Isle of Man Government News

Financial Sanctions: Russia

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:00:40 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the addition of 22 entries to the Russian sanctions regime.

The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/855) were made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (the Sanctions Act) and provide for the freezing of funds and economic resources of certain persons, entities or bodies involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine, or obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia. The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 have effect in the Isle of Man by the Russia Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [S.D. 2020/0504].

On 30 November 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

22 entries have been added to the consolidated list and are now subject to an asset freeze. Further information can be found in the annex to this Notice.

What you must do

Financial institutions and other persons are required to check whether you maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds or economic resources for, or provide financial services to, designated individuals. If so, you must freeze such accounts or other funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, not deal with those funds or economic resources, make those funds or economic resources available to a designated person, or make those funds or economic resources available for the benefit of a designated person. You must also report your findings to the FIU.

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

Where a relevant institution has already reported details of accounts, other funds or economic resources held frozen for the designated person, you are not required to report these details again.

Further Information

Consequently the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the Consolidated List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Russia and links to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Manx Care responds to global drug shortage

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:05:03 GMT

Manx Care is currently experiencing a supply issue with two drugs that are used in the treatment of strokes and heart conditions.

This global supply issue (which could continue for the rest of 2022) is having an effect across all NHS trusts in the UK, and therefore impacts the Isle of Man’s supply of these drugs.

Manx Care has been advised to conserve supplies of some alteplase and tenecteplase injections. Manx Care absolutely has stock in hand and is doing everything possible to preserve that stock. This may include the use of alternative and equally effective drugs for certain conditions (such as acute myocardial infarction), given that one condition (acute ischaemic stroke) can only be treated with alteplase. These mitigations are in line with recommendations from the Department of Health and Social Care (UK) and the NHS.

Hospital pharmacies across the UK have been directed to order these drugs in line with their allocations rather than over-ordering, and Manx Care is acting in line with this.

Dr. Sreeman Andole, Executive Medical Director and Stroke Consultant, said:

“We don’t want to alarm any members of public – we are notifying you to ensure we are being open given the current global situation which may have an effect on the Island.

“We have looked at our use of these drugs – our current usage is low and we’re preserving stocks and using alternatives where it’s clinically safe to do so. This is in line with guidance provided by NHS and DHSC (UK).”

Technical note:

Both alteplase and tenecteplase are thrombolytic drugs that are solely manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, with alteplase licensed for treatment of acute ischaemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and acute massive pulmonary embolism with haemodynamic instability, while tenecteplase is licensed for the management of acute MI.

In a national patient safety alert issued on 03 August 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care (UK) and NHS England said that “manufacturing constraints” at Boehringer Ingelheim are affecting the global supply of alteplase (Actilyse) 10mg, 20mg and 50mg injections and tenecteplase (Metalyse) 10,000 unit injections.

As a result of the shortages, which the manufacturer said are expected to improve “in early 2023”, the alert asks trusts to conserve their stocks of alteplase for patients with acute ischaemic stroke, given the lack of an alternative, and the significant risk of harm without receipt of treatment.

Hospital pharmacies are also asked to order alteplase injections in line with their allocations, which amount to approximately half of normal demand for alteplase 20mg injections, and approximately two thirds of normal demand for alteplase 10mg injections.

The alert also assures that restrictions are put in place by Boehringer Ingelheim for tenecteplase to ensure stock is not depleted earlier than anticipated.

Whilst there are no other therapeutic options for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke other than alteplase, streptokinase and urokinase are listed as possible alternative treatments for MI and dissolution of thrombi and emboli.

We acknowledge that this is concerning, but it should be emphasised that the NHS and suppliers have robust policies in place to ensure that hospitals have sufficient drug supplies for patients who need thrombolysis treatment following a stroke.

The current supply issue is expected to last until early 2023 and should not affect any stroke patients from accessing acute treatments in hospital.

Medicinal Cannabis dispensing service launch

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:46:13 GMT

The Islands first medicinal cannabis dispensing service, through Karsons Pharmacy in Onchan, will open this week.

From 1 December patients with a private prescription for Cannabis Based Products for Medicinal use (CBPMs) will be able to have their prescription fulfilled on the Isle of Man.

CBPM prescriptions are not available on the NHS, but patients can use CQC registered private clinics with a medical practitioner on a specialist register which allows them to prescribe CBPMs.

Patients with prescriptions will be able to take them to Karsons from Thursday. While the service becomes established it may take around 7-10 working days from the date of the original prescription arriving at the Pharmacy, for medication to arrive on Island. It is hoped this will reduce in time.

Patients who wish to explore the option of medicinal cannabis will find more information about the service and how the dispensing will work on the CBPMs webpage. Patients are encouraged to contact Karsons Pharmacy if they have any further questions.

Guidance videos have also been created with Karsons Pharmacy to provide practical advice and considerations for patients. These will be available online alongside a set of Frequently Asked Questions.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Lawrie Hooper MHK, said:

‘I’m really pleased that we’re now in position to launch this important service. I’d like to thank the public for their patience while it has been set up, the Department and Karsons have been working hard to get everything in place and we’ve shared the frustration at delays which have now been resolved.’

