The Chief Minister has issued his most serious warning yet about the scale of challenges ahead to fund welfare, pensions and health care in the Island.
Allan Bell says the impact of a rapidly ageing population on public spending budgets presents similar issues for both developed and developing nations.
Mr Bell says the old age ‘time bomb’ - the anticipated burden that our ageing population will place on taxpayers - is an issue which needs to be tackled now.
The chief minister says spending on benefits and pensions for Island residents has risen by £120 million in a decade, a rate of growth which cannot be sustained. He says difficult choices on what services government should fund lie ahead:
Clip 1
More restrictions on the way for newly-qualified drivers?
Minister sees patient waiting more than 24-hours during visit to ED
Silver for Sleight at Archery Championships
Lifeboat assists stricken yacht off Calf of Man
20mph rollout continues as DoI 'refines approach'