Isle of Man Government News

School pupils receive free access to Microsoft apps

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:12:23 GMT

School pupils and educators on the Isle of Man have been given free access to a range of computer applications and learning tools under a scheme run by the Education Service.

The Microsoft Office 365 package includes industry-standard programmes such as Word, PowerPoint and Teams that can be used to support learning and communication.

Students and teachers can simply log in using their school username to download the apps to a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

The software has been made available, at no extra cost, as part of the general Microsoft licence agreement paid for by Isle of Man Government, and the full package will remain available for as long as students remain in full-time education.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘The way we use technology is now an intrinsic part of learning and a good understanding of these programmes is a requirement in many walks of life.

‘This arrangement allows pupils to access world leading apps on any device in just a few clicks – and opens a world of possibilities at no cost to themselves or their families.

‘As we’ve experienced over the past year, young people require the tools to pursue their learning both at school and remotely and this scheme can play an important part.’

The scheme was originally launched in 2018 and pupils and school staff are now being reminded of the benefits following the recent disruption to schools and a review of the provision of remote learning.

Safety measures increased for King Scallop season

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:16:12 GMT

Safety and security measures are to be stepped up at harbours ahead of the King Scallop season which gets under way on 1 November.

Around 80 crews from the Isle of Man, Scotland and Northern Ireland are licensed to fish in Manx waters during the seven month season - but not all are expected to do so.

Fishermen are attracted by a catch rate that is considerably higher than neighbouring fisheries making the Island’s waters a popular choice.

However, with many travelling from areas where COVID-19 restrictions are in place and the Island’s ongoing border restrictions, the way harbours are managed will change.

To keep local and visiting crews from mixing they will be asked to use separate and secure designated areas when berthing in Douglas or Peel – with a one in, one out, system for landing catch. Visiting crews will only be allowed to use these two harbours.

Local seafood processors will work with skippers to coordinate collections and only locally based crews will be allowed to use Ramsey and Port St Mary harbours this season.

The scallop season is important to local processors who rely on additional landings from UK vessels.

Visiting fishermen will be allowed to tie up their boat but must not disembark for any other reason. Isle of Man crews already follow this procedure when using UK ports.

Security services will monitor Peel and Douglas harbours around the clock and anyone breaking the rules could face a £10,000 fine or up to three months in prison.

The added security means Peel breakwater will be closed to the public until 31 May. Fencing will go up beyond the kiosk at 8am on Friday to create a secure area, but this will not affect the town’s firework display.

All licensed crews have been informed of the changes that follow consultation with the industry and public health.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, said:

‘The Isle of Man is currently COVID free with no active cases in the community. These measures are being introduced to allow all crews and processors to use harbour areas in a safe way.’

The seafood industry is worth £20m a year to the Manx economy and directly employs around 300 people in full-time or seasonal roles on the Island.

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

‘We are well aware of the pressure the industry is under this year and these measures are designed to help fishermen and processors to do their job safely. We hope it will help to avoid the potential for significant disruption at ports due to added enforcement and logistical issues caused by the ongoing pandemic.’

A Total Allowable Catch of 2049 tonnes of king scallops has been set for the season, which runs from 1 November 2020 to 31 May 2021, with a daily catch limit per vessel set at 700kg. This will be monitored and reviewed regularly following the latest market conditions.

The Barrule Patrol vessel has been cleared to board local and visiting vessels with strict cleaning procedures in place between inspections.

Personal income tax return deadline just a week away

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:00:20 GMT

There is now just over a week to go until the November 6 deadline for the submission of personal income tax returns.

Submitting online is expected to be the preferred method for the majority of Isle of Man residents this year.

The process is easy to navigate.

Visit services.gov.im to find out how to get registered for online tax services and the wide range of benefits it can bring. These include:

Submitting and viewing a tax return online
Receiving instant confirmation of a tax return submission
Reviewing assessments and balance details easily and securely
Making secure online payments
Having income tax refunds paid directly into a bank account

Once a person is registered, online tax returns are already populated with salary and state benefit details, removing the need to look up and provide the information manually.