He added:

‘We’d like to ask patients for their continued patience in the opening weeks of the service while the service embeds. I would encourage patients to read through our FAQs and familiarise themselves with the advice and guidance around the use of these products.’

The licence to provide this service has been awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care to Karsons Pharmacy, and will allow them to operate the service as a pilot for a minimum of 12 months to collect data that evidences need and demand to shape future service provision on the Island.

Fisherman fined for undersized catch

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:18:24 GMT

A fisherman from Lincoln has been fined £35,000 and his Isle of Man licence suspended for 12 months for possessing undersized Whelk in Manx Waters.

Fisheries Officers boarded the vessel, Julia Anne FD5, last Tuesday afternoon (22 November) near the Point of Ayre and discovered the vessel’s catch to be undersized. The vessel was escorted to Douglas where it was detained and a further inspection revealed that 19.5% of the catch of Whelk was below the legal minimum size of 75mm.

The master, Dinars Lugan from Lincoln, appeared before a special sitting of the Court in Douglas on Friday 25 November, where he received the £35,000 fine and £125 costs as well as the vessels’ gear confiscated and the value of the catch awarded to the Department.

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture commented:

‘The Department is committed to ensuring the conservation of fishing in the Isle of Man.

‘This detention and subsequent conviction gives a clear message to vessels operating within Manx Territorial Waters that they must all abide by the regulations, to maintain a fishery that will be viable and sustainable for all.'

Seven new vehicles will help the Fire & Rescue Service with difficult terrain

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 13:29:49 GMT

New off-road firefighting vehicles have arrived on Island, six equipped with standard firefighting equipment and one specialist rescue vehicle.

They will replace the current fleet of outdated off-road vehicles, some almost 29 years old, which are no longer manufactured making them difficult to maintain.

Each vehicle has designed to take into account the Island’s terrain and deliver a range of improvements over the vehicles they are replacing. A significant feature is an increase in water capacity which is now 800 litres compared to 200 litres on the previous off-road appliances.

The vehicles can accommodate a full firefighting crew of 5 personnel, have improved pumping options, more storage for firefighting equipment and are more environmentally friendly.

These improvements will allow the Fire & Rescue Service to respond to a wider range of incidents compared to the previous off-road vehicles. They will be able to respond to outdoor, rubbish, property and car fires, as well as flooding or inclement weather (including snowfall) incidents.

All seven of the vehicles are 4 x 4 off-road capable, allowing the service to respond to incidents in difficult, uneven, or boggy terrain. The rescue vehicle has been specifically designed for the line and water rescue teams, allowing for remote, cliff or water rescues.

The project has taken three years from design concept to completion, costing a total of £1.17m for the seven specifically designed vehicles.

The six standard appliances will be strategically located across five of the islands fire stations - Douglas, Laxey, Ramsey, Kirk Michael and Rushen, to provide the greatest coverage. The seventh bespoke rescue vehicle will be based at Douglas Fire Station.

Chief Fire Officer, Mark Christian, said:

‘I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their dedication and hard work. These new vehicles are a great example of partnership working between the Fire & Rescue Service and our supplier, Emergency One Group Ltd. The design and build has been specifically based around the operational needs of the Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service and makes this vehicle one of the most versatile within our fleet.'

He continued:

‘The Fire & Rescue Service has recently trained 70 drivers to operate these vehicles safely under blue light and off-road conditions, with over 1300 training hours being logged by staff during the project rollout. The vehicles will enhance our firefighting capability and help us to keep our Island safe.'

Member for the Department of Home Affairs, John Wannenburgh MHK, said:

‘It’s great to see these specialist vehicles joining our fleet. The advances in technology and improvements on the vehicles will greatly assist our Fire & Rescue service who often have to work in dangerous and difficult conditions. We hope that our commitment to safety and modernising our services will help achieve the Government vision of the safest and most secure small island community.’

Tax bill payments due on 6 January 2023

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:00:07 GMT

Payments of any outstanding amounts for 2021/22 personal tax assessments and 2022/23 payment on account notices are due on 6 January 2023.

There are several ways to pay tax bills, including an online service payment facility which allows people to avoid potentially large queues at the Income Tax Division office as the payment date approaches. For more information, please visit gov.im/incometax and select Payment Methods.

Assistance can also be provided in completing the process either in person at the Income Tax Division or by telephoning +44 1624 685400.

Teachers to receive pay rise of between 8% and 11.9% next month

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:49:36 GMT

Every teacher and lecturer in the Isle of Man will receive a pay rise next month of between 8% and 11.9% with the higher salaries coming into effect before Christmas.

It’s after four of the Island’s five recognised teaching and lecturing trade unions accepted the Government’s recent pay offer.

It means newly qualified teachers working in the Isle of Man will have a starting salary of £36,557. In England, outside of London, the starting salary for teachers is £28,000.

The new pay scales should act as a significant incentive, attracting teachers to the Island while helping to retain those already working here.

The increase in teachers’ salaries, which varies depending on pay band, will be backdated to 1 September 2022, with arrears being paid as a lump sum in February 2023.

Julie Edge MHK, Minster for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘This pay deal recognises and rewards our hardworking and dedicated teachers and lecturers. The pay award, which goes above and beyond the recommendations of England’s independent pay review body, will make Manx schools and UCM even more attractive to the teaching profession.

