Isle of Man Government News

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 This increases the pressure to modernise the current rates system which is out of date and unfair.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

Public consultation launched on new Agricultural Strategy

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 13:34:44 GMT

The Isle of Man Government is seeking views from members of the public on a new strategy for the Agriculture sector.

The proposed strategy’s overarching aim is to deliver a sustainable and profitable agricultural industry through increasing investment to active farmers who will be provided with additional support to maintain and enhance the Island’s rural environment.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), said:

‘Feedback from the industry has highlighted a need to bring back some certainty to the agricultural sector. Views from the public on the consultation are essential at this point to ensure that the way in which agricultural support is delivered by the Government to this sector is effective and delivers for the environment.

‘Through the strategy we’ve aimed to propose ways to effectively support active farmers and production, to ensure that economic activity is maximised and that the processors, particularly the Meat Plant, are viable. The strategy also takes into consideration a number of Programme for Government actions and takes a lead in delivering multiple environmental and economic Government strategies.’

Feedback is being sought from the industry and public on the benefits to the industry and wider environment on a range of areas including realignment of current agricultural funding to better target on-farm investment in modern and efficient technology and agri-environment measures to enhance biodiversity, water quality and the environment.

The proposed strategy will run from 2019-2029, subject to Tynwald approval, and is intended to build on current policy and provide a relevant and timely solution for the industry and Isle of Man public, ultimately replacing the previous strategy introduced in 2008.

To read more, or to complete the consultation visit the Agricultural Strategy Consultation.

New ambulance service partnership takes to the road

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 11:17:00 GMT

The Island’s ambulance service is expanding thanks to a new partnership with St John Ambulance.

From today, newly trained, full-time staff from St John Ambulance (SJA) will handle all planned ambulance transfers for patients on stretchers. The SJA team will operate between 8am and 6pm seven days a week, to transport patients whose journeys have been arranged in advance.

At present, Isle of Man Ambulance crews are frequently diverted from planned patient transfers to deal with 999 calls. The new joint venture will free-up regular crews for emergencies and mean fewer non-urgent transfers are cancelled at short notice.

St John Ambulance was appointed to run the transfer service after an open tender process. The organisation has employed three full-time staff who have recently completed an intensive training programme to become advanced first aiders. The trio are now taking steps to upskill further, and are working towards qualification as emergency care assistants.

Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford said:

‘I welcome this new era of joint working with St John Ambulance, which will enhance a vital service the public holds dear. The organisation has an excellent track record and I’m confident it will provide a dedicated, professional service.

‘At times, our ambulance crews are fully committed responding to emergencies and that usually means another patient’s planned move from Noble’s – to a nursing home, to Ramsey Cottage Hospital for rehabilitation or back to their own home - is put on hold. When discharges from hospital are delayed, patient flow slows down, so fewer beds are available for incoming patients.

Delays create uncertainty and disappointment for the departing patient too, which we want to avoid. Our aim with the new service is to ensure transfers are carried out at the right time.’

The SJA unit will also be used to transfer patients from hospital to the airport for planned air ambulance transfer to the UK, and for transfers between other facilities around the Island

A fully equipped vehicle from the existing fleet has been re-liveried for the new service with the wording ’Isle of Man Ambulance Service working in partnership with St John Ambulance’. The crew and vehicle will be based at Douglas Ambulance Station.

John Gill Chief Officer of St John Ambulance said:

‘We’re delighted to be the partner providing this much needed service, as it’s a further development of our current working relationship with the Island's ambulance service. It builds on our current links through the Community First Responder Scheme (CFR) which trains volunteers in the community to attend incidents where they are closer to them than the ambulance service.’

Advice available over importing vehicles from the UK

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 10:21:47 GMT

Isle of Man residents who want to buy a vehicle from the UK and import it into the Island are warned that they must obtain the full log book (registration document V5C) when the transaction takes place.

The United Kingdom's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will no longer issue export certificates for anyone wishing to take a vehicle out of the UK without a valid log book.

The Island's highways authority was not notified of the UK's policy change, which has come to light in recent weeks through the licensing team at the Department of Infrastructure.

Discussions have now taken place with the DVLA, which advises anyone buying a vehicle in the UK to obtain a V5C log book from the seller as it will not issue any further documentation to allow the vehicle to be registered elsewhere.

Island residents experiencing difficulties should contact DoI Licensing on +44 1624 686741 for advice.

Apprenticeships nurture skills in demanding roles

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 11:57:46 GMT

Five Island residents have begun an immersive two year training programme where they learn while they earn in unique apprenticeship roles within the Department of Health and Social Care.

The trainees in business administration & IT and finance have been placed in small teams supporting the delivery of health and social care services for the Island’s population. The placements offer each individual the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in a demanding back office role, while also studying for professional qualifications.

Each apprentice has been allocated a workplace mentor to support and guide them, ensuring they can make a real contribution to the Department, and complete the apprenticeship placement as skilled employees, ready to take on jobs either in Government or the business sector.

Business admin & IT apprentice Aimee Steel describes her experience in this short video.