Gerard Higgins, Business Solutions Group Manager with the Treasury’s Income Tax Division, said:

‘Staff are available to support anyone who wishes to submit their return online, either for the first time or perhaps if you’re encountering problems along the way. Call 685400 during normal office hours or email incometax@gov.im and we’ll do our very best to help.’

Paper returns can be put through the letterboxes located at the front entrance to, or on the 2nd floor inside, Government Office. If anyone requires a duplicate return, they should contact the Division immediately so that it can be issued and returned before the deadline.

If the Income Tax Division has not received personal tax returns for the year ended 5 April 2020 by Friday 6 November, taxpayers will be charged a £100 penalty. If the return has still not been received by the Division by 6 April 2021, a further £200 penalty will be charged.

Even if the penalties are paid, the return must still be submitted and people may be prosecuted for failing to do so.

Jobseekers – have you confirmed your ongoing entitlement?

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:20:06 GMT

People receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance and those who are registered for National Insurance Credits on account of unemployment are reminded to respond to a recent letter sent to them.

Letters were issued earlier this month and a further reminder will be sent this week to those who have not yet responded.

Recipients should complete the questions on the back of the letter to confirm they remain entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance and/or National Insurance credits and whether or not they have had any changes that may affect their claim.

Where no response to this letter has been received within seven days of the reminder, The Treasury will have no option but to suspend claims and payments until contact is made to confirm entitlement.

Any jobseekers who have not received a letter should contact the Jobseekers Allowance team on +44 1624 685126 or by email JSA@gov.im

One new case of COVID-19 detected

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:18:58 GMT

One new case of COVID-19 has been detected in the Isle of Man.

The individual was identified via the key worker pathway and is self-isolating for 14 days following their journey to the Island from the UK.

Contact tracing is currently underway.

The current number of active cases of COVID-19 in the Isle of Man is four.

Change to TV licence concession for over-75s in the Isle of Man

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:10:15 GMT

The BBC has today announced that from the beginning of 2021 it will fund free TV licences for those aged over 75 in the Island who are entitled to income support.

The BBC said the decision will bring parity with licence fee payers in the UK and is the fairest decision for all licence fee payers. The BBC has informed Treasury that in making its decision for the Isle of Man, the BBC Board applied the same criteria as that used when making the decision for the UK. The Corporation has based these criteria on three principles:

Fairness - the potential impact on older age groups and the potential impact on all licence fee payers

Financial impact - the cost of any concession to the BBC, and the possible effect this might have on programmes and services

Feasibility - being able to implement any new concession simply and effectively

The BBC’s decision follows a consultation with stakeholders in the Island earlier this year.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said:

‘The Treasury and the Council of Ministers will now determine the position of the over 75s who don’t receive income support. Given that current TV licences for the over 75s only run to 31 December this year, we understand the urgency of the situation and hope to have made a decision by the end of this week.’

Ramsey section of the Heritage Trail to be resurfaced to provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:13:56 GMT

Work will get under way next week on resurfacing an 800-metre section of the former steam railway line in Ramsey.

The Heritage Trail project is designed to provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists, in support of the aims of the Active Travel Strategy, and mirrors a similar scheme that has been well-received in Kirk Michael.

The work will take place between Gardeners Lane and Poyll Dooey Road, near to Ramsey Sorting Office, and will see a tarmac path created at a width of 3 metres.

In addition, a new 85-metre ‘spur’ path will be constructed roughly halfway along, providing improved access for children attending local schools and people living and working nearby.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker MHK said:

‘This project will benefit the community by improving access in all weathers, leading to increased use throughout the year.

‘Schoolchildren, in particular, will be able to use the track safely, and can choose to walk, run, cycle or scoot in an environment free from traffic.

‘The scheme in Kirk Michael has provided clear evidence that people welcome these sort of changes and I look forward to seeing the new path being embraced by all residents in the surrounding area.’

The installation of ducting will be included as part of the project to enable the local authority to easily install lighting at a future date.

Crab and lobster fisheries consultation launched

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 11:26:52 GMT

The views of people in the fishing industry are being sought on proposed measures to improve the way the Island’s crab and lobster fisheries are managed.

A consultation, launched today, asks for views on a range of ideas that could affect commercial fishers, seafood processors and recreational potters.

