)	£72.99	£2.19
2 bed house	£82.62	£2.48
3 bed house	£98.48	£2.96

ERIC chicken house project wins construction industry award

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:20 GMT

A chicken house built from recycled materials by adults with learning difficulties has won a prize in a community initiative run by the Considerate Constructors’ Scheme (CCS).

Service users at the Department of Health and Social Care’s Eastcliffe Resource Industrial Centre (ERIC) undertook the project with support from Cedar Developments.

The company, which is in the process of building a new £5 million adult day service facility on the Noble’s Hospital site adjacent to ERIC, approached staff to see if they would like to be entered in the CCS’s Big Build project, which is aimed at encouraging firms to engage with communities by asking them to design and build a structure out of recyclable materials.

Once a decision was made to build a chicken house, materials used on the construction site, such as plywood, batten and pallets, were then provided to construct Feather Cottage, which features an array of furniture and a thatched roof.

As registered members of the CCS, Cedar Developments entered ERIC in the Big Build competition, and were delighted to hear they were selected as one of three winners from across the British Isles earlier this month.

Feedback on their winning entry commended the level of detail, both inside and outside the cottage: ‘The judges particularly enjoyed the table and chairs as well as the tiny painted picture. They also praised the fact that the cottage had a long-term use and would not just be discarded once the competition was finished. It really is a brilliant job done by all!’

A ceremony was held this week at ERIC, where Alex Burnett and Francis Johnson from Cedar were joined by Big Build mascot Honor Goodsite to present the team with their prize – a £100 Amazon voucher.

Mr Burnett said: ‘Cedar is proud to have played a part in the ERIC team winning this award, but all the credit must go with the service users and staff who made it happen. The materials we supplied have been put to excellent use and the chickens now have a fantastic new home!

‘The CCS is an important organisation which encourages firms to work with communities and enhance the environment, and we will certainly be looking to work with other groups in the future.’

Marie Spencer, senior day support worker, said: ‘Cedar are a fantastic company to work with, a credit to the construction industry, and we are grateful to them for helping ERIC achieve this success as well as recognising inclusion and ownership for the people who will use the new day centre.

‘The company has forged a very positive and supportive relationship with service users in a number of ways – allowing some the opportunity to help to lay foundation stones and have their artwork proudly displayed, as well as employing David Oakes as a labourer on the site for three days a week.’

Service users at Eastcliffe Resource Industrial Centre with Feather Cottage, which has won the Considerate Constructors' Scheme Big Build competition, alongside day support worker Caroline O'Connor, Francis Johnson and Alex Burnett from Cedar Developments and Big Build mascot Honor Goodsite.

Senior day support worker Marie Spencer collects the team's prize of a £100 Amazon voucher from Big Build mascot Honor Goodsite.

Feather Cottage, a chicken house made by service users from recyclable materials donated by Cedar Developments, which is in the process of building a new £5 million adult day service facility on the Noble's Hospital site adjacent to ERIC.

The new £5 million adult day centre being built by Cedar Developments, with the ERIC facility in the background.

European Union Sanctions - Russia

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:23 GMT

On 15 December 2017, the European Union (Russia Sanctions) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2017 [SD 2017/0370] came into operation, applying in Island law Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2212 of 30 November 2017.

Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2212 amends Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 833/2014 to insert a new paragraph 2aa in order to permit certain operations concerning the purchase or sale of rocket fuel hydrazine, required for the joint Russian-European space project ExoMars, from the list of sanctions against Russia.

The EU amending Regulation can be accessed here.

On 15 December 2017, the Russia Sanctions (No. 3) (Amendment) Regulations 2017, also came into operation making consequential amendments to the Russia Sanctions (No. 3) Regulations 2014.

For more information on financial and other sanctions in respect of Russia please refer to the information on the Customs and Excise Customs and Excise website or contact the Customs and Excise Division.

Microgaming Play It Forward to sponsor Isle of Man Sports Awards

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:24 GMT

Island-based Microgaming is today announced as the new headline sponsor for the 2017 Isle of Man Sports Awards.

The online gaming software firm headquartered in Douglas, is partnering organisers Isle of Man Sport for the prestigious accolades, which salute the achievements of Manx sports stars.

The event will be held on Thursday 1 March 2018 in the Villa Marina Royal Hall at 8.15pm.

Microgaming Play It Forward will be presenting the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year awards on the evening.

Kate Moughtin, senior internal brand manager and Play It Forward brand ambassador said:

'We are proud and excited to be named as the headline sponsor for the Isle of Man Sports Awards. At Microgaming we strongly believe that a healthy body equals a healthy mind, so sport is something that we feel very passionate about.'

She added:

‘We have always been huge fans of the Awards and we encourage people to nominate those they believe have excelled in sport over the past year. Given the amount of talent on the Island, I have a feeling that Isle of Man Sport will be inundated with nominations!’