‘The pay award recognises the outstanding contribution teachers make to our society and provides a sustainable and affordable pay structure which best supports recruitment and retention. It will strengthen the Island’s offering to the profession, helping to attract the most talented candidates to teach our children and young people.’

The Minister added:

‘The Isle of Man Government has committed to and commenced a full funding review of education, with the outcome due early in 2023.

‘Over the last two years, the Department and unions have worked effectively to generate positive change on a number of areas and I look forward to continuing this positive relationship.’

This year’s pay award builds on last year’s settlement which, combined, sees teachers receive pay rises of between 10.3% and 18.7%.

The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) trade union has not accepted the pay offer, however its members will receive next month’s pay rise.

Earlier this month the NASUWT announced six days of teaching strikes by its members. This is an escalation of ongoing industrial action by the NASUWT which has seen its members withdraw their support for a number of activities including cover for school break times.

The first two days of strikes take place on Wednesday 30 November and Thursday 1 December. Headteachers have written to parents advising what impact the strikes will have on their child’s school and setting out what action parents need to take.

New Isle of Man Sport Members Appointed

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:21:50 GMT

Isle of Man Sport appointed three new members at their annual review meeting on 19 October 2022.

Following an application process, Nikki Arthur, Sarah Vorster and Lee Worsfold were appointed by the Isle of Man Sport selection panel, joining the returning member Stephen Cregeen who was also re-appointed for another four year term.

The body, which retires by rotation on a four year basis, is an independent forum for the promotion and development of sport and recreation, advising and assisting the Isle of Man Government to deliver its strategic objectives in relation to sport.

Minister for Department of Education, Sport and Culture, Julie Edge MHK, said:

‘I’m pleased to welcome Nikki, Sarah and Lee as the newest members of Isle of Man Sport committee. The new and returning members have a varied experience in different aspects of sport and will use their specific areas of expertise to ensure that Isle of Man Sport continues to challenge themselves and develop the ways they can assist and support the Island’s sporting community.

‘Isle of Man Sport continue to be a key part in the delivery of the Government’s key objectives, and helping the Island's athletes, coaches and volunteers in fulfilling and achieving their sporting ambitions.'

Nikki Arthur is a Level 1 England Boxing coach and the IOM boxing development coordinator.

She is also a Member of the IOM Commonwealth Games committee & was the Boxing Team manager at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Sarah Vorster has represented the Island at netball and has been part of the athletics management team for two island games, Sarah is a former Sports Masseur and Sports Therapist at professional rugby and football club’s in the UK.

Lee Worsfold is a Chartered Accountant, with experience in both the public and private sector. Lee is involved in distance running and is treasurer of a local athletics club.

Isle of Man Sport also thanked three of its outgoing members at the meeting, Karen Riordan, Andy Fox and Jon Whiting. Karen has been part of IOM Sport for eight years and has overseen the review and development of the Sports Liaison Committee's governance processes. Andy and Jon both joined in 2018; Andy sat on the Sport Aid Committee during his time with IOM Sport, whilst Jon served as part of the Sports Liaison Committee for two years, before transferring his expertise to serve on the IOM Sport Aid committee for the following two years.

The eight Isle of Man Sport body representatives are Sarah Corlett, Nikki Arthur, Stephen Cregeen, Tim Leeming, David Morgan, Andy Varnom, Sarah Vorster and Lee Worsfold.

Picture of the new members (L-R) Nikki Arthur, Lee Worsfold & Sarah Vorster.

COVID-19 Autumn booster vaccine advised for pregnant women

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 15:58:40 GMT

Manx Care is reminding members of the public that the COVID-19 Autumn booster vaccination is available to pregnant women.

Manx Care is inviting pregnant women to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their GP or Midwife, and is encouraging those at an increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 to accept a vaccine booster when offered. Vaccine boosters (or primary and secondary doses if you have not yet received these) can be booked by calling 111. This is in line with advice from the UK Government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Extensive real-world data has shown that vaccines are safe and highly effective for pregnant women. Vaccines represent the best way to help protect against severe COVID-19 infection in pregnancy for both women and babies, including admissions of women to intensive care, and cases of premature birth. Some women who are pregnant may be considered to be at greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 infection, and most pregnant women admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. This is why pregnancy was recognised in December 2021 as a COVID-19 vaccine clinical risk category.

There is also no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility in males or in females. There is some helpful information on the website of the British Fertility Society.

We do encourage unvaccinated women who become pregnant to come forward for COVID-19 vaccination, and women who are pregnant and have previously been vaccinated to come forward for an Autumn booster dose.

It should be noted that breastfeeding women are only eligible for the Autumn booster at this time if they fall into another of the clinical risk categories.

Pregnant women who decide to have a vaccination are asked to phone 111 to book, and advise the team during the call that they are pregnant so that appropriate bookings can be made.

Please contact the Maternity Unit on +44 1624 650030 if you have any questions about the vaccine.

Prestigious Queen’s Nurse Award for Manx Care colleagues

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:56:39 GMT

Manx Care’s Head of Safeguarding for Children and Adults has won a prestigious Queen’s Nurse Award, and will collect her accolade at a ceremony in London on Monday (28 November 2022).

Awarded by The Queen’s Nursing Institute, Queen’s Nurse accolades are given to nursing colleagues who promote the highest standards of patient care in the community.

