Isle of Man Government News

Eleven new coronavirus cases confirmed

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 10:01:11 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Monday 30 March) there have been eleven further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 60.

57 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and three are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 913 concluded tests, 148 tests are awaiting results and 185 people are awaiting tests.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – important notice to all taxpayers

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:32:22 GMT

In the forthcoming weeks there are a number of statutory deadlines approaching for the submission of tax returns whilst the issue of tax returns to all individual taxpayers normally takes place in early April each year.

The Isle of Man Government recognises the considerable pressures that the coronavirus outbreak is placing on all aspects of the everyday lives of individuals and business. It is therefore announcing a series of measures today which are intended to ease any concerns that you may have regarding the completion and submission of tax returns.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said:

‘These are worrying times for all of us and it is vital that we take the appropriate steps so that no one is put under any unnecessary pressure to submit their tax returns in the forthcoming weeks.

‘Many of the officers in the Income Tax Division have been working tirelessly to maintain critical tax functions whilst others have been supporting the various measures we have put in place to provide essential financial support across our community.

‘I would ask that you should show patience in terms of the processing times of your assessments and enquiries over the forthcoming months, but would emphasise that priority will be given to those taxpayers who are entitled to the repayment of tax where it is abundantly clear that the current crisis is resulting in financial hardship.’

Full details of the measures being announced are as follows:

Individuals

Individual taxpayers or their agents who are registered users of Online Tax Services will receive their returns for the year ending 5 April 2020 as normal on or around 6 April 2020.

Paper tax returns for the year ending 5 April 2020 issued by post to individual taxpayers on or around 6 April 2020 will be delayed. The Division will review this postponement no later than 30 April 2020 and recognises that consideration may need to be given to extending the current deadline for their submission on 6 October 2020 (which would also apply to the returns made available online too for the same period).

Anyone who receives a return by this method and wishes to receive their return during April should either register for Online Tax Services or contact the Income Tax Division on +44 1624 685400 to request a paper copy but should only do so if it is absolutely necessary for them to complete the return early.

Where an individual has failed to submit their tax return for the year ended 5 April 2019 by 6 April 2020 a penalty of £200 would normally be issued. If the outstanding return is submitted no later than 5 June 2020 no further penalty will be issued.

The Division requests that anyone who submits their 2019/20 tax returns in the forthcoming weeks or who has not received their 2018/19 assessment must appreciate that there will be delays in the processing of your returns given the availability of officers during this challenging period. You should only contact the Division to request the urgent processing of your tax return where you are expecting a refund and suffering financial hardship as a result of the current crisis.

Employers

The deadline for employers’ tax returns for the year ended 5 April 2020 is extended from 5 May 2020 to 5 June 2020.

Companies

First penalties will not currently be issued for the non-submission of any company tax returns still outstanding and due to be submitted between 1 April 2020 and 5 June 2020. This measure results in the filing date for these returns being extended to 5 June 2020 in order to prevent the issue of a first penalty.

Second penalties will not currently be issued for late submission of any company tax returns still outstanding that would be liable to the second penalty between 1 April 2020 and 5 June 2020. If the returns are still outstanding at 5 June 2020 the second penalty will then be issued.

Retirement Pension forecasting

The processing of requests will be suspended until further notice.

Debt Counselling Service maintained during coronavirus lockdown

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:13:43 GMT

Island residents who find themselves in financial difficulty are being reminded that a confidential Debt Counselling Service remains available to them.

The service, run by the Isle of Man Government’s Office of Fair Trading (OFT), gives people the opportunity to talk to a specialist debt counsellor about their financial concerns.

Martyn Perkins MHK, Chair of the OFT, said:

‘We will maintain this important service for as long as we are able to do so during the continuing global pandemic but response times will inevitably be slower.

‘From a debt counselling perspective, the continuing extraordinary circumstances caused by COVID-19 may create a perfect storm.’

You can contact the Debt Counselling Service by emailing debt@gov.im, by calling +44 01624 686500 or through their website.

Further guidance on budgeting is available in a free booklet which is available by contacting the Debt Counselling Service or can be found online.

