Fall in unemployment to cover concession
The cost of refunding TV licences for older residents will be covered by leftover unemployment benefits.
Treasury Minister Alf Cannan outlined the proposals yesterday (18 Oct) following Tynwald's reversal of a previous decision to scrap the bonus for over-75s.
It would cost around £700,000 per year to refund licence fees for the 7,000 residents of eligible age.
But Mr Cannan says a recent fall in joblessness figures has driven an unexpected surplus:
DoI 'committed' to reaching agreement with bus drivers
Further talks have taken place with MIRS this week
Fluoride varnish programme rolled out in Island schools in bid to reduce levels of tooth decay in children
Students at Ballaugh School receive treatment from Smile of Mann team
Bus strike action continues
Drivers stage first in series of walkouts planned throughout March
Tynwald 'in a good place' for gender balance compared to other jurisdictions
But two of Tynwald's female members warn it could all change at the next election
Mentoring programme available for female business owners on the IOM
Santander pairing applicants with others with similar experience