Brussels office costs 'modest'

Costs totalled £115,500 last financial year

Engagement with Brussels is widely-acknowledged by politicians as a priority, but office size and cost for the Manx office is described as 'modest', compared to other jurisdictions.

Total expenditure for government's hub in the Belgian capital comes to nearly £33,000; that sum including staffing, office rent, travel costs and accommodation.

It's staffed by one full-time head of office - earning a maximum of £75,899, with an agreed uplift for any other costs incurred.

For the period 1st October last year to 30th September 2017 - that additional amount is close to £90,000.

Running costs hiked in the last year, due to a substantial fall in the value of stirling against the Euro.

The data from the Cabinet Office was released in response to a Freedom of Information.

As the Island isn't recognised as an independent state within the European Union, it can't gain diplomatic representation - therefore if we need it, we have to supply it ourselves.