Coronavirus scams lead to Island warning

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:40:12 GMT

Isle of Man residents are being warned to be vigilant after a rise in coronavirus-related scams in the UK and on the Island.

According to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) scammers in the UK are using a variety of tactics including emails, social media, phone calls and text messages as they seek to benefit from the public’s fears and uncertainty over COVID-19.

The Isle of Man Constabulary said they have received several reports of scammers targeting Island residents on the phone and attempting to persuade them their money is not safe.

Martyn Perkins MHK, Chair of the OFT, said:

‘We ask that people remain vigilant and think about vulnerable or elderly friends, neighbours and family members – never give out your personal bank details over the phone.’

John Peet, Head of the OFT, added:

‘So far we are only aware of one phone scam which has targeted Manx residents, but if consumers in the UK are being targeted on the phone and online by unscrupulous scammers then it is inevitable that local residents will fall victim to the same tactics.

‘It would be exceedingly disappointing if anyone in the Isle of Man is considering scamming local residents as we are rightly proud of our community. The OFT will not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught doing so and I’m sure that other enforcement authorities have adopted the same stance. I’ve dealt with scammers and rogue traders for many years now but for someone to scam people in these exceptional circumstances would be a new low for me.’

If anyone is concerned they have already been scammed they should contact Trading Standards/Consumer Advice on +44 01624 686500 or the police on +44 1624 631212.

Death in custody

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:43:08 GMT

This morning (Tuesday 31 March) a prisoner was found dead on F Wing at the Isle of Man Prison. The death is unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

Changes regarding the registration and regulation of Manx registered charities will come into force from 1 April 2020.

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 15:03:35 GMT

As a follow up to the Charities Registration and Regulations Act 2019 becoming Manx law last year, the substantive provisions of the Act, as well as the Charities Regulations 2020 will come into force on 1 April 2020. The implementation of the Act will impact on all Manx registered charities.

To date, the Attorney General's Chambers has published a series of Charities Bulletins and held a well attended seminar for charity trustees to explain the impact on charities, both existing and new..

With effect from 1 April 2020, the Attorney General will become the Charities Registrar, meaning that the register will then be administered by staff in the Attorney General's Chambers, rather than in the Central Registry.

Attorney General, John Quinn QC MLC commented:

'We live in a very charitably-minded community but we do need to ensure that the charities are regulated and administered accordingly. There are clear duties for trustees and charities which should make everyone's expectation easier to deal with.'

He continued

'While there is a need to apply the Act and work within the new regulations it is important that personal contact, which we know is valuable to both to the charities sector and to the general public is maintained.'

The Attorney General is very keen to continue to assist Manx charities so they have a clear understanding of the necessary governance issues and also to ensure that they are kept abreast of any changes or matters which arise which are of general interest to the charities sector.

Charities Bulletins will continue to be published on the charities information pages on the Attorney General's Chambers' website, once the current restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted, further seminars will be arranged, the dates of which will also be published on the website

Work is underway to publish all pertinent documents, including application and notification forms along with suggested templates for accounts and reports for use by smaller charities, on this website.

Any charity already on the register on 1 April 2020 which does not have a written governing document will have to adopt one by 1 April 2022. All charities affected by this will be contacted over the next few months.

For enquiries please contact the Charities Registration Officer, Wendy Joughin via charities@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 687318.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Information for DOI Tenants and First Time Buyers - 31 March 2020

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:39:57 GMT

Further to our bulletin of 24 March, we are updating you again in light of recent developments and guidance received from Isle of Man Government.

Over the past week we have taken steps to ensure that the majority of our workforce can work from home in order to reduce the risk of Covid-19. Please note we are still available to our customers but we have changed the way you can contact us.

The table below provides you with a list of essential housing telephone numbers and our emergency hours of business contact details

To make a rent payment by debit card	685540	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
Maintenance repairs	685956	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
Out of hours maintenance repairs	494012	after 4pm until 9am each weekday and 24 hours over weekends/bank holidays
Rent account queries or tenancy matters	687054	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
First Time Buyers	685442	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
Housing Waiting List enquiries	686495	Mon-Fri 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm

It may be necessary for the person who takes your call to take your number and refer your query to a colleague who will then call you back.