Crab and lobster fishing is allowed all year round in Manx territorial waters and landings of these species in 2018 was worth around £1.7m to the Manx economy.

Existing measures allow British registered and licensed fishing vessels with a specific license to catch shellfish, and an Isle of Man Sea Fishing Licence to fish for both in Manx waters.

Baited pots are anchored to the seabed and soaked for a period of time before being hauled to empty, re-baited and the process repeated.

The six-week consultation seeks views on issues including:

Fishing capacity that is authorised but not used
Increasing the minimum landing sizes
Pots allocation and identification of gear
Area specific controls to manage stocks
An option for a long-term, industry supported scientific research programme
Introducing a sustainable velvet crab fishery
A scheme to encourage adults to consider a career in fishing
The cost of recreational licenses

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

‘The crab and lobster fisheries in the waters around the Isle of Man have significant commercial importance so we must do all we can to make sure they are being fished effectively and sustainably.

‘During this process we want to hear from anyone who works in this industry to help the Department make the right decisions for the long-term future of the fishery.’

The measures have been developed by DEFA, with assistance from the Isle of Man Crab and Lobster Working Group, which was created to assist in a recent fisheries review and included representatives from processors and Manx and Northern Irish fishermen.

The consultation can be found on the Government’s website until 7 December and paper copies are available from DEFA offices in St John’s.

Minister Allison’s statement on COVID-19 - 22 October 2020

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:25:51 GMT

Around the world COVID-19 continues to cause disruption to people’s way of life, anxiety, sickness and unfortunately deaths continue.

It has been estimated that 90% of young people, some 1.5 Billion, have had their education disrupted so far. Universities across are dealing with recurrent outbreaks and large numbers of are students in self-isolation. Schools in the United Kingdom are having to operate under strict precautions.

Due to your efforts; the Manx public, our schools have managed to operate normally since they reopened in September. Today pupils look forward to half-term next week and we have a chance to pause and reflect on what we have been through.

This week the Department for Education, Sport and Culture published a review into the provision of remote learning so far. I am grateful for all those teachers and school leaders who contributed to this and the parents and pupils who provided feedback.

In March our schools needed to close quickly, and a hub model was quickly established for vulnerable children and those of key workers. Learning and teaching quickly switched from the classroom to the living room as parents adapted to often working from home as well as supervising their children.

We have gone through the biggest disruption to education in our lifetime and I am proud of the way that teachers, school staff, parents and pupils responded and adapted to a rapidly changing and uncertain situation.

The review shows that in March 74% of teachers were able to provide remote learning immediately and over 69% of parents and pupils agreed. Issues were encountered around the timing and volume of work provided and the extent of feedback received.

Now is the time for us to reflect on what has happened and build a more resilient remote learning system for any future challenges we might have to face.

The review makes 10 recommendations. These cover areas such as communication with parents, platforms for remote learning, feedback to pupils, staff training and development and the volume and quality of remote learning required.

We are setting up a team of remote learning experts, using some of the excellent teachers we have on our island to support schools and further develop new ideas. We must seize this opportunity to establish technology as an intrinsic part of learning. By using the lessons we have learnt we can expand teaching, support students unable to attend school for whatever reason and enrich classroom lessons.

The review identified that 16% of families did not have access to online learning. At the start of the lockdown schools lent out IPads to those students who needed them, but we can do better.

I am very grateful to the Scheinberg Relief Fund who have sponsored a new programme to support students who will be sitting A-levels and GCSEs next year.

Teaches are identifying those who may be digitally disadvantaged and they will be loaned a laptop with internet access. We will support them through the next academic year to use technology to enrich their learning and monitor their progress. It was always important for us that with the health emergency no one was left behind. We now have the opportunity to try and ensure that everyone is able to meet their full potential.

Last month saw Manx students head to Universities across for the first time or to resume their studies. Students also returned to UCM where an increased range of courses has given a real opportunity for more to enter higher education and gain valuable life skills.

The health situation across is concerning and the Council of Ministers is monitoring it very carefully. Some students have already returned home and have safely quarantined. The education service is in regular contact with universities across and has correlated where our students are based and when they may be expected to come home.