The business admin & IT apprentices are involved in a wide range of corporate work, including patient transfers, referrals, medical records and contracts and commissioning. Opportunities have been lined up in other areas to ensure they experience as wide a range of roles as possible.

In finance, the apprentices are helping compile the myriad of figures produced each month to track the Department’s spending against budget, in areas from hospital drugs to off- Island treatment.

Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford said:

‘I’m delighted the Department is hosting these aspiring professionals with our in-house apprenticeship scheme. We recognise that apprenticeships offer benefits both to the employer and the individual. Although our five apprentices have only been with us for a month or so, they’re showing great potential and making the most of the opportunity. We’re already considering offering further apprenticeships in the future, which may extend beyond these two disciplines.’

The business administration apprentices are studying for the HNC qualification in Administration & IT, while the finance trainees are working towards the ACCA Foundations in Accountancy award which leads to qualification as a Certified Accounting Technician.

Unified action to tackle marine litter

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 13:00:20 GMT

Members of the British-Irish Council have pledged to take further, collaborative action to tackle marine litter.

At a Marine Litter Symposium, hosted by the Scottish Government on Friday 22 February, Environment ministers from across the Council’s member administrations committed to working together, with industry, to develop a solution for the recycling of end-of-life fishing gear.

Members also committed to co-operative working to further reduce the loss of pre-production plastics, commonly referred to as nurdles, across the supply chain, and also to improve marine litter education for young people, and the fishing industry.

The symposium took place at Strathclyde University’s Technology and Innovation Centre and was chaired by Scottish Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Isle of Man Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture, said:

‘This week’s Marine Litter Symposium has been an important topic for the Isle of Man and I welcome the pledge to work together through the British-Irish Council to tackle marine litter.

‘This is an international issue, so a united, joined up approach with other British-Irish Council members will help us all to reduce this problem and by sharing our ideas we can take further, necessary steps towards protecting the international marine environment, and as an Island, continue to protect Biosphere Isle of Man, our beautiful beaches and Marine Nature Reserves.’

Financial Sanctions: Afghanistan

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 09:10:27 GMT

This news release is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in Afghanistan.

The European Commission has amended Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No. 753/2011 ("the 2011 Regulation") with effect from 20 February 2019.

Annex I to the 2011 Regulation lists the persons, groups and entities covered by the freezing of funds and economic resources under that Regulation.

The amendments reflect the decisions made on 30 January 2019 by the United Nations Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) to update the information on two persons subject to restrictive measures.

AMENDMENTS

Deleted information appears in square brackets. Additional information appears in italics and is underlined.

Individuals

HAQQANI, Jalaluddin

Title: Maulavi

DOB: (1) --/--/1942. (2) --/--/1948.

POB: (1) Garda Saray area, Waza Zadran District, Paktia Province (2) Neka District, Paktika Province, Afghanistan

a.k.a: (1) HAQANI, Jalaluddin (2) HAQANI, Jallalouddine (3) HAQQANI, Jallalouddin

Nationality: Afghan

Position: Minister of Frontier Affairs under the Taliban regime

Other Information: UN Ref [TI.H.40.01] TAi.040. Father of Sirajuddin Jallaloudine Haqqani, Nasiruddin Haqqani and Badruddin Haqqani (deceased). Brother of Mohammad Ibrahim Omari and Khalil Ahmed Haqqani. Believed to be in Afghanistan/Pakistan border area. Head of the Taliban Miram Shah Shura as at 2008. Date of birth is approximate. [Picture available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice]. Reportedly deceased as of September 2018. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice

Listed on: 02/04/2001 Last Updated: [10/03/2017] 20/02/2019 Group ID: 7165.

AGHA, Torek

Title: Haji

DOB: (1) --/--/1960. (2) --/--/1962. (3) --/--/1965.

POB: 1) Kandahar Province, 2) Pishin, Baluchistan Province, (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan a.k.a: (1) AGHA, Torak (2) AGHA, Toriq (3) HASHAN, Sayed , Mohammed (4) SAYED, Toriq, Agha

National Identification no: Pakistani 5430312277059 (fraudulently obtained and since cancelled by the Government of Pakistan).

Address: Pashtunabad, Quetta, Baluchistan Province, Pakistan.

Position: Commander for Taliban military council

Other Information: UN Ref. TAi.174. Key commander for Taliban military council involved in fundraising from Gulf-based donors. [Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. Date of UN designation: 02.11.2015]. Reportedly deceased as of November 2018. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice

Listed on: 17/11/2015 Last Updated: [17/11/2015] 20/02/2019 Group ID: 13306.

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 persons 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 Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Where a relevant institution has already reported details of accounts, other funds or economic resources held frozen for the designated persons they are not required to report these details again.

Failure to comply with financial sanctions legislation or to seek to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Afghanistan 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.

2018 Isle of Man Sports Awards shortlist announced

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 11:41:34 GMT

The shortlist for the 2018 Isle of Man Sports Awards sponsored by Microgaming PlayItForward, has been announced today (21 February).

The event which will take place on Thursday 4th April 2019 at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina, will look back on 2018 and recognise athletes for their successful sporting achievements.