Paying your rent

If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rent please contact us on +44 1624 687054 as a matter of urgency to discuss this with a member of the housing team. Alternatively, you can email housing@gov.im.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, people who receive benefits at the post office using a MiCard can now be paid directly into their bank account instead. For further details, please visit the Social Security website or call Social Security on +44 1624 685656.

We also encourage tenants to pay their rent by Direct Debit, you can request a direct debit mandate form from the Housing team.

Essential Maintenance and Repairs

As previously advised, we are prioritising essential work only within properties. This includes but is not restricted to:

Loss of electricity
No heating or hot water
Burst pipe(s) leading to flooding of your property
Toilets or drainage failing
Rain water ingress causing flooding of your property

If you are unsure about whether your request is an emergency, please call +44 1624 685956 and our maintenance team will assess the priority of the work.

If arrangements are made to carry out any works in your property, in order to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus, please cooperate fully with our customer services and maintenance teams. This will include answering questions regarding your present household circumstance and practicing safe distancing within your home whilst maintenance works are carried out.

Other Services

Reduced housing administration services are now in operation and as a result processing times may be a little longer than usual for application forms and other routine tasks.

We will continue to work with all necessary precautions following the latest public health guidance, which is available on the COVID-19 website.

Zero new coronavirus cases confirmed - 4pm 31 March 2020

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 16:42:01 GMT

Since the last update (10am Tuesday 31 March) there have been no further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man remains at 60.

In total 57 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and three are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 913 concluded tests, 216 people are awaiting results and 139 are awaiting tests.

Launch of Strategic Capacity Scheme

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:28:52 GMT

The Department for Enterprise’s Coronavirus Strategic Capacity Scheme has been established to provide financial support to businesses in sectors of strategic importance, starting with registered tourist accommodation business that have been financially affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Isle of Man Government will be offering a tiered range of financial support, based on average revenue per room and occupancy rates, to the providers of certain serviced accommodation and, additionally, a fixed level of support for certain non-serviced accommodation which accounts for a workforce of over 800 people. This excludes B&Bs, temporary and permanent campsites and Homestay properties which by their nature do not have the same level of employment. Businesses must be registered with the Department for Enterprise in order to be eligible for support.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘Our tourism businesses have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel around the world grinding to a halt. Our tourist accommodation sector was one of the first to feel this impact and this new scheme has been extended out to them first in order to help them put their affairs in order and keep their businesses intact during an extended period with no income. This is especially difficult at this time of year with many businesses investing substantially in anticipation of the season opening.

‘We have been working closely with our tourism industry to understand the ongoing impact on their businesses and the best support we can provide to help them navigate this very challenging time. The aim of this assistance is to help sustain our important businesses during the ongoing difficult trading conditions with the intention that they will then continue to be able to operate following the end of the pandemic.

’We recognise that recovery will take a long time, with consumer confidence and booking lead times set to return gradually once the pandemic is firmly under control. Today we are announcing an initial payment to those businesses affected to help them pay outstanding debts to local suppliers while we gather further information about ongoing fixed costs and support needed to enable these businesses to survive with closed doors. We will continue to review and will consider providing further support in the future.’

Full guidelines for the scheme, information on eligible businesses and the application form will be updated on DfE's Coronavirus page.

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 website.

Isle of Man Engineering & Manufacturing businesses come forward to support COVID-19 response

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:55:03 GMT

Engineering and Manufacturing businesses based in the Isle of Man have been stepping up to support the local and international response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses active across sectors such as aerospace, oil and gas, and ceramics have been turning their expertise to designing and producing essential medical equipment to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

Examples of the ways Manx companies are helping the cause include:

Swagelok, international market leaders in valve design and pressure regulators, are producing component parts for respirators and ventilators for the global market.
Moynihans and Jantys are producing essential parts for medical face mask production lines in the UK.
Strix, RLC Group, and Cortech are providing direct engineering and manufacturing support to Noble’s hospital, including 3D printing of medical components and testing of face masks. In addition, they are progressing work with the ‘Charlotte Valve’ project, which progresses work started in Italy to enable full-face snorkel masks to be converted for use as emergency respirator masks during times of critical demand.
Henson Ceramics are designing and building an oxygen generator and Ozone steriliser which has been proven to combat SARS. This is being adapted to tackle COVID-19.

