Government Support Schemes Further Extended to Support Phased Reopening of Sectors
Fri, 02 Apr 2021
The Economic Recovery Group, chaired by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK and Minister for Enterprise Laurence Skelly MHK, has announced that Support Schemes for businesses, the self-employed and individuals will be further extended to provide continuing assistance to those that require it. The Schemes have been extended to reflect the phased transition back to work for many sectors, which begins with outdoor trades and construction on Tuesday (6th April). It is hoped that a gradual return will be implemented across the coming weeks, with the majority of sectors likely to return on or around the 19th April. These dates remain subject to change, and there may be opportunity for some businesses to return on or around the 12th April, subject to assessment of the current situation and subsequent decisions by Council of Ministers next week.
Budget offers The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Mon, 01 Mar 2021
By Chris Cave - Local Democracy Reporter
The founder of the Manx Taxpayers’ Alliance says government’s latest budget offers “the good, the bad and the ugly”. All but one Tynwald member backed the financial plan for the next 12 months. No tax rises were set out by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan, while public sector pay rose by 1 per cent. Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson was the only person to vote against the budget. Michael Josem appeared as a panellist at a Liberal Vannin Question Time event to discuss the Manx budget on Thursday (25 February) evening.
Domestic Event Fund extended until the end of September
Wed, 10 Feb 2021
The Domestic Event Fund has been extended until the end of September. The initiative is delivered by Business Isle of Man, an Executive Agency of the Department for Enterprise, and has been funded by the £100m Economic Recovery Fund announced by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK in his budget update to Tynwald in July 2020. Event organisers can continue to apply for up to 80% of the total costs associated with the development of domestic focused events. All eligible events such as local markets, festivals, shows, concerts must be focussed on increasing domestic spending through driving footfall into the Island’s towns. Qualifying costs include equipment, entertainment, marketing, insurance, health and safety, and an event organiser.
New party chairman wants more help for the tourism sector
Fri, 15 Jan 2021
By Chris Cave - Local Democracy Reporter
Rebalancing the books in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is Liberal Vannin’s primary concern, according to the party’s new chairman. Many of the Island’s businesses have been impacted by restrictions imposed since March last year. The tourism and hospitality sectors are among those worst affected by the pandemic. Paul Weatherall says financial support may need to continue for some time to come. “Coming out of Covid and how we can rebalance the economy with the amount of money that’s been spent [is our main priority]”, he said.