Gary Corkhill, Executive Chairman for Isle of Man Sport, said:

‘This year’s committee faced a difficult task when shortlisting for this year’s Sports Awards. 2018 was a fantastic year in sport for the Isle of Man, with numerous competitions taking place both locally and internationally. We were pleasantly surprised to see such a broad range of sports that local athletes are competing in on a global stage, resulting in us seeing a number of lesser known sporting disciplines and names shortlisted for this year’s event.’

This year’s awards include 11 categories, including the Sportsman of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year.

Shortlisted for the Sportsman of the Year award category for 2018 are 2017 category winner and 2nd in E2 World Enduro Jamie McCanney, 2018 British Enduro Champion Daniel McCanney, last year’s category winner and Commonwealth silver medallist in double trap shooting Tim Kneale, 2nd in TT Superbike race & 3rd in TT Senior race Conor Cummins, 2nd in both TT Sidecar 1 and TT Sidecar 2 races Lee Cain, ‘King of the Mountain’ in the Tour of Switzerland Mark Christian, and boxer Danny Roberts, who turned professional in 2018 and remains unbeaten.

Shortlisted for the Sportswoman of the Year award category for 2018 are Commonwealth Games 100m butterfly athlete Charlotte Atkinson, Commonwealth Games cyclist and winner of the Most Active Rider on Stage One of the Tour De Yorkshire Anna Christian, 2018 record breaking athlete Rachel Franklin, four time consecutive Winter Olympic snowboarding competitor Zoe Gillings-Brier, Time Trial Commonwealth Games cyclist Elizabeth Holden, 2* league winner equestrian rider Yasmin Ingham, race walker and Commonwealth Games competitor Erika Kelly, and GB Carriage Driving team member who finished 1st at International 3* Haras du Pin in France Libby Priest.

The event also includes the presentation of the 2018 Sure Sports Leader of the Year Award and Sports Aid scholarships to athletes who will be supported by Isle of Man Sport Aid in 2019/20120.

Guest of honour at the awards is Olympic and Commonwealth Long Jump champion, Greg Rutherford MBE.

The event starts at 8.15pm. Tickets are available to book online via the Villa Gaiety box office.

2018 Shortlists:

2018 Sportsman of the Year, sponsored by Microgaming PlayItForward

Lee Cain (motorcycling)
Mark Christian (cycling)
Conor Cummins (motorcycling)
Tim Kneale (shooting)
Daniel McCanney (enduro)
Jamie McCanney (enduro)
Danny Roberts (boxing)

2018 Sportswoman of the Year, sponsored by Microgaming PlayItForward

Charlotte Atkinson (swimming)
Anna Christian (cycling)
Rachael Franklin (athletics)
Zoe Gillings-Brier (snowboarding)
Elizabeth Holden (cycling)
Yasmin Ingham (equestrian)
Erika Kelly (race walking)
Libby Priest (equestrian)

2018 Under 21 Sportsman of the Year, sponsored by SMP Partners

Nathan Harrison (motorcycling)
Adam Long (football)
Nino Ontoy (Taekwondo)
Dean Pinnington (football)
Bevan Rodd (rugby)
Shaun Wylde (weightlifting)

2018 Under 21 Sportswoman of the Year, sponsored by Newfield

Charlotte Clarke (tennis)
Sinead Cox (equestrian)
Ana Dawson (golf)
Olivia Marshall (swimming)
Amelia Sharpe (cycling)
Sophie Taylor (equestrian)
Nan Williams (netball)

2018 Disability Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Keystone Law

Chloe Chadwick (equestrian)
Letisha Ellis (swimming)
Ben Grainger (swimming)
Sean Jackson (football)
Zoe Lambie (race walking)
Chris Mitchell (motorcycling)
Karl Monaghan (Special Olympics)

2018 Sports Team of the Year, sponsored by Conister Bank

IOM Athletics Northern League Team (athletics)
IOM Ladies Hockey Team (hockey)
IOM Senior Netball Team (netball)
IOM Under 17’s Netball Team (netball)
Manx Harriers Ladies Team (athletics)
Ramsey Ladies Hockey Team (hockey)

2018 Sports Administrator of the Year, sponsored by Isle of Man Newspapers

Petra Atchison (athletics)
Leonie Cooil (Commonwealth Games)
Gary Cooper (cycling)
Debbie Shimmin (hockey)
Richie Stevenson (fell running)
Robbie Watterson (athletics)

2018 IOM Sports Ambassador, sponsored by the Department for Enterprise

Sam Brand (cycling)
Mark Cavendish (cycling)
Philip Cringle (rugby)
Tom Gandy (golf)
Zoe Gillings-Brier (snowboarding)
Caroline Whitehead (badminton)

2018 Sports Coach of the Year, sponsor Manx Radio

Claire Battye (netball)
Chris Brannigan (rugby)
Jamie Brown (hockey)
Steve Partington (athletics)
Ian Watson (tennis)
John Whitlow (athletics)

2018 Veteran Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Crowe Isle of Man

Adrian Beale (mountain biking)
Karen Chiarello (athletics)
Gianni Epifani (athletics)
Gail Griffiths (athletics)
Clive McGreal (Lawn Bowls)
Janet Monk (Crown Green Bowls)
Hannah Riley (athletics)

2018 Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by Mylchreests Group

The recipient of this award is selected by the Sports Awards committee.