In addition, other local companies have offered design, prototyping, and manufacture support.

Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK, commented:

’The Isle of Man has a proud history of innovative engineering and manufacturing and it is inspiring to see so many Manx businesses putting this expertise to use in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. On behalf of the Isle of Man Government and the Manx people, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to these organisations, and many others, who are going above and beyond to keep the Isle of Man’s medical facilities well-stocked and well-equipped to tackle this unprecedented threat.’

In the face of new demands and market trends, the Department for Enterprise has launched a Business Adaptation Grant, which will allow access to up to 50% match funding for businesses looking to adapt to provide alternative services in the current climate. Potential examples include alcohol producers switching to manufacture hand sanitiser and office businesses looking to expand work-from-home capability.

Isle of Man Disruption Loan Guarantee Scheme launches

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:37:12 GMT

Today the Isle of Man Government has announced the launch of the Isle of Man Disruption Loan Guarantee Scheme.

The Scheme has been introduced in response to the financial challenges facing businesses as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and will see the Island’s commercial banks supporting up to £60 million of new lending, 80% of which will be underwritten by the Isle of Man Government.

Similar schemes have also been introduced across Jersey and Guernsey.

The scheme, which will initially be implemented by HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays, Isle of Man Bank and Conister Bank, will support overdraft and term-lending facilities as well as asset financing facilities. The scheme, which is for Isle of Man registered businesses with a turnover of up to £10million, will also enable eligible businesses to access six year term loans with Isle of Man Government-backed guarantees.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘In the current situation we have a clear and pressing need to support local businesses that have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The banking sector is best placed to provide assistance, in situations which may be at the margins of current lending decisions.

‘We very much welcome this support from our local banks, who are continually working on supporting their customers and the local community during this unprecedented period.’

To find out more about the Isle of Man Disruption Loan Guarantee Scheme, please contact your Bank directly to discuss.

To find out more about the financial support schemes for businesses and individuals affected by Coronavirus, please visit the Financial Support for Businesses - Coronavirus (COVID-19) page.

Four new coronavirus cases confirmed

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 10:00:08 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Sunday 29 March) there have been four further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 46.

44 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and two are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 774 concluded tests, 179 tests are awaiting results and 178 people are awaiting tests.

Treasury Minister's statement on financial measures to protect the Island

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 14:44:39 GMT

Good Afternoon

I know that many of you are bewildered, afraid and worried both about your health and also increasingly about your financial future and your jobs.

Since I spoke to many of you a week ago today, events have happened at a rapid speed and we have, to all intents and purposes, closed down large parts of our domestic economy.

We have seen the devastation that Coronavirus can leave behind if it remains unchecked. Our actions have been driven by an overarching desire to save lives.

By staying at home and maintaining social distancing you will all play your role in suppressing the virus.

But there is another equally important element to this – by staying at home now you are also helping to protect jobs and the economy.

In short, the quicker now that we can suppress the virus, the quicker that we can bring about a controlled return to work and the quicker that we can get our economy functioning again.

Over the last week we have, step by step, moved to remove uncertainty and de-risk the chances of Coronavirus spreading on construction sites and in retail shops.

We have moved to remove uncertainty for those supplying additional domestic services such as painters and decorators. We have removed uncertainty for gardeners and those in horticulture.

As we close down parts of the economy we must recognise that we need to take further action to support those who, through no fault of their own, are facing an abrupt cessation of their income.

On Friday Tynwald formally approved a number of financial assistance measures, including the Covid 19 Welfare Benefit formally known as the Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance or MERA for short paying £200 per week to those who have lost their job or unable to earn as a result of the virus and the Covid 19 Salary Support Scheme paying £280 per week per full time equivalent employee.

I understand the situation that many business are in and the desperation to receive this support, however please be patient, we are working as hard as we can to get process up and running. Whilst we are do this, I urge businesses to reach out to their banks to assist with immediate cashflow issues.

I am sure you will all understand that in delivering these substantial measures we have to balance the need to help businesses and individuals with their immediate needs against the long term sustainability of our finances.