Since joining Manx Care in her important and newly created role in 2021, Terri Banks has invested a significant amount of time educating and developing her small safeguarding team so that they can provide support to individuals who are at risk, educating the broader health and social care workforce across the Island, and working to develop integrated safeguarding practices across multiple agencies including Isle of Man Constabulary and Government departments.

Terri’s significant contributions have facilitated changes and brought about new approaches to understanding risks and vulnerabilities for children and adults living on the Island. She consistently advocates for children and vulnerable adults in need of protection, and is a valued member of the Isle of Man Safeguarding Board. She has received exemplary feedback for her work to date.

A registered Nurse, then a Midwife, Terri brings a wealth of experience to the Isle of Man in the field of safeguarding, having worked as a Nurse in a safeguarding role since 2007 in the UK NHS, both in the community and in the acute (hospital) setting.

Manx Care is delighted that Terri’s resilience, along with her ability to skilfully challenge professional practice and policy at all levels across the Island’s multi-agency system, has been recognised.

Terri Banks commented:

'I’m really shocked but incredibly proud to have been honoured with a Queen’s Nurse Award. I truly feel like I’m ‘just doing my job’ but it’s really pleasing that the work I’m undertaking on the Island is having an impact across multiple agencies, and most importantly for the children and adults who require safeguarding support. This is the first time a face to face ceremony has taken place since before the COVID-19 pandemic began, and I’m honoured to be representing Manx Care at the event.'

Three further Manx Care Nurses – Anna Quirk and Bree Tomlinson (joint Leads of the District Nursing Team), and Lynn Hampton (School Health Advisor) – were honoured with Queen’s Nurse Awards in 2021.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bree and Anna led by example, assisting with community swabbing at weekends and on days off until a team had been established. When the 111 Call Centre was developed, they helped as clinicians, providing advice and support, and referring patients for testing. This was outside of their normal scope of practice but they embraced the challenge and supported others to do the same.

Together Bree and Anna co-ordinated the District Nursing Service response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a very challenging time requiring quick decision making and flexibility. They created and implemented a safe screening tool for staff and patients. This allowed the service to continue to function and deliver care to some of the most vulnerable in the community with the support of their committed team.

Part of their role also involved the planning and initial implementation of the housebound vaccination programme. They worked together with a small team of colleagues to adapt the process of vaccinating in a hub to vaccinating in a community setting to ensure safe delivery. Both were honoured to deliver some of the first COVID-19 vaccines to housebound patients on the Island.

Together, they also pioneered out-of-hours intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment for a patient so they could leave the UK hospital they were being treated at, come back to the Island and stay at home for their care. This required high levels of commitment, coordination, organisation and planning to ensure that the care delivered was safe and effective. A regime of this complexity had not been undertaken in community before, and was an example of exceptional team work.

Anna and Bree are passionate about developing the District Nursing Service and have shown great support for the Island’s Specialist Practice students, developing Nurses to become qualified District Nurses and future leaders within the service.

Lynn Hampton was recognised for the role she played training and supporting School Nurses to enhance their skills, and in driving policy change to support the future development of the School Nursing service. Lynn is responsible for working with multiple agencies including Social Care, Education, other health-related services and voluntary organisations, which were particularly impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need to deliver Public Health initiatives and provide physical and emotional health and wellbeing support were tough challenges, particularly during three lockdowns. She was also responsible for the safeguarding of children and young adults, and setting up the Strengthening Families hub. She is a registered Health Visitor working as a School Health Advisor.

Manx Care’s Chief Executive, Teresa Cope, added:

'On behalf of the entire organisation, I’d like to offer my personal congratulations to Terri, Anna, Bree and Lynn. We are delighted that they have received the prestigious Queen’s Nurse Award in recognition of their incredible dedication to their service users and patients, and the work they do to achieve the highest standards of patient care. We are very proud of their achievements.'

Prior to the establishment of Manx Care, Queen’s Nurse awards have previously been given to Long Term Care Co-ordinators, Sue Wilson and Ann Corkill, District Nurses, Deborah Cheadle and Margaret Swindlehurst, retired Nurse, June Kelly, Community Nursing Patient Safety and Governance Co-ordinator, Amanda Sumner (nee Phillips), Safeguarding Children’s Nurse, Cheryl Dodd, and Adult Safeguarding Practitioner, Jane McIlraith.

GP Practices to be closed on Thursday 08 December 2022 as GPs and their staff attend essential training sessions

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 14:48:43 GMT

GP Practices will be fully closed from 1pm – 6pm on the afternoon of Thursday 8 December 2022 to allow for the Practice teams (all clinical and administrative staff) to receive the essential training and development they need to deliver the best possible service and to remain fully trained and up to date with skills.

This means there will be no routine appointments or access for patients to their GP practice during this time.

Members of the public are being encouraged to choose well, and attend the health and care setting that is appropriate for their condition. For example, the Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit in Ramsey can treat a broad range of conditions, Community Pharmacies operate the Minor Ailments Scheme, and some eye conditions can be treated under the Minor Eye Conditions Scheme (MECS) which is currently provided by Specsavers. For dental emergencies, patients can access their own dentist or, if you do not have a dentist currently, you can contact the Community Dental Service. There are also a number of options for mental health support. You can find out more about all of these options on our signposting webpages.