Soft Drinks Industry Levy

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:53:41 GMT

From 1 April 2019, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy ('the levy') will be introduced in the Isle of Man. The levy mirrors that already in place in the United Kingdom ('UK'). The levy is aimed at producers and importers on the Island of soft drinks containing added sugar.

If your business purchases soft drinks from suppliers in the UK you will not need to register or account for any levy, as it should have been accounted for by the producers/packagers/importers in the UK.

If your business imports soft drinks into the Island from places other than the UK, or your business produces soft drinks on the Island, you may be required to be registered. There is an exemption for small producers who produce less than 1 million litres of drinks liable to the levy. Further details can be found on the UK Government website.

The levy has a main rate of 18 pence per litre, which applies to drinks containing at least 5 grams of added sugar per 100ml, and a higher rate of 24 pence per litre for drinks containing at least 8 grams of added sugar per 100ml.

The levy does not apply to any drinks where no sugar is added. Milk-based drinks with a milk content of 75% or more and milk substitute drinks are not subject to the levy. Fruit juice and vegetable juice are also not subject to the levy. While alcoholic drinks with an ABV of up to 1.2% are within the scope of the levy, there are provisions to exclude certain drinks that fall within this category. Further details with regard to the drinks that are and are not liable to the levy can be found on the UK Government website.

If you are required to register for the Soft Drinks Industry Levy please contact the Isle of Man Customs and Excise Division - do not register with HMRC.

If your business produces packages or imports drinks liable to the levy in the UK, you may be required to register with HMRC and should contact them. Further details can be found on their website.

If you have any queries with regard to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy in the Isle of Man please telephone +44 1624 648100 or email customs@gov.im

£8.4m housing project at Clagh Vane to be completed this year

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:28:04 GMT

An £8.4 million project to replace public sector housing in Ballasalla is on target to be completed later this year.

The 42-home Horse Shoe in the Clagh Vane estate, which was demolished in 2016, will be replaced by 51 new properties.

Around half are due to be handed over by the developer before the end of May, and the remainder in the autumn.

Now applications are now being invited from people who may wish to live in the new development.

In addition to 35 houses ranging in size from two to four bedrooms, there are 14 two-bedroom apartments and two wheelchair-friendly one-bedroom apartments. Two of the four-bedroom homes have also been extended and adapted to provide a fourth bedroom, provision for hoists and ground-floor bathroom access.

Building on the success of the award-winning Passivhaus project at Janet’s Corner in Castletown, eight of the properties will be low-energy homes, and the whole development has been constructed to the latest thermal efficiency standards.

The safety of residents plays a key role in the design of the new road layout, with more car parking incorporated into the plans along with attractive landscaping features, open green space and newly-planted trees.

Julie Edge MHK, Member with responsibility for Housing, said:

‘I am delighted that work is progressing so well and that the project is due to be delivered on time. The provision of good quality, low-energy homes is something to be proud of, and is something Government encourages throughout the sector.’

To apply for one of the new homes, contact the Housing Office on +44 1624 685865 or email housing@gov.im

A digital impression of how the new Clagh Vane estate in Ballasalla will look

Department for Enterprise introduces new Business Advisors for the Micro Business Grant Scheme

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 09:26:28 GMT

Following the recent changes implemented to the Micro Business Grant Scheme, the Department for Enterprise has appointed two new advisors to join the scheme’s business advisory team.

Tracy Underwood and Sandra Robertson will be joining the existing team of two advisors Bransom Bean and Helen Cowley. The business advisory team helps mentor start-up businesses in their formative years.

In the last five years the scheme has trained in excess of 835 individuals and financially supported and advised 321 small businesses. During the last financial year, the Department signed a record number of 88 contracts. Businesses supported range from marketing consultants and child care providers to education providers and photographers.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘We are delighted that Sandra and Tracy are joining the team. Sandra is an experienced CEO, non-executive director and trusted advisor having worked for entrepreneurs at board level for the past 14 years. Tracy is a certified chartered accountant and has worked in the small business industry for over two decades and has a wealth of knowledge to help and support small businesses. With economic growth and job creation at the heart of government activity, it is more vital than ever that we can offer local businesses the best possible support and mentorship. Tracy and Sandra promise to strengthen an already diverse and successful team.’

The business mentoring service goes hand in hand with the financial assistance offered as part of the scheme. Applicants are partnered with a business advisor, who will act as a mentor throughout the initial business start-up phase. This takes the form of mentoring meetings over a period of 18 months, which can be tailored to the applicant’s needs and progress. In a recent satisfaction survey completed by supported businesses, mentoring was seen as the most beneficial aspect of the scheme, scoring a satisfaction rating of 95%.