One consequence of this was the exclusion of certain sectors where we considered that the impact of the economic situation has not had the immediate impact felt elsewhere.

A number of smaller domestic businesses that fall into these excluded categories have written to me describing circumstances that they feel means they should be included within the scope of the support and I can sympathise with their position.

Under the Salary Support Scheme the Chief Financial Officer has the power to amend the scheme to cover any business if he considers it to be in the best interests of the Island’s economy.

I have asked him to set a process whereby small and medium sized businesses who currently fall outside the scope of the scheme and who fulfil certain criteria, may apply for special consideration. I expect this process to be in place within a matter of days.

I announced last week the Coronavirus Business Support Scheme was providing businesses and the self-employed in the most affected sectors with an immediate £3k grant to assist with their costs and their fall in income. Following recent announcements I have extended that scheme to Education, Construction and horticulture.

We are processing applications for the Coronavirus Business Support Scheme as quickly as we can. The first payments have been made and many more will be made next week.

I can also announce today that Government will be bringing forward two further support packages in the coming days. A scheme to preserve strategic capacity in the tourist accommodation sector and one to provide additional support for the fishing industry. More details on these schemes will be announced this week.

Even with all these measures, we will not save every business and every job, but we do have safety nets in place.

The COVID 19 Benefit or MERA is available to provide support, as are the existing welfare payments schemes.

The MERA will be available from 6 April, those who require assistance immediately have access to our existing welfare system. People will be able to apply for the MERA online or by phone.

To provide much needed flexibility during this time, with the appropriate security measures, Treasury has introduced processes to allow the acceptance of instructions to pay a person’s pension or benefits into the bank, or to an appointee, over the telephone as well.

Extra staff have been allocated to this area to answer calls and emails. However, we are experiencing high levels of demand so please be patient on the phones, we will answer your call, but it will take longer than normal.

Extending this support from the National Insurance Fund has caused us to reflect and consider the appropriateness of National Insurance Contributions and the variance in rates that is applied across our society.

I intend, if at all possible, to speed up a review of our National Insurance Fund in order to ensure that fairness and equality is put back at the heart of the contributions regime.

Of course some sectors and businesses must remain open by a physical presence on site and some can remain open by undertaking home working.

all those involved in the food chain we need you to keep working, you are on the frontline and we salute you,
our manufacturers are now turning their hand to vital parts to support the efforts against coronavirus – we are proud of you and we need you to keep working,
our banks and financial institutions – many of you are working from home – thank you, we need you to keep doing that, and
in our digital economy many of you are also keeping global businesses running from your home offices – please keep going.

In general terms therefore, I remain satisfied that the overall measures that we have brought forward are now sufficient to provide the broad safety net that the economy needs to get through this.

There are four clear layers of direct support; the Salary Support Scheme, the Business Interruption Grant, that can also be accessed by the self-employed, the MERA, for which anyone in any sector who finds themselves out of work can apply for and finally, if all else fails, you will be caught by the existing welfare system.

Last week I told you that no-one will be evicted from their home during the period of this crisis. I can now tell you that further support for residents will come from the seven Island banks that offer personal mortgages.

Isle of Man Bank, Santander International, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, Nedbank Private Wealth International and Cayman National Bank have all agreed to provide a mortgage repayment holiday to existing customers who have fallen into financial difficulty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

I want to thank them as I do every company and organisation that is providing support to their customers as this difficult time.

In light of these measures I have over the last week thought long and hard about whether it is appropriate for the Government and local authorities to issue the Rates demands for this year and I have concluded that although many are struggling, there are those in the community who are in a position to continue to meet their liabilities. We must keep some money coming through the system otherwise our local authorities and indeed our national finances will come under even more pressure and therefore the rates bill will be issued as normal but will also contain a letter explicitly stating that if you feel unable to pay your rates you may consider that payment is deferred without explanation until further notice.

We will issue further clarification on unpaid rates later this year but I ask you, if you can pay your rates early, please do so and if you can afford to pay them as you would normally, please do so.

In fact I make that call to everyone on the island, to all businesses and their employees. To get through this crisis we must all play our part, act together and act responsibly.