MEDS (Manx Emergency Doctor Service) will be open and operating from 1pm on 8 December to provide urgent care. Patients are reminded that MEDS is not a drop-in service and if they need to speak to a doctor about any urgent issues that cannot wait until their GP practice is open again, they should phone MEDS on +44 1624 650355. Please note that MEDS will not be able to make any routine appointments, request test results or order repeat prescriptions; such requests will need to wait until your GP Practice is open again on Friday 9 December. Anyone who thinks they have a life- threatening emergency should phone 999 and ask for the Ambulance Service.

Sanctions General Licence

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 15:33:57 GMT

General licence - IOM/2022/SAN002

The Treasury has the power to issue General Licences for country sanctions regimes under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (“the Sanctions Act”), as those Regulations have effect in the Isle of Man.

On 23 November 2022, the Treasury issued General licence - IOM/2022/SAN002 under all Autonomous Sanctions Regulations listed in Annex I of this notice. This allows for payment to utility companies for gas and electricity by designated persons who own or rent properties in the Isle of Man or UK.

Any persons intending to use General Licence IOM/2022/SAN002 should consult the copy of the Licence for full details of the permissions and usage requirements which can be found attached to this release.

For the purposes of General Licence IOM/2022/SAN002:

Energy Companies mean OFGEM registered firms with permission to provide gas and/or electricity to properties in the UK, Isle of Man Energy and Manx Utilities.

DPs mean those individuals or entities designated under the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations only, but not those sanctioned by the United Nations.

Return Payments means payments due as a result of over-payments made pursuant to this licence or in relation to the UK Government energy subsidy payments under the Energy Bills Support Scheme over winter 2022 to 2023.

Permitted Payments means utility payments for gas and electricity supplies to Isle of Man or UK properties owned or rented by DPs.

A Relevant Institution means:

a person who is licensed under the Financial Services Act 2008 (of Tynwald) to carry on a regulated activity within the meaning of section 3 of that Act;
a person who is authorised or registered under the Insurance Act 2008 (of Tynwald) or holds a permit under that Act;
a person who is registered under the Moneylenders Act 1991 (of Tynwald) to carry on the business of lending money;
a person who is acting as a trustee or an administrator of a retirement benefits scheme within the meaning of the Retirement Benefits Schemes Act 2008 (of Tynwald)

Under General Licence IOM/2022/SAN002 DPs may make Permitted Payments to Energy Companies from a frozen Isle of Man or UK bank account by bank transfer or by direct debit; Energy Companies may receive the Permitted Payments; Energy Companies may make Return Payments to frozen Isle of Man or UK bank accounts and DPs may receive Return Payments from Energy Companies into a frozen Isle of Man or UK bank account.

The reporting and record-keeping requirements for DPs and Energy Companies are set out in the General Licence.

General

The permissions in General Licence IOM/2022/SAN002 do not authorise any act which the person carrying out the act knows, or has reasonable grounds for suspecting, will result in funds or economic resources being made available in breach of the relevant autonomous sanctions Regulations, save as permitted under a licence granted under those Regulations.

The General Licence takes effect from the date of issue and will expire at 23:59 on 16 April 2023.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Russia may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Annex I – Autonomous Sanctions Regulations Schedules

UK Regime	Has effect in the Isle of Man by…	Relevant Regulations
The Burundi (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Burundi Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0455]	Regulations 11 to 15
Counter-Terrorism (International Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Counter-Terrorism (International) Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0501]	Regulations 11 to 15
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Democratic People's Republic of Korea Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0502]	Regulations 13 to 17
Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021	Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions (Isle of Man) Order 2021 [SI 2021/526]	Regulations 11 to 15
Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020	The Global Human Rights Sanctions (Isle of Man) Order 2020 [SI 2020/774]	Regulations 11 to 15
Guinea (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Guinea Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0448]	Regulations 11 to 15
Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Iran Sanctions (Nuclear) (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0477]	Regulation 12 to 17
Iran Human Rights (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Iran Sanctions (Human Rights) (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0472]	Regulations 11 to 15
Libya (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020	Libya Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0584]	Regulations 12 to 16
Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021	The Myanmar (Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 2021 [SI 2021/529]	Regulations 11 to 15
Nicaragua (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020	Nicaragua Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0449]	Regulations 11 to 15
Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Isle of Man) Order 2021 [SI 2021/1257]	Regulations 11 to 15
Republic of Guinea-Bissau (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Republic of Guinea-Bissau Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0447]	Regulations 11 to 15
Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Russia Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0504]	Regulations 11 to 15
South Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	South Sudan Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0476]	Regulations 12 to 16
Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020	Sudan Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0483]	Regulations 12 to 16
Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Syria Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0503]	Regulations 11 to 15
Venezuela (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Venezuela Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0473]	Regulations 11 to 15
The Zimbabwe (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019	Zimbabwe Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0480]	Regulations 11 to 15

Biosphere youth representatives start work

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 10:08:06 GMT

Two volunteer youth representatives have joined the body that steers UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man.

Georgia Untisz and Ciara Sowerby successfully applied to join the Stakeholder Partnership Group, which has membership from the public, private and third sectors.

They will develop ways of engaging with young people, seeking their positive ideas. Depending on the ideas they come up with, they will also help put them in to action.