Sandra is currently a director at Steer Alliance, working as a business confidante for serial entrepreneurs assisting them to review, develop and implement strategies. Sandra has worked for a number of Isle of Man companies, including Charterhouse Group International and Knox Group, in addition to Baroness Michelle Mone OBE. Tracy is the founder of local accountancy practice Enigma Accountancy and Bookkeeping, which specialises in mentoring small businesses.

They will be joining Bransom Bean and Helen Cowley who have acted as business advisors to the scheme for several years. Bransom, a director at Moore Stephens Crew Benefits in the Isle of Man, was instrumental in setting up Business Sense®, Moore Stephens specialised suite of services targeted at small and local businesses, and provides all of Moore Stephens business and executive coaching services.

Helen, director at Paradigm Consultants has over 25 years human resources and business management experience and has personally advised and supported over 220 local start-up businesses.

For more information, visit the Micro Business Grant Scheme.

Financial Sanctions: ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 09:42:18 GMT

This news release is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed against the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida organisations.

Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 881/2002 has been amended with effect from 18 February 2019 following the publication of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2019/270.

The following entry has been added to the UK’s Consolidated List and is now subject to an asset freeze.

Addition

Individual

EL KHAYARI Brahim

DOB: 07/05/1992

POB: Nimes, France

Nationality: French

Listed on: 18/02/2019 Last Updated: 18/02/2019 Group ID: 13769

Failure to comply with financial sanctions legislation or to seek to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

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

Improvements made to Department’s Business Energy Saving Scheme

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 09:23:44 GMT

The Department for Enterprise has re-launched the Green Business Loan Scheme, bringing in a number of improvements. The scheme renamed the Business Energy Saving Scheme (BESS), is designed to provide flexible financing options to all types of businesses seeking to make operations more energy efficient and lower energy costs.

Key features and changes to the BESS include:

100% interest-free unsecured loan towards the cost of energy efficiency projects
Financial assistance ranging from £1,000 up to a maximum of £20,000 per project
An increased payback period, extended from four to five years
A newly introduced fast-track application process for loans under £5,000
Extended eligibility criteria to include a wider range of energy efficiency projects, including solar panelling
Simplified payback process and reporting.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘The Business Energy Saving Scheme, in its previous guise, has been in operation since 2011 and has supported a wide range of energy efficiency projects on Island. The Department has funded over 25 energy saving projects, worth over £230,000 to local businesses. As a Department we continue to adapt and evolve, the Island’s future energy needs must be addressed and we believe these changes not only improve accessibility to the scheme, but provide greater incentives to local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint whilst increasing business for the local energy sector.’

The scheme which is eligible to all business sectors, forms part of a wider cross-Government ‘Climate Challenge Mitigation Strategy’ to reduce the Island’s carbon emissions, while creating greener, more cost-effective energy sources.

The changes which came into effect on 1 December include a far more streamlined and simplified application process to encourage more businesses to apply. An extended payback period up to 5 years has also been introduced, along with a fast track process for loans under £5,000. Applicants can also access the Department’s Business Improvement Scheme to complete an Energy Survey, in order to determine the requirements and levels of savings possible from a business energy saving project.

For more information, please visit the Department for Enterprise website.

Department announces changes to Business Improvement Scheme

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 09:51:46 GMT

The Department for Enterprise has announced several changes to the Business Improvement Scheme (BIS), formerly the Business Support Scheme. The BIS provides funding of up to 50%, for Isle of Man businesses looking to engage with technical consultants to complete a range of business improvement projects. The changes will build on the continued success of the scheme, which in the last 2 years has invested over £160,000 in developing local businesses.

Key features and changes of the BIS include:

A grant of up to 50% towards the cost of projects in a wide range of business areas
An increase in financial assistance, up to the value of £5,000
Financial assistance covering a range of business areas such as Transactional Websites, Information Communications Technology (ICT), Environmental Efficiency and Quality Accreditations
More in-demand disciplines including Digital Marketing, Social Media, Brexit and Legalisation consultancy
A Business Advisory Service, which is fully funded by the Department
Greatly streamlined administration; with a 50% reduction in the time taken from application to approval

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘The Business Improvement Scheme has been in operation since 2004 and has seen over 150 business projects completed over the last 5 years. The scheme’s eligibility requirements have been modernised, with the removal of obsolete disciplines, allowing for the introduction of more in-demand modern projects to help local industry innovate. These changes to eligibility, along with an increase in financial assistance, will hopefully help more individuals and businesses reach their potential here in the Isle of Man’.

Following a review of the Department’s financial assistance and enterprise support schemes, a number of changes to the BIS came into effect from 1st December. This includes an increase in financial assistance, from £4,500 to £5,000 per business improvement project and several changes to the project disciplines.

A number of other changes have been introduced to make the scheme simpler; these include streamlining processes and improving delivery. As part of this review, the scheme has been re-written under the Enterprise Act 2008, enabling future changes to be implemented swiftly according to business needs.

For more information, please visit the Business Improvement Scheme.

A Budget of confidence to build on solid foundations

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 10:05:14 GMT

The Isle of Man’s solid financial foundations and its ability to meet the challenges ahead were the key themes when Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK delivered his 2019 Budget in Tynwald today (Tuesday 19 February).