If your business can still make its taxation and statutory payments then make them, if your business is in good health and does not need financial support, please allow room for those who do, if you don’t need to access the financial support packages please allow us to get to those who need it most.

I know that even with all that is in place, some of you are facing tremendous fear about your future job security and livelihoods that will be causing you anxiety and worry - but we must keep our nerve our focus and our wits about us. The Government is doing everything it reasonably can, but both corporate and personal self-discipline and self-responsibility is vital.

I have been heartened by the actions that have been taken across the private sector and the community to respond to this crisis.

Community support to those who need it is being delivered in a variety of ways either directly one to one or through groups coalescing through social media.

I know of a food business working flat out to get food parcels out to frontline workers and the over 70s,
a construction firm who offered its whole vehicle fleet for national service
a high net worth resident who despatched a helicopter to retrieve a vital piece of medical equipment from East Midlands Airport.
And the significant number of offers of support have been provided directly to Government

This morning some of our leading businesses and executives came together to launch the Manx Solidarity Fund to help people in need and assist businesses get back on their feet. I thank them for their initiative. The Public Sector is coming together, the private sector is coming together and the community is coming together.

But let me recap; this Island is now looking to suppress this virus to protect our health and save lives. The quicker this is done, the better and intrinsically linked to this is our economic health and our future job security. We are in a fight to save lives but we are also in a fight to protect our economy and save jobs. I am asking you to join that fight – please now focus on staying at home to suppress the virus, protect lives and protect the economy.

Treasury Minister provides update on measures being taken to protect Manx economy

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 15:02:02 GMT

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK today provided an update on the measures being taken to protect the Isle of Man economy and the support being provided to businesses and workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Minister Cannan was speaking a week after announcing a £100 million package of measures designed to provide economic resilience, and issued new information on deferring rates payments and mortgage holidays.

Minister Cannan said:

‘Since I spoke a week ago today, events have happened at a rapid speed and we have, to all intents and purposes, closed down large parts of our domestic economy.

‘By staying at home you will all play your role in suppressing the virus, and you are also helping to protect jobs and the economy.

‘The quicker we can suppress the virus, the quicker we can bring about a controlled return to work, and the quicker that we can get our economy functioning again.'

He added:

‘As we close down parts of the economy we must recognise that we need to take further action to support those who, through no fault of their own, are facing an abrupt cessation of their income.

‘There are now four clear layers of support that provide you and your companies with additional support: the Salary Support Scheme, the Business Interruption Grant, that can also be accessed by the self-employed, the Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance, for which anyone in any sector who finds themselves out of work can apply for and finally, if all else fails, you will be caught by the existing welfare system.’

In addition, the Treasury will be writing to all households from this week to outline how those facing genuine financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic will be able to defer payment of their rates.

The letter will contain advice for those unable to pay on contacting the rates collection team and discussing their options. For those who currently pay by direct debit, this will include either suspending payments or temporarily reducing payments to a nominal amount until their situation improves.

The local authorities are aware of the arrangement and are working alongside the Treasury and Department of Infrastructure to ensure funding is available to maintain vital community services.

Further support for residents will come from the seven Island banks that offer personal mortgages.

Isle of Man Bank, Santander International, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, Nedbank Private Wealth International and Cayman National Bank have all agreed to provide a Mortgage Repayment Holiday to existing customers who have fallen into financial difficulty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The support package will offer relief to homeowners who will be able to suspend repayments for up to three months on a residential mortgage.

Minister Cannan added:

‘This morning some of our leading businesses and executives came together to launch the Manx Solidarity Fund to help people in need and assist businesses get back on their feet. The public sector is coming together, the private sector is coming together and the community is coming together.

‘This Island is now looking to suppress this virus to protect our health and save lives. We are in a fight to save lives but we are also in a fight to protect our economy and save jobs. I am asking you to join that fight – please now focus on staying at home to suppress the virus, protect lives and protect the economy.’

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said:

‘I am delighted that the local banks have all stepped forward to provide a three month repayment holiday for personal residential mortgages.

‘Many families and individuals will have no doubt had a change in their personal circumstances as a result of the current crisis, and these positive actions shows the importance of the banks in supporting the local community and customers during this unprecedented period’.