Isle of Man Sport Executive Chairman Gary Corkhill said:

‘Microgaming is a worldwide brand and with their Play It Forward initiative, support the Manx community in many different ways. We are especially excited that they want to be associated with recognising the best that our sportsmen and women have to offer.’

Nominations for the 2017 Awards open on 18 December 2017 and close on Monday 8 January 2018. Download a form, use the form printed in this week’s local paper or submit a nomination in writing to Isle of Man Sport at the NSC, Groves Road, Douglas, IM2 1RB.

Isle of Man Sport invites anyone keen to see the achievements of their sporting heroes recognised to submit a nomination in one of 11 categories:

Sportsman of the Year
Sportswoman of the Year
Under 21 Sportsman of the Year
Under 21 Sportswoman of the Year
Disability Sportsperson of the Year
Team of the Year
Sports Administrator of the Year
IOM Sports Ambassador
Coach of the Year
Veteran Sportsperson of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award

Tickets will be available to book online via the Villa Gaiety box office www.villagaiety.com in early January 2018

New Bill aimed at protecting Isle of Man from financial crime

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:24 GMT

Feedback is being sought on legislation aimed at strengthening the Isle of Man’s reputation as a responsible and well-regulated international business centre.

The Cabinet Office has today, Monday 18 December 2017 launched a public consultation on the Anti-Money Laundering and Other Financial Crime (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2017 on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

The proposed changes will enhance the Isle of Man’s compliance with global standards on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. The Bill also acts on the recommendations made by MONEYVAL to strengthen the regulatory framework and further protect the Isle of Man from financial crime.

Clare Bettison MHK, political Member for Home Affairs, said:

'The Isle of Man takes its responsibilities as an international business centre very seriously. The improvements outlined in the consultation document and the accompanying draft Bill are clear evidence of our commitment to making the changes recommended by MONEYVAL’s committee of experts. I would encourage members of the public and business community to submit their views via the Government consultation.’

Responding positively to issues identified in the 2016 evaluation by MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe body for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, is an objective within the Programme for Government. The full Mutual Evaluation Report on the Isle of Man is available via the Government website.

The Bill proposes new measures aimed at trustees acting in a personal capacity (non-professional trustees) and foreign trustees, including requirements to keep records. There are additional record-keeping requirements for Foundations and changes that clarify the powers of the Companies Registrar to examine and investigate relevant documents filed with the Registry.

The proposed legislation includes a higher level of financial sanctions for failing to grant law enforcement authorities timely access to information. It also makes it explicit that where parts of a dishonesty offence such as theft or forgery were committed abroad, these can be prosecuted in a Manx court. It would not matter if offenders were operating from abroad, as they would be caught by the legislation.

Feedback is being invited on the proposals in the consultation document and views can be submitted using the Government consultation hub at https://consult.gov.im/.

Further information is available

Sinead King, AML/CFT Officer

Cabinet Office

Government Office

Bucks Road

Douglas

Isle of Man

IM1 3PN

Telephone:+44 1624 685896

Email:Send Email

The closing date for responses is Monday 5 February 2018.

Increase in visitors and economic contribution from TT and Festival of Motorcycling 2017

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:11:24 GMT

The TT Races and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling saw an increase in visitors this year, with a combined estimated spend of £44 million, resulting in a contribution of £31 million to the local economy.

The latest survey into the 2017 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling revealed that over 16,000 visitors attended the event this year, representing a year on year increase of almost three percent.

Combined the two events attracted an additional three thousand visitors to the Island compared with 2016, bringing the total to 61,272 visitors in 2017.

Key findings of the 2017 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling study:

16,218 visitors came to the Island for the Festival in 2017 – a 2.9% increase on the number in 2016 and an 81.9% increase on the comparable figure for 2009, the year that this event was first surveyed
The average visitor stayed 7 nights in the Island and spent £612 on the trip. Total expenditure of these visitors in 2017 is almost £10 million. This represents a contribution to Manx National Income of just over £7.1 million and an Exchequer Benefit of £1.3 million
71.1% had visited the Island previously for the Festival, and 71.3% tend to visit for other motorsport events such as the TT and Southern 100
Most (71.1%) were from England, with 18.3% from the rest of the British Islands/Republic of Ireland and 10.6% from further afield

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise commented:

‘Capitalising on the potential contribution that the TT Races and Festival of Motorcycling can make to the Isle of Man’s economy is an integral part of our overall tourism strategy to grow and develop the sector. The strength and successful delivery of both events gives us, and any businesses and individuals who operate in tourism, a really strong platform to build a year round offering.’

Rob Callister MHK, Political Member for Tourism and Motorsport, commented:

‘The results of these surveys highlight the importance of both events to the Isle of Man’s visitor economy. We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to the successful delivery of both of these events including ACU Events, the Manx Motor Cycle Club and the army of volunteers who give up their time as well as the Government departments responsible for the event delivery, and our contracted partners. The success of the events highlights the results that can be achieved with a strong partnership between the public and private sectors.’

Festival of Motorcycling 2017 Survey

TT Visitor Survey 2017