Mr Cannan highlighted a package of measures designed to support working families, to target further job growth, to invest in vital infrastructure and to strengthen frontline public services, with a particular focus on policing and healthcare.

While acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit, Mr Cannan said:

‘We have solid foundations on which we can adapt to meet our challenges. In a year that promises international political and economic turbulence, this Budget provides a platform for confidence in our Island and the future.’

The Minister revealed the Isle of Man Government’s accounts are forecasting a surplus of £28m in the current year - representing an increase of £18m on the budgeted amount - and that Treasury’s five-year financial plan designed to reduce reliance on reserves remains on target.

In addition to higher than expected income tax receipts, spending on employment-related welfare support has been significantly lower than anticipated, as a result of continued low unemployment and business growth. A total of 439 new taxpayers have been added to the workforce during the past year, while 73 employers have registered with the Income Tax Division.

Referencing the 'family heartbeat' of the Isle of Man, support for working families was a prominent theme as the Treasury Minister made a number of key announcements.

Personal tax allowance will rise for the third year in a row, to £14,000. This will mean more than 1,550 people will be lifted out of the income tax net. The cost of the measures will be £6.2m and maintains the current administration's commitment to support hardworking families.

Above inflation increases are also applied to Child Benefit, Employed Persons' Allowance, Maternity Payments and Disability Premiums.

A total of £1.5m has been ring-fenced while proposals to help parents supporting children in higher education are brought forward.

Significant investment will be committed to improving roads around the Island and developing our telecommunications infrastructure. These form part of a £479 million programme of capital funding to take place over the next five years, aimed at delivering focussed investment for the benefit of the Island and its residents.

Addressing the needs of business, Mr Cannan announced a National Insurance Holiday Scheme designed to attract workers, support firms aiming to recruit employees and increase the working population - a key objective of the current administration.

Business will also be boosted by £6m for related support schemes and a commitment to provide £1.5m for additional resources to ensure the Island remains compliant with international standards, preserving its reputation as a responsible jurisdiction.

Frontline public services will benefit from an additional £12m, including £2.5m to be used to support policing in the community.

Mr Cannan said:

'The safety and security that we enjoy are precious, but we must not take them for granted. Neighbourhood policing will be redesigned and modernised, with extra officers being provided to tackle offending and anti-social behaviour across the Island. It will also provide more effective support to vulnerable people.'

This year's Budget recognises that the forthcoming Independent Review into the Isle of Man Health and Social Care System could result in significant changes when Tynwald considers the report later this year and up to £5m has been made available for healthcare transformation.

Spending equates to £12,938 per person

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 10:06:12 GMT

Total Isle of Man Government spending projected for 2019-20 equates to £12,938 per head for every man, woman and child of the Island’s population*.

This per person figure includes:

£3,951 for Social Security payments such as the State Pension, Income Support and Child Benefit
£3,299 for Health and Social Care Services, of which £1,253 relates to Noble’s Hospital, £637 for Primary Care, £614 for Social Care Services, £207 for providing free or subsidised prescriptions or drugs, and £231 for treating Manx patients in the United Kingdom
£1,417 for Education, including £116 for University Fees
£1,311 for former Government employee pensions, of which around £320 comes from current employee contributions
£461 for the Police, Fire, Prison and other parts of the Department of Home Affairs
£235 for supporting the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
£149 for Public Transport and Heritage Railways
£161 for Waste Management, in addition a further £72 raised via local authorities or business waste charges
£62 for Sports and Arts, including subsidising local swimming pools

*Assumes population of 83,874 per Economic Affairs, Cabinet Office (January 2019)

2019 Budget at a glance

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 10:07:47 GMT

The 2019 Budget puts in place progressive, affordable and sustainable measures to support the continued growth of the Isle of Man economy and to help all sectors of the community.

The headline initiatives include:

An increase for the third consecutive year to the personal income tax allowance, of £750 to £14,000, lifting 1,550 people out of the tax net. Taxpayers will be up to £150 better off, or up to £300 better off for a married couple.
Introduction of a National Insurance Holiday Scheme for employees who move to the Island for work and Manx students who return to the Island to work after completing their UK university courses.
Most benefits to rise by 2.4% with exceptions to:

Child Benefit (5%), building on last year’s increase of 3.3%
Employed Person’s Allowance (2.9%)
Maternity Payments (20%)
Basic state pension (2.5%)
Winter Bonus +£50 (16.7%)
Disability Living Allowance (3.4%)