To find out about the full package of measures in place to support businesses and individuals during the coronavirus pandemic, visit gov.im/covid19support

To find out more about the Mortgage Repayment Holiday, contact your mortgage lender directly to discuss.

Essential services offer their support during COVID-19 Pandemic

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 17:04:42 GMT

Further to the Treasury Minister’s statement on Monday 30 March the following businesses have stated their continued support to their customers and extra measures to relieve some of the financial pressures facing customers due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said:

‘In these unprecedented times I am proud to see our local businesses offering their support and stepping up to ease some of the financial pressures for the Island’s residents.

‘Businesses are going above and beyond to ensure each customer has someone to talk to about their accounts and their specific situations. If you find yourself struggling, please get in contact with your supplier and talk to them about how they can help.’

Philip King, CEO of Manx Utilities, has staff available at all times to ensure essential services are not cut off and emergency solutions are available.

He said:

‘Our team are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist customers in ensuring you receive your essential services at this time. We are making fault response and key meter customers our main priority.

‘If a customer should have any concerns at this difficult time we would please ask them to get in touch via our website contact form or call 687687 during office hours to speak to a member of our team. That same telephone number remains in place for emergencies outside of working hours.’

Ian Plenderlieth, Group Managing Director of Manx Gas, wants to reassure customers they will not be left without supply in the coming months.

He said:

‘We recognise the challenges people are currently facing and will look at any case sympathetically where someone has been affected. No one who has been materially impacted by the coronavirus crisis will be cut off during the next 3 months.’

Gary Lamb, CEO of Manx Telecom, assures customers that they are there to listen and help with a mutual, long term solution for due payments.

He said:

‘If you are suffering financial hardship due to coronavirus please contact us. We will work with you to try and relieve some of the worry. If you ring us and explain your situation we will make sure we keep your service working, agree a delay in your payments and even a repayment plan if necessary.

‘In addition, we are introducing a number of temporary measures to help reduce costs and to help ensure people can stay in touch.’

Mike Phillips, CEO of Sure Isle of Man, is encouraging customers to make contact and talk to staff to ensure no additional fees are added.

He said:

‘We are committed to supporting all islanders during this difficult time and if you are facing financial hardship we would encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can help - which may involve payment arrangements without fear of late payment charges and interest being applied to outstanding bills.’

Providers have been working together to make a range of phone numbers free during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The following phone numbers are now free for residents to call from mobiles and landlines.

111 – Emergency COVID-19 line – (already free)
686262 – Coronavirus Information Line (non-medical)
686455 - Coronavirus Business Support Line
685400 - Income Tax
685656 - Social Security

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, visit www.gov.im/coronavirus

Three new coronavirus cases confirmed

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 16:00:37 GMT

Since the last update (10am Monday 30 March) there have been three further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 49.

47 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and two are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 825 concluded tests, 236 tests are awaiting results and 182 people are awaiting tests.

Statement by the Chief Minister on COVID-19 – 30 March 2020

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:27:26 GMT

I often thank the journalists for joining us at this press briefing. But I would like today to thank you the public for tuning in. Friday’s briefing had almost thirty five thousand views across the various platforms. I know for some people this is becoming an important moment of the day.

Thank you for your feedback about the people we have brought in to talk to you alongside our ministers. You have welcomed the doctors and nurses we have had. And I know that Co-op’s Andy Corrie brought some welcome amusement to us all on Friday talking about the Island’s toilet needs. On a serious note, he did of course bring important reassurance about the supply to our Island of food and essential supplies.

We have heard your feedback and we will continue to bring members of our Island community in to talk to you about what they are doing.

I have just come back from visiting our new Community Support Line centre. I am really grateful to the team for the speed in which they set up such an important resource for the Island.

The centre is staffed by civil servants from across government who have volunteered to be redeployed to work shifts to help their community.

David covered this yesterday in his briefing – but it is worth repeating – that this is the number to call for all non-clinical questions relating to the current COVID-19 situation.

The number is 686-262.

For medical needs, please continue to call our COVID-111 line. But this new 686 262 line is for anything else and will help reduce waiting time on 111.