There may be the opportunity to represent UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man at international level.

Clare Barber MHK, Vice-Chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

‘Involving young people is important to the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) and we have had representation at the two global MAB Youth Conferences held to date.

‘The importance of the youth voice was reiterated recently at the EuroMAB conference, where Biospheres pledged to involve young people in their committees, activities and decision-making.

‘Georgia and Ciara are both passionate about the Isle of Man and will be welcome additions to our Stakeholder Partnership Group, bringing fresh ideas, relevant to the younger age group. I thank them for volunteering.’

Georgia, 21, a graduate in business from University College Isle of Man, said:

‘I am thrilled to be a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Stakeholder Partnership Group and to be appointed as a youth representative. I am looking forward to representing the views of the younger members of our Island community and playing a role in driving positive change towards conserving the beauty of our Island for future generations. I hope that all younger members of our Island community feel welcome to share their thoughts about sustainability and the Biosphere with me.’

Ciara, 22, a trainee actuary, said:

‘It is a privilege to be appointed to the Stakeholder Partnership Group. The Isle of Man holds such a special place in my heart, I want to make sure that my generation has a voice in the conversation about how best we preserve it for decades to come. The Biosphere’s key functions of conservation, sustainable development and learning are all going to be so important in the future, and I look forward to collecting the views of my peers on these topics to share with the rest of the Stakeholder Partnership Group.’

Proposed Island Infrastructure Scheme aims to stimulate private brownfield development

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:12:51 GMT

A new multi-million pound Island Infrastructure Scheme is being proposed to Tynwald at the December sitting, designed to stimulate and accelerate the development of privately owned and unoccupied brownfield sites.

Members will be asked to approve the Scheme, which will be administered by the Department for Enterprise, to encourage the development of brownfield sites which are included on the Unoccupied Urban Sites Register.

The overarching aim of the Island Infrastructure Scheme is to deliver national economic and social value to unoccupied urban sites, by providing financial support to developers to offset the additional costs faced when redeveloping sites of this nature.

The Island Infrastructure Scheme was initially proposed in line with the Built Environment Reform Programme, which made a commitment for the Department for Enterprise to prepare further grant support for Unoccupied Urban Sites to be redeveloped for residential, retail, leisure, commercial or mixed-use purposes.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘Dialogue with developers indicates that there are a number of barriers to brownfield site development, particularly regarding increased costs associated with issues such as contaminated land, previously developed buildings and broader site preparation.

‘The historic lack of activity on many of these sites is clearly influenced by the simple fact that the commercial viability simply isn’t there without some additional assistance. By providing a level of assistance to help make the proposals viable, the Department aims to secure substantial private sector investment and regeneration, with an overall value to the economy significantly in excess of any grants offered, and importantly to do so in a timely manner for the benefit of the whole community.’

‘In the current climate, and with bold ambitions outlined in the Economic Strategy, incentivising developers through the Island Infrastructure Scheme will help to transform existing fallow sites into buildings which contribute to the economic growth, prosperity, vibrancy and sustainability of the Island.’

If approved, the Island Infrastructure Scheme may provide financial assistance of up to 25% of eligible expenditure to developers, by way of a grant and/or loan towards development projects.

The Scheme, if approved, would include £10m of initial funding from the Economic Strategy Fund, with the first round of applications, proposed to run from 3 January to 1 April 2023 prioritised and awarded on an assessment criteria to maximise economic outcomes and positive and accelerated regeneration. It will also be assessed based on the level of private sector leverage proposed, in line with the Economic Strategy’s specific objective to leverage private sector skills and investment.

Christmas Coffee Morning at Cummal Mooar

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:22:33 GMT

Manx Care’s Cummal Mooar residential care home in Ramsey has organised a Christmas coffee morning this Saturday (26 November 2022) between 10am and 2pm. There will be a cake stall, raffle, a children’s colouring competition and refreshments will also be available.

Entrance for adults is £2 each which includes a mince pie and a hot drink. Entrance for children is 50p per child and they will be offered a drink of juice and a biscuit. All proceeds from this event going to the Cummal Mooar Comfort Fund, which is used to provide additional treats for residents such as days out, parties, Christmas presents and fun entertainment.

Cummal Mooar is one of several residential homes on the Island. The service provides 24 hour, long term care for vulnerable, elderly adults. The residential care home has 46 rooms for residents and provides them with a variety of activities that promote their health and wellbeing.

Cummal Mooar is on Queens Promenade in Ramsey. Please show your support this weekend.

Targeted Initiatives Launched to Support the Local Economy this Winter

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 13:26:01 GMT

In response to feedback presented by customer facing businesses on current cost of living pressures, the Department for Enterprise, supported by the Economic Strategy Board and Treasury, has announced two targeted initiatives to support local businesses, charities, local authorities and event organisers. These initiatives will help stimulate economic activity, generate footfall and bring our communities together across the Island’s towns and villages this winter.

The initiatives, delivered by Business Isle of Man, an Executive Agency of the Department for Enterprise, include:

The relaunch of the Domestic Event fund, that provides event organisers, charities, local authorities and hospitality businesses, with financial assistance of up to 80% of the total costs associated with the development of domestic focussed events. The Domestic Event Fund was first introduced in 2021 and generated footfall of more than 239,000. More information.
The re-introduction of two LoveIOM Gift Card incentives that can be redeemed at more than 55 hospitality businesses across the Island.