New Manx State Pension to be introduced from April 2019 at £184.15 per week.
More money to enable departments to deliver services: an additional £3 million for Health and Social Care services, additional £3m for Home Affairs, mainly within Policing, £2.2m for Infrastructure and £1.5m for Education, Sport and Culture
A five-year capital investment programme of £479 million, including a Douglas Promenade Walkway, facilitation works to develop the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool and an initiative to support the development of Jurby, a new telecoms strategy and a new landfill facility for problematic waste.
Revision to the Enterprise Development Scheme to open it to a wider range of applicants. A total of £9m will be available to focus on job creation and strengthen the requirement for co-investment.
Funds of £2m set aside from the Economic Development Fund to develop the Airport Technology Gateway which will see the creation of a high quality landscaped business park at the airport.
Funds of £1.5m ring-fenced for a revised student awards scheme to support people to return to the Island after their studies.
Sugar tax to be introduced from April 2019 expected to raise around £300,000, which will be ring-fenced to be used by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Agriculture and Forestry Fund to be topped up with £1m per year for 3 years to support the operation of the Meat Plant if required.
Additional funding of £350k in 2019/20 (with additional funding in future years) made available to the Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture to deliver a modified Agriculture Development Scheme with increased emphasis on environmental priorities, sustainable food production and increased investment in modern infrastructure.
New Community Fund to be established to match-fund community projects which support our UNESCO biosphere status. The £250,000 Fund will be managed by the Manx Lottery Trust.
A top up of £1 million for the Brexit Fund to £2.5m, for the continued negotiations arising from the UK's departure from the EU.

Capital investment projects to deliver lasting legacy

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:49:50 GMT

A robust capital investment programme will bring forward a range of schemes for the benefit of residents for generations to come.

Demonstrating confidence in the Island's economy and building for the future, this year's programme is set at £129.7 million, and totalling almost £479 million over the next five years.

Among the highlights are important investments in transport, education, mental health, telecommunications and infrastructure.

Bill Shimmins MHK, Treasury Member with responsibility for Capital Projects, said:

'The programme for the next year and beyond is one which demonstrates this Government's commitment to modernising the Island's infrastructure. It displays confidence in our economy, raises standards for residents and businesses and will leave a robust and lasting legacy for generations to come.'

A planning application has been submitted by the Isle of Man Government to build an Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool to cement our lifeline sea link with the North West of England. It is due to open late in 2020 and will provide a facility fit for the 21st century to be used by residents, businesses and tourists for many years.

The importance of supporting those with mental health problems is prominent in this year's Budget with £1.5m to be spent on redeveloping the mental health facility at Grianagh Court and £1.7m on adapting a building on the Noble's Estate into a new Acute Adult Psychiatric In-Patient Facility.

The Emergency Services will see life-expired equipment replaced with new ambulances, fire appliances and police vehicles to help keep our Island safe.

The village of Jurby will receive significant investment aimed at stimulating growth and improving the environment. A total of £1.75m is earmarked for the project, which will see small industrial units created alongside housing, community facilities and landscaping.

Provision has been made to allow the government to invest in the Island's
telecommunications network, with £2m allocated in the year for improving fibre-optic connectivity. The proposals will have benefits for residents and businesses, as well as encouraging economic diversity.

An extensive highway refurbishment programme is planned worth £5m and a further £14m over the next four years. In addition to this, improvements worth £7.6m are planned to East Quay in Peel and West Quay in Ramsey and resurfacing the A5 linking Douglas with Isle of Man Airport and Castletown over the next five years, along with £4m on bridges. These projects, combined with ongoing commitments, result in an investment of almost £48 million on highway infrastructure until 2023.

A total of £7.3m will enable the ongoing replacement of the bus fleet and ensure a modern and efficient public transport network is maintained, while the heritage rail network and its important connection to tourism will benefit from an annual consolidated fund of £4.5m.

The Island's national glens and footpaths will receive further investment, along with the Heritage Trail on the former steam railway line between Peel and Douglas, reflecting the Island's status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The overall capital programme is one which demonstrates confidence in the future – to build on solid foundations, to encourage growth and ensure the Island continues to be a special place to live and work.

New relocation incentive for skilled workers and graduates welcomed by Department for Enterprise

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 15:32:33 GMT

The Department for Enterprise has welcomed an announcement today from Treasury Minister, Alf Cannan MHK, which will increase take home pay for new and returning residents.

In his 2019 budget speech, Minister Cannan announced a National Insurance Holiday Scheme which comes into effect this year and aims to attract new working residents to the Island and encourage the return of Manx-educated students and diaspora.

The scheme will be open to anyone who has not been tax resident here for the immediate last five tax years, and who takes up both residence and full time, permanent employment with a gross salary of £21,000 or more, on or after 6^th April 2019. Eligible residents will apply for a refund on the National Insurance contributions for their first year of living or returning to the Isle of Man, with refunds capped at £4,000.

Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK welcomed the news:

‘This scheme enhances the already compelling reasons to live and work in the Isle of Man. We have excellent quality of life, opportunities for career progression and average salaries which are higher than the UK. We believe this will be a fantastic incentive for Manx nationals to return home, as well as attracting new workers to our shores.’

Support has been further extended for Isle of Man students who successfully complete a full time university degree, higher national diploma or postgraduate course outside the Island on or after the 6 April that return to the Island to live and work. The minimum gross salary is not a requirement for returning students.

Under the new scheme, an individual earning a £30,000 salary will take home £27,450 in their first year of living in the Island – £3,650 more than their UK counterparts. This represents a 15% increase compared with the UK as those earning the same salary would keep £23,800. Average salaries for full time employees are already more than 14% higher in the Isle of Man than the UK.

The announcement follows the launch of the Department for Enterprise’s Locate Isle of Man strategy, which outlines plans for promotion of the Island as a special place to live and work in order to grow the number of economically active residents by 2021.

Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK commented:

‘Increasing the economically active population directly and positively impacts our Island and is a clear policy statement of this administration, as identified in the Programme for Government. The Department for Enterprise has already made a commitment in the Locate Isle of Man Strategy to ensure our residents always have opportunities to prosper through re-skilling and maximising workforce participation.’

‘With the demand for skills currently outweighing supply, the attraction of additional new workers and encouraging the return of our Manx educated students are also two vital themes of the Locate Strategy. The announcement today by our colleagues in Treasury demonstrates a tangible way in which Government can achieve this. It also establishes excellent cross-Government working relations in order for us to best support the needs of our residents, businesses and economy.’

‘In the past six months, unemployment reached its lowest number since 2003, which has created a great opportunity for us to attract new talent to the Island. We will be looking at ways in which we can promote this initiative to skilled workers across the globe to further demonstrate the benefits of living and working in the Isle of Man.’

Employees who wish to take advantage of the scheme will be charged National Insurance during their first 12 months of employment, and can then apply to the Income Tax Division for a refund of their contributions. To qualify, the employee must remain in employment for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

Financial Sanctions: ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 10:30:56 GMT

This news release is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed against the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida organisations.

Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 881/2002 has been amended with effect from 15 February 2019 following the publication of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2019/257.

The Amending Regulation reflects the decision made on 8 February 2019 by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Committee to delete four entries from the list of persons to whom the freezing of funds and economic resources apply.

The following individuals have been removed from the UK’s Consolidated List and are no longer subject to an asset freeze.

Deletions

Individuals

HOUSNI, JAMAL

DOB: 22/02/1983.

POB: Morocco

a.k.a: (1) AL MAGHREBI, Jamal (2) IL MAROCCHINO, Djamel

Address: (1) Via F. De Lemene n.50, Milan, Italy. (2) Via Uccelli di Nemi n.33, Milan, Italy.

Other Information: UN Ref QI.H.221.06. He is subject to Tribunale di Milano Custody Order n.5236/02 R.G.N.R. of 25 Nov 2003 1511/02 R.G.GIP. Convicted and sentenced on

21 Sept 2006 to 7 years of detention by the Milan Assizes Court, Italy, for belonging to a criminal association with terrorist aims and receiving stolen goods. The sentence was confirmed on 17 July 2007 by the Milan Assizes Appeal Court. In custody as at 16 June 2009. Also referred to as Hicham.

Listed on: 04/08/2006 Last Updated: [04/09/2009] 15/02/2019 Group ID: 8917.

ISHAQ, MALIK MUHAMMAD

DOB: --/--/1959.

POB: Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Province, Pakistan a.k.a: ISHAQ, Malik

Nationality:Pakistani

Address: Pakistan.

Other Information: UN Ref: QI.I.321.14. Physical decription: Heavy build with black eye

colour, black hair colour, medium brown complexion with a heavy black beard. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. Killed in Pakistan on 28.7.2015. DOB is approximate.

Listed on: 01/04/2014 Last Updated: [30/01/2017] 15/02/2019 Group ID: 12945

MUHAXHERI, LAVDRIM

DOB: (1) 03/12/1989. (2) --/--/1987.

POB: Kaqanik/Kacanik

a.k.a: (1) AL KOSOVA, Abu, Abdullah (2) AL-KOSOVI, Abu, Abdallah (3) AL-KOSOVO, Abu, Abdallah

Address: Syrian Arab Republic, as of September 2015.

Other Information: Date of designation referred to in Article 7d(2)(i): 29.9.2015

Listed on: 09/10/2015 Last Updated: [09/10/2015] 15/02/2019 Group ID: 13296.

The following entry has been amended and is still subject to an asset freeze under a different sanctions regime.

Amendment

AL-TURKI, Hassan Abdullah Hersi

Title: Sheikh/Colonel

DOB: --/--/1944.

POB: Region V (the Ogaden Region in eastern Ethiopia), Ethiopia

a.k.a: (1) AL-TURKI, Hassan (2) FAHAIH, Hassan, Abdullah (3) FIHIYE, Hassen, Abdelle (4) TURKI, Hassan (5) TURKI, Hassan, Abdillahi, Hersi (6) TURKI, Sheikh, Hassan (7) XIRSI, Xasan, Cabdilaahi (8) XIRSI, Xasan, Cabdulle

Nationality: Somali

Address: Somalia.

Other Information: UN Ref QDe.002. A senior leader of an armed militia group since the mid-1990s and engaged in numerous arms embargo violations. Listed under both [Al-Qaida and Somalia regimes]. Date of birth is approximate.

Listed on: 12/07/2004 Last Updated: 09/03/2017 15/02/2019 Group ID: 8425

Failure to comply with financial sanctions legislation or to seek to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.