Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK has today launched the Council of Ministers’ Programme for Government which will be presented for approval at the January sitting of Tynwald.
Entitled ‘Our Island – A Special Place to Live and Work’, the 24-page document sets out strategic objectives, themes, outcomes and initial actions to shape the work of Government over the next five years.
However, the Council of Ministers say the programme is ‘the first step on our journey’ and is a living document which will evolve over time.
Departments, Boards and Offices will develop further actions and service delivery plans to support the outcomes, and performance indicators will be published quarterly by Cabinet Office.
There will be annual update on the programme providing an opportunity for Tynwald to debate the progress and direction of Government.
The document is introduced and signed collectively by all members of the Council of Ministers, who declare:
‘We believe our Programme for Government sets out an ambitious but achievable vision of a nation that is inclusive, tolerant and sustainable. It builds on solid foundations to support and encourage further growth in our economy, allowing everyone the opportunity to flourish and prosper.’
In their conclusion, the Ministers write:
‘In developing this programme we have tried to be inclusive. We have worked hard to make sure we have heard and acted upon the many different views of Tynwald Members.
‘The rapid development of this programme so soon after the General Election means that the public’s aspirations and needs have been heard too, through recently elected Members.
‘We have also listened to the views of the business community and hope they recognise their input to this document.
‘While not everyone will be able to support all parts of the programme, we hope that this programme represents a broad consensus; our Island already is a special place to live and work, but we know it can be even better. We can only achieve this by working together.’