This week we are contacting all registered students to ask them when or if they may be returning so that we can plan for this and ensure that they, their families and our community are kept safe.

Local lock-downs are being declared on a daily basis in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

The Chief Minister has established close relationships with the Northern mayors and when our young people want to come home we will do everything possible to make sure they can.

Government is already looking at how we can use the spare capacity in the hospitality sector to accommodate those who cannot self-isolate safely at home.

Our pupils, students and young people are our future. They didn’t ask for this pandemic and have been directly affected by it. Their studies, mental health and general wellbeing have all been attacked. As a Government and community we need to support them and ensure that they can make the best use of the opportunities available and succeed in reaching their true potential.

Thank you.

Three new cases of COVID-19 detected

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 17:40:00 GMT

Three new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the Isle of Man. The individuals recently travelled to the Island together from a high risk area.

The individuals, were already self-isolating for 14 days following their journey to the Island. One case was identified as having been a close contact of a confirmed case in the UK with the other two cases being identified through Isle of Man contact tracing. All three had travelled to the Isle of Man together. Their period of isolation has been extended accordingly and this includes any other members of their household.

Contact tracing has been completed.

The current number of active cases of COVID-19 in the Isle of Man is five. None of the three new cases relate to travel from Guernsey.

Publication List 23.10.20

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:00:09 GMT

In accordance with the Orders and Regulations listed below, the most recent planning applications received and validated for publication are now available for viewing online including a link on which the site extents can be viewed via an online map.

A PDF version is available if you wish to print off the list

You may also, if a planning application has not yet been determined, use this service to submit an objection or comment in support of the application.

Comments or objections relative to this list must be submitted by 13 November 2020.

A laminated Site Notice has been sent to each applicant for displaying at the site.

Copies of the applications are also available for viewing at the Office of Planning and Building Control or via the appropriate Local Authority.

Any persons wishing to make written representation or submission must direct them to:

Secretary to the Planning Committee

Planning and Building Control Directorate

Department of Environment Food and Agriculture

Murray House

Mount Havelock

Douglas

IM1 2SF

Telephone:+44 1624 685950

Please be aware that all written representations OR SUBMISSIONS will be available for PUBLIC scrutiny and will form part of any proceedings arising in connection with the application.

Whilst criteria for the submission of comment may differ under each instrument of legislation, to give weight to any representation or submission, and enable assessment of parties for interested person status (as defined in the gov.im/interestedperson), persons are encouraged to clearly indicate the relationship between their land or buildings and the land that is the subject of the application. Sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application must be demonstrated if the person making representation should wish to be considered to take part in any subsequent proceedings.

Guidance on how to comment on planning applications is available at www.gov.im/planningcomment

Please also be aware that any anonymous representations or submissions will not be considered as part of any planning determination.

PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE

The next public meeting of the Planning Committee is to be held at 10.00am 02.11.20, at the Ground Floor Meeting Room, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, Isle of Man.

Copies of the agenda for the meeting are available at least three working days prior to the meeting at the Department, or from the Department’s website /categories/planning-and-building-control/planning-building-control-decisions-and-performance/committee-agendas-and-minutes/

Copies are also circulated to the Local Authorities.

Members of the public and applicants are welcome to attend the meeting.

PUBLIC SPEAKING at Planning Committee

Please be aware that there is opportunity for persons to speak at the meeting provided they meet the requirements and have registered to do so beforehand.

The process and procedure for doing is available by contacting the Department on 01624 685950 or may be downloaded from the Departments website /media/873234/pc-public-speaking-leaflet-april-2018.pdf

Orders and Regulations

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013

Town and Country Planning (Registered Buildings) Regulations 2013

Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2013

Amended by

The Town and Country Planning (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2019

Subscribe to our email alert

If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list to receive a weekly email advising when planning lists are published, please forward your email details to planning@gov.im

Finance Isle of Man appoints new Non-Executive Chair

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 08:47:57 GMT

Finance Isle of Man, an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise, has appointed a new Non-Executive Chair to its board. Sue Preskey will take up the role as Aidan Doherty steps down after holding the position for the last two years.

Finance Isle of Man was created to support the growth of the financial sector in the Isle of Man, whilst promoting the Island internationally as a preferred centre for doing business. The agency is a public-private partnership made up of a diverse mix of members from the Island’s finance and professional services sectors.

Sue Preskey, Managing Director of local corporate service provider The Law Trust Limited, has over 30 years’ experience in the UK and international financial services as both a practitioner and a regulator. She has held senior roles across a range of financial services businesses including fiduciary, banking, investment, funds, and captive insurance. Sue has previously chaired local branches of The London Institute of Banking & Finance and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. She is also a committee member of the Isle of Man Institute of Directors.

Peter Greenhill MLC, political member with responsibility for the Finance Isle of Man board, said:

‘I am very pleased with this appointment and look forward to working with Sue as our new agency Chair. Sue is a well-respected business leader and has a very good understanding of the key economic challenges and opportunities that we currently face as an Island. Her high level of experience and knowledge of the industry will be instrumental in developing and implementing a strategy for the agency as we continue to position the Isle of Man as a centre of excellence within the financial sector.’

‘I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our previous Chair, Aidan Doherty, for his invaluable strategic leadership and guidance over the last two years and for helping us to focus on areas where we can make a real difference, including jurisdictional promotion of the Isle of Man.’

Aidan Doherty, who will continue to act as Non-Executive Chair of the board until December 2020 commented:

‘As I step down as Chair I am delighted to leave the agency board in the capable hands of Sue Preskey, who brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. The next 12 months will be a crucial time for Finance Isle of Man to deliver its ambitious goals and I wish Sue and the agency all the best for the future.’

Sue Preskey will chair her first board meeting in December.

To learn more about Finance Isle of Man, visit: www.financeisleofman.com

Applications for Dissolution – The Limited Liability Companies Act 1996

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:28:26 GMT

The Limited Liability Companies Act 1996

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the above Limited Liability Companies have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 11A of the Limited Liability Companies Act 1996. Unless written objection is made to the Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of the publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the companies.

Applications for Dissolution - 2006 Act Companies

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:40:17 GMT

The Companies Act 2006

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 190(3)

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the Companies referred to in the attached Notice have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 190 of the Companies Act 2006. Unless written objection is made to The Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the Companies.

Applications for Dissolution - 1931 Act Companies

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:47:56 GMT

The Companies Acts 1931 to 2004

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 273a(3)(A) of The Companies Act 1931

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the attached companies have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 273a(3)(A) Of The Companies Act 1931. Unless written objection is made to The Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the Companies.

Chief Minister's statement on COVID-19 - 23 October 2020

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:48:52 GMT

Good afternoon everyone.

Thank you for taking the time to watch and listen this afternoon.

Since my update last week, I am pleased to advise that no new cases of COVID-19 have been detected on our Island.

This is good news, and means we continue to be relatively certain that our Island remains free of the virus.

I do accept, however, that these figures must be put in context. We suspended the option of a test on day seven of self-isolation for anyone who returned to the Island on or after Monday 12 October.

Despite the suspension of our day seven testing option, I want to be quite clear that testing continues.

Since announcing our intention to suspend day seven testing a fortnight ago, over one-and-a-half thousand tests for COVID-19 have been carried out on the Island. This continues to be made up those who have called 111 to request a test because they feel they have COVID symptoms; arriving key workers, such as those in our health and care services; and screening before various hospital consultations and operations.

The decision to suspend the option of a test on day seven was taken as an added precaution because of the levels of the virus in the United Kingdom and Ireland – particularly the North-West of England and Northern Ireland. It meant we reverted to the gold standard of fourteen days of self-isolation to be reasonably certain that anyone who might be carrying the virus will have stopped shedding, preventing the virus from circulating in our community.

The Council of Ministers is continuing to explore a number of options on how testing might be adapted in the coming weeks and months. Nothing is off the table and we continuously review options for our Island, whether that’s considerations around the resumption of day seven testing; testing at the border; and mass testing.

I know that a small number of people in our community are having to regularly travel back and forth between the Island and England for medical appointments for serious conditions, and are finding the repeated cycle of complete self-isolation for fourteen days, challenging. In some cases people have not even finished their self-isolation, before it is time to return to the UK for another medical appointment, to then head back to the Island only for the two weeks of self-isolation to start all over again. I want you to know we are aware of this concern, the impact it is having, and we are exploring what role the resumption of day seven testing might offer in these circumstances.

At its meeting yesterday, the Council of Ministers discussed the situation in Guernsey following a cluster of four cases of COVID-19 being detected on the Island in recent days.

Naturally, many of you have questions on what this might mean for the air bridge between our two Islands, particularly with scheduled Aurigny flights resuming tomorrow for half-term.

Our director of public health, Dr Henrietta Ewart – who joins me today – has been in close and regular contact with her opposite number in Guernsey, so that we can fully understand the latest developments there.

This is what we know.

Guernsey’s index case – that is the first person to test positive for COVID-19 – was detected on Monday.

As with our suspected case last week, this result came about from an individual who was displaying no symptoms and only sought a test as they were due to travel to a country that requires confirmation of a negative COVID-19 result before entry is granted.

Unlike our suspected case last week, however, this was not a false positive.

What is making this case particularly challenging is the fact that the individual had not left Guernsey in the past fourteen days, and as Guernsey has no COVID cases in the community, the source of the infection is unknown.

The only conclusion that can be drawn, at the moment, is that it is likely to be transmission from someone who had a day seven test and received a “false negative” but who was in fact asymptomatic and, unknowingly to them, shedding the virus.

This is the risk we have sought to avoid by suspending our day seven testing option.

Alternatively, it may be transmission from someone who has broken self-isolation and who has not been caught doing so.

Unfortunately, three close contacts of the index case have also tested positive for the virus.

This is what brought Guernsey’s number of active cases to four. But as they are all related to the index case, it means we are looking at a single, contained cluster.

The Public Health team in Guernsey have been hard at work carrying out test and trace. When the Council of Ministers met yesterday there were still around sixty test results of close contacts outstanding. We determined that the results from these tests would be crucial in helping us to fully understand the level of risk that the cases in Guernsey pose.

I have often spoken of the balance of risk – the requirement for the Council of Ministers to weigh up costs and benefits of any given scenario. This is no different.

Unfortunately, a further three cases have been detected in Guernsey overnight, taking the total to seven. Again, these are all linked to the index case.

Earlier, I spoke to the Chief Minister of Guernsey Deputy Peter Ferbrache and advised him that the Council of Ministers has taken the decision that, in order to protect our community, the air bridge – that is self-isolation free travel between the Isle of Man and Guernsey – is suspended with immediate effect.

I know this will be bitterly disappointing for those of you who have visits to Guernsey booked, and to businesses here on our Island that were looking forward to welcoming our friends from Guernsey.

I know it will be equally disappointing for the people of Guernsey who were planning to travel here,

We will work with Aurigny to ensure that residents for both islands can get home.

This was not an easy decision to make. We have taken many factors into consideration: half term, returning students, and the approach of a complex Christmas period. A difficult decision, but one we feel is right for our Island. I have always promised you I will do my utmost to protect our Island and its people – particularly those who are vulnerable. The air bridge was established on the understanding that it could only operate whilst both islands remained free of any significant transmission of the virus.

These latest positive test results mean that, sadly, the scales have tipped.

Guernsey’s approach to managing the virus is very similar to ours here in the Isle of Man and so I have every confidence they will quickly bring the virus under control.

We will keep the situation under review and I sincerely hope we are able to re-establish the air bridge as soon as possible.

I am sure you will join me in wishing the people of Guernsey all the very best.

I would now like to invite Henrietta, who has been working closely with her colleagues in Guernsey, to provide a brief update.

Thank you Henrietta.

As my good friend Minister Ashford is under the weather, with three days of bed rest prescribed, and as I have a dose of man-flu, I have sent for the doctor and so Minister Allinson is here to shore up the team.

Thank you for that update Alex.

And now to questions from the media.

Thank you for those questions.

That's all for today. Thank you for your time and have a good weekend.

Financial Sanctions: Cyber-Attacks

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:51:02 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the addition of two individuals and one entity for their involvement in the 2015 cyber-attack on the German Parliament.

Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) 2019/796 has been amended from 22 October 2020, following the publication of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1536 in the EU Official Journal.

Details of the additions can be found in the attached Annex to this news release.

It should be noted that one of the individuals added to the Cyber-Attacks financial sanctions regime, Igor Olegovich KOSTYUKOV (GROUP ID: 13748) is already listed under the Chemical Weapons regime.

Financial institutions and other persons are requested to check whether they maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds or economic resources for, or provide financial services to, the designated individuals and entity. If so, they must freeze such accounts or other funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, refrain from dealing with said funds or economic resources, and suspend the provision of any financial services. They must also report their findings to the FIU. Failure to comply with financial sanctions legislation or to seek to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

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

The Companies Acts 1931 - 2004

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 14:29:12 GMT

List of Companies for which a Notice has been issued under section 273B (1) of the Companies Act 1931

Improvements made to the Department for Enterprise’s Town and Village Regeneration Scheme

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:13:35 GMT

The Department for Enterprise has announced improvements to its Town and Village Regeneration Scheme in a bid to stimulate economic activity in the Island’s towns and villages.

A key part of the ‘Our Island’ work stream, one of the six work streams within the Isle of Man Government’s Economic Recovery Programme, is to improve the infrastructure of the Isle of Man. These enhancements to the Scheme aim to encourage and accelerate improvements to commercial and community premises and provide support to local authorities to improve public infrastructure on the Island, while stimulating the local construction sector.

The Scheme, which originally launched in 2009, has invested over £13.4 million into 223 regeneration projects and contributed significant improvements to the Island’s retail centres such as Strand Street in Douglas and Parliament Street in Ramsey.

Due to its initial success, the Scheme was relaunched in 2019 and has since supported a further 14 regeneration projects to date, to a value of almost £100,000.

The 2020 Scheme improvements see an additional £1m of funding being made available by the Economic Recovery Group to allow for increased financial support, greater flexibility and the opportunity for more businesses to apply.

The three key changes to the Scheme are summarised below:

The requirement for businesses to be located within a designated ‘Regeneration Area’ has been removed. Therefore, all commercial premises directly accessible from the public highway are now eligible (whether it is a business, charity or local authority) in all areas across the Island;
Eligible applicants can receive a grant capped at £25,000 per project, increased from £10,000; and
Local businesses can receive up to 50% of funding towards their projects, with local authorities now being able to claim up to 80%.

These Scheme changes will run for one year, reverting back to its initial offering of 50% of funding to both businesses and local authorities capped at £10,000 after October 2021.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented;

‘Investing in regenerative initiatives is a key part in supporting businesses, stimulating sectors and transforming our Island as we look to the future to a post-COVID world. We are confident that these new improvements will be beneficial in the long term, allowing our local businesses and authorities to thrive and creating an Island that is attractive to both our residents and visitors, when we can once again welcome them to our shores.’

Organisations interested in applying for the Scheme are encouraged to read the guidelines and eligibility criteria which can be found at: https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/tvrs

Laptop scheme to help digitally disadvantaged pupils

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:48:54 GMT

School pupils in exam years will be able to borrow laptops and get help accessing the internet as part of a new scheme launched this week.

The E-Learning Pupil Access Subscription Service (E-PASS) will help pupils whose education was affected when schools closed due to the health emergency.

The service is being funded using a charitable donation from the Scheinberg family, who set up the Scheinberg Relief Fund in March 2020, to help tackle the direct impact of COVID-19.

The fund supports initiatives and charitable organisations in a number of countries where the family has a personal or business presence, including the Isle of Man.

The service will mean pupils who are studying towards their GCSE or A-level exams, and are eligible for free school meals, will be able to borrow a new laptop and a router to connect it to the internet.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister of Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘I am really pleased that the E-PASS scheme will help digitally disadvantaged pupils. We are very grateful to the Scheinberg family, whose donation has enabled us to pilot the lending of brand new devices, which may pave the way for further provision in the future.’

The closure of most schools on the Island in March meant pupils studying towards their exams lost out on three months of face-to-face lessons. The unprecedented situation also highlighted the fact that some pupils did not have access to the internet or a device to allow them to study from home.

It is hoped the scheme will give these students an opportunity to catch up and the ability to continue their studies from home should schools close again.

The scheme is being piloted in all five secondary schools, who will be in touch with eligible families over the coming weeks.