The new line can help you with information on:

Measures currently in place
Support available in our community
Support for businesses and workers
What to do if you are concerned about others breaching guidelines.

It is also there as a resource for anyone who might not have access to the internet and our website at gov.im/coronavirus. If you know anyone who might have concerns or questions, let them know about this number.

I wanted to pick up on a few of the hot topics that the team at the Community Support centre told me about.

People have asked about various types of exercise and recreation. 'Can I go roller blading because the rules only said walking or running?' or 'How long can I go out for?'

For things like this, I would call on everyone to use common sense. At the moment, we have not entered into the most precise detail because we want to be able to trust people to make the right decisions.

We all know what the measures are for. They are to prevent the spread of the virus from one household to another. It is about keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. It is about protecting the most vulnerable people on our Island.

It feels pretty clear to me. Please use common sense. Make the right decisions. If people abuse this flexibility, we will be forced to take additional measures.

There was also a worrying question about employers forcing their employees to come into work - and their workplace not practising social distancing measures. This is unacceptable. If people can work from home then employers should be enabling this. If they cannot, then social distancing in the workplace needs to be respected. If companies do not respect these rules then we will be forced to take action.

We have just made it through our first weekend. I would like to pass on my personal thanks to all those who followed our rules.

To those who had to work to keep essential services going, or those who were providing support for others across our community – thank you.

To everyone who was able to stay at home – thank you. To those of you who have reduced any trips to the absolute essential – thank you.

I know that our health & social care colleagues, and our emergency services colleagues will join me in thanking you. This is how you can play your part and help them.

I know that the current measures are tough for many. But we only need to look across to our friends in the United Kingdom to see the pressure they are under. It is clear that this is going to be a marathon not a sprint. The UK do not believe that they are at their peak yet. The tide is building there but the wave has not yet crashed. The worst is yet to come for them.

I want to finish with some positive points.

Firstly, I would like to thank our Island food retailers who have worked with government to put into place a system to identify support workers – whether government or from registered private providers – who are shopping for our most vulnerable. They may be shopping for multiple households. We – and our retail partners – wanted to avoid any confusion that they might over-shopping.

They will be wearing these hi-viz vests.

They will also be carrying documents to confirm who they are.

If you see these people, they are supporting our most vulnerable people. They deserve our respect and support.

Secondly, you may have heard about the establishment of the Manx Solidarity Fund. As the Treasury Minister mentioned this morning, this is a new initiative established by members of our community – and driven by some of our leading businesses - to assist our most needy individuals, businesses and organisations. I thank all those involved for their energy and community spirit.

Thirdly, I wanted to thank all those public servants who have shown flexibility and are being redeployed to support front line services.

As well as those I saw this morning manning the community support line, redeployed civil servants are:

Supporting the clinicians on the 111 line;
Supporting public health in their contact tracing;
And colleagues from Isle of Man Transport who are now stewarding cars at the mobile testing centre.

These are just a few examples of course. There are many others.

Departmental silos are breaking down as the whole public service has joined a concerted effort to support the Island.

Lastly, I know there are so many people out there who are going the extra mile for our Island. I would like to ensure that we recognise them in our briefings and social media. If you have seen someone who deserves a shout out then please let me know through our social media channels – using the hashtag 'Howard’s Heroes'.

So thank you for everything you have done so far for our Island.

Please keep it up. Keep yourself well. Keep your families well. Keep your Island well.

Five new coronavirus cases confirmed - 4pm 29 March 2020

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:17:28 GMT

Since the last update (10am Sunday 29 March) there have been five further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 42.

40 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and two are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 721 concluded tests and 232 tests awaiting results.

Five new coronavirus cases confirmed - 10am 29 March 2020

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:17:47 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Saturday 28 March) there have been five further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 37.

35 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and two are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.

There have been 701 concluded tests and 170 tests awaiting results.

Three new coronavirus cases confirmed - 10am 28 March 2020

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:16:08 GMT

Since the last update (4pm Friday 27 March) there have been three further confirmed positive tests for coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Isle of Man now stands at 32.

30 patients have been instructed to self-isolate and two are being treated at the hospital. The contact tracing process is already underway led by Public Health.