Top-up Incentives

A bonus credit of 25% to a maximum of £10 will be automatically added to cards purchased from 22 November to 24 December 2022.

Why not Weekdays-Credit back Incentives

From 23 January to 31 March 2023 any spend on the LoveIOM Gift cards during weekdays (Monday-Thursday) will earn a 25% credit back (up to £50 on a spend of £200) the next day.

More information.

The above initiatives will be complemented by a ‘Love Manx Christmas List’ informational message to make residents aware of the many retail gifting options available in the Isle of Man. A dedicated page has been set-up which features local businesses, Christmas markets and gifting ideas.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented

‘We recognise that our customer facing businesses play a major role in generating employment and creating vibrant communities. Feedback received from the industry with regards to energy, staffing and input costs, has indicated that this winter will be another challenging time for our residents and businesses alike. We want to create initiatives that will have a far reaching effect on supporting and incentivising local spending.

‘The Domestic Event Fund aims to stimulate local spending by driving footfall into the Island’s towns and villages by providing financial support and underwriting to reduce the risk associated with running these types of events, in the current climate, for event organisers. Event organisers planning new or existing events with new elements, before or after Christmas are encouraged to apply for support through the Domestic Event Fund.

‘The LoveIOM gift card plays an essential role in keeping gifting spend within our economy versus being re-directed off-Island in the form of online market place vouchers. Following the success of the previous LoveIOM Top-up Incentive Campaign which generated over £40,000 of funds last Christmas, the card is seen as a win-win for both residents and businesses with the latter benefiting from a boost in patron numbers in slower trading months post-Christmas period.’

Domestic Event Fund

Since the Domestic Event Fund was first introduced in 2020, it has supported a diverse range of events across all corners of the Island, providing over £390,000 of funding to local businesses and authorities and stimulating a total recorded footfall of over 239,000 across 130 events.

Mike Wade, Co-owner of The Black Dog Pizza Oven whom organised recent events including The Dog's Nollick #2 and The Moddey ‘Do’, commented:

‘We're extremely thankful for the support of the Domestic Event Fund in helping us to host a successful series of Christmas and Halloween pop-up events last year. Feedback received from local businesses within the area was also positive as some witnessed a noticeable increase in trade as a result of these events’.

LoveIOM Gift Card

The LoveIOM gift card was launched last year to give Island residents and corporate businesses an option to purchase a gift card that would benefit local hospitality businesses, helping to circulate gifting spend through the festive period and support hospitality businesses through the quieter trading periods after Christmas. Jamie Lewis, owner of Kiki Lounge, who has been signed up to the LoveIOM Gift Card Scheme since the beginning, commented:

‘We’ve been accepting LoveIOM gift cards since the beginning of the scheme. It’s great to be a part of a community focussed initiative that helps keep the corporate Christmas spend in the local pocket, rather than that money going off Island to big businesses such as Amazon.’

Hospitality and Accommodation businesses not yet part of the scheme can sign-up online, in a few simple steps.

Public warned to be aware of rogue traders

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:20:00 GMT

Householders are being urged not to employ traders who call at their property to tout for work without an appointment, which is illegal in the Isle of Man.

The advice, issued by the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and the Isle of Man Constabulary, follows recent instances of traders cold calling at properties offering to carry out home improvement work.

The public are asked to remain vigilant and look out for vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours who could fall foul of rogue traders cold calling.

Rogue traders can be very persuasive, persistent and occasionally aggressive, using underhand scare tactics to secure jobs where the work is not actually needed. They can sound appealing by offering to start work there and then and by offering cheap unrealistic quotes and worthless verbal guarantees. However, this is often achieved using poor quality materials and leads to sub-standard work which is not guaranteed.

John Wannenburgh, Chair of the OFT, said:

“Cold calling on vulnerable householders and taking cash off them for little or no work is a particularly despicable crime. Householders should simply ask cold callers to leave.

“If the cold caller is persistent then householders should contact Trading Standards or the police. These should always be the first port of call rather than social media. Social media can spread the message quickly that cold callers are in the area, which is great, but Trading Standards and the police need to know about them first.

“It can be frustrating when work can’t be started straightaway, but it is worth waiting for an approved or trusted contractor to carry it out.”

The OFT offers the following tips:

Do not deal with traders who call at your house without an appointment
Do not be pressurised into having unnecessary work done
Do not fall for patter such as “We’ve got some tiles left over from a big job”
Do not part with a significant amount of cash up front
If a trader is pestering you for work, call Trading Standards on 686500, or the police.

In addition, the OFT can supply householders with a notice free of charge to place on their front doors to deter cold callers. If you would like a notice, contact the OFT by emailing iomfairtrading@gov.im or calling +44 1624 686500.

Volunteers sought to act as ‘Appropriate Adults’

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 11:34:52 GMT

The Appropriate Adults scheme hopes to recruit up to 15 volunteers to support vulnerable children and adults through the police and court process.

The scheme was created to support young people, aged between 10 and 17 years, and vulnerable adults including those with mental health issues and learning difficulties.

