Bell's 'Agenda for Change' well received

The Chief Minister has set out his 'Agenda for Change' today, and it seems most Tynwald members approve.

In setting out the government's priorities, Allan Bell said the traditional annual report was no longer fit for purpose.

Instead he promised the public would be able to monitor government's success and failures through a new website to be launched early next year.

During the ten-page speech, Mr Bell reiterated there would be no 'slash and burn' policy, promising that the vulnerable remained at the heart of consideration.

We did learn that universal benefits would be means tested by April 2014, and he referred to child benefit in particular.

Mr Bell made a commitment to removing outdated legislation, he promised a review of the open skies policy and Steam Packet user agreement within the next couple of years and talked about the real need to support economic development.

Members then spent 40 minutes questioning the chief minister, and with just a couple of exceptions and calls for more details the new approach was welcomed.

Mr Bell said this was just the start, and assured the court there would be more detail in due course.