Government sets out eight national priorities in 'Charter for Change'

10-page document due to be debated in Tynwald next week

Government will aim to deliver eight national priorities over the next five years after publishing the 'Charter for Change'.

The 10-page document is due to be debated at next week's sitting of Tynwald.

The charter highlights three linked ambitions covering the eight priorities, supported by 'an effective and trusted public service'.

Under the ambition 'a strong and confident economy', Chris Thomas's administration will prioritise an Island that means business and local opportunities through a focus on skills, apprenticeships and jobs.

To deliver 'a safe and resilient community', government's priorities will be a caring, safe and resilient community, as well as reducing prioritised waiting lists.

For the ambition of 'a connected and efficient Island', government will focus on reliable and resilient connectivity and infrastructure, alongside better access to homes to buy and rent.

Government says this will be underpinned by an effective and trusted public service, prioritising a more efficient and effective public service, and a government which is trