Budget 2026: £412 million for Island’s health and care services

But concerns Manx Care spend could outstrip allocated funding

More than £400 million has been allocated for the Isle of Man’s health service as part of this year’s Budget.

The Department of Health and Social Care now has a £412 million pot – an increase of £45 million from last year.

Treasury says it’s still concerned that Manx Care’s spend could continue to outstrip the available funding.

Minister Chris Thomas said: “Healthcare is important but the sustained and substantial increase in costs in recent years remains a significant risk to the achievement of our medium-term financial plan.”

It’s expected the DHSC budget will grow again, to £483 million, over the next five years; in 2022-23 it stood at £289 million.

This year is the first time the funding formula, as set by Sir Jonathan Michael in his independent review of the health service in 2019, has been fully implemented.

It’s hoped the additional money for 2026-27 will fund improvements in waiting times, early intervention initiatives and improve care for older adults.

A further £10 million in contingency funding has also been ringfenced for Manx Care to help with unanticipated cost pressures within the health service.

To access this fund ‘robust’ business cases, for things that can’t be absorbed within planned budgets, must be submitted and approved by the Council of Ministers and Tynwald.

Another £5 million is also being added to the Healthcare Transformation Fund to support its ongoing work.

Minister Claire Christian says she’s aiming for the Isle of Man to have the best ‘small island’ health and social care system.

You can find out more about Budget 2026 by clicking HERE.