Volunteers assist those who have been arrested and do not have a parent, guardian or support worker to safeguard the person and their rights.

The role of an Appropriate Adult is to accompany a vulnerable person during police interviews, identification processes or court hearings. This includes ensuring the person understands what is happening and why, that the correct procedures are followed and to assist when dealing with police officers and advocates.

Volunteers need to be available at different times including during normal working hours, evenings and weekends.

The Appropriate Adult scheme is a partnership involving the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department of Home Affairs, Manx Care and the Isle of Man Constabulary.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Lawrie Hooper MHK, said:

‘Unfortunately there are young people and vulnerable adults in our community who do not have a parent or guardian they can call on if they are arrested. We have a responsibility to ensure that those people have access to an equal level of support, that someone has their best interests in mind when guiding them through the custodial process.

The support provided by the trained volunteers is extremely beneficial both to the vulnerable person and to the police and courts. We would encourage anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch and find out how they can help.’

Appropriate Adults must be over 18, have access to a mobile phone and understand the importance of confidentiality. Full training will be provided.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the Department with an informal email or covering letter explaining why they wish to become an Appropriate Adult to dhsc@gov.im. Alternatively, enquiries can be posted to Scott Wilson, Department of Health and Social Care, First Floor, Belgravia House, Circular Road, Douglas IM1 1AE.

For more information about the voluntary position please call the Department on +44 1624 685816, or visit the appropriate adult scheme webpage.

Business Isle of Man Announces New Non-Executive Board

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:07:07 GMT

Business Isle of Man, an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise, welcomed the formation of a new Non-Executive Board after the completion of its expressions of interest process in October.

New members joining the Board are:

Alex Fray (CEO, GrowLab Organics) sector lead for Biomed and Medicinal Cannabis
Findlay Macleod (Managing Director, Isle of Man Creamery) sector lead for Food Production & Export
Ieda Gomes Yell (Non-Executive Director, Energy and Infrastructure) sector lead for Cleantech
Ollie Neale (Managing Director, Okell & Son Ltd & Heron & Brearley Wholesale) sector lead for Drink Production & Export

Continuing as Board members for a second term are:

Carol Glover, (Founder of Carol Glover Coaching and Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Board Member) sector lead for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Dave Hester (Managing Director, Swagelok Ltd.) sector lead for Engineering
Janna Horsthuis (Managing Director, Robinsons) sector lead for the Local Economy
Stephen Smyth (General Manager, Island Aggregates Ltd and Board Member, Construction Isle of Man) sector lead for Construction

The Non-Executive Board is chaired by Steve Pickett who was appointed in August this year, accompanied by Tim Johnston MHK (Political Member for Business Isle of Man), and Tim Cowsill (Head of Business Isle of Man).

Steve Pickett, Chair of Business Isle of Man, commented

‘We were delighted with the level of interest we received during the recruitment process and I would like to thank everyone who applied for the board positions.

‘When forming the new Business Isle of Man Board we sought to combine the fresh insights that come from new members with the continuity and experience provided by returning members. I have no doubt that by bringing together some of the Island’s most influential voices we will be in a position to prioritise the sectors and initiatives where we can make a difference and develop industry-led solutions to the challenges faced by the sectors we represent.

‘Following our first board meeting the wheels are now set in motion for a new strategy for the Agency focused on what we can do to help existing business scale and access new markets.’

Tim Johnston MHK, Political Member for Business Isle of Man, commented

‘It is an exciting time for our members to be part of the Business Isle of Man Board. The Business Agency has played a key role in supporting the local economy in the last few years, first through the challenges brought by Covid and now the current cost of living crisis. The next iteration for the Agency will be to focus on the immense potential of our export-based sectors: Engineering & Manufacturing and Food & Drink Production, in line with the objectives of the Economic Strategy. I also hope to see plans to exploit the potential offered by emerging sectors like Medicinal Cannabis and Cleantech.

‘The Economic Strategy also makes a clear commitment to adapting and modernising those sectors that enable Island life to function, such as retail, infrastructure and energy, and the Business Agency will be instrumental in driving forward activity across these sectors as we work towards building a more secure, vibrant and sustainable economy.’

Consultation launched into Public Sector Payments Bill

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 11:40:52 GMT

Improving legislation around payments made to people serving the community across a range of public sector roles is the focus of a consultation which is launched today by the Isle of Man Government (Monday 21 November 2022).

The intention is to bring forward a Bill to replace the Payment of Members’ Expenses Act 1989. This would better reflect how payments – such as annual sums and allowances – are being made, or should be made, in the 21st century.

The consultation builds on work undertaken during the last administration under the Programme for Government. This included an internal consultation in 2017 that highlighted a number of practical issues which, in some instances, were reported to limit the availability of suitably-qualified and experienced people to sit on Government bodies and tribunals

The Treasury is now seeking views from interested parties on the key policy proposals that will underpin new payments legislation. The consultation covers a total of 10 different policy proposal areas.

The consultation document is available to view and download from the Isle of Man Government consultation hub at consult.gov.im

Alternatively, written comments can be emailed to treasuryconsultations@gov.im or by post to Policy & Legislation Office, The Treasury, 1st Floor, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PU. To request a printed copy of the consultation, call +44 1624 685605.

The process will conclude at 5pm on Friday 6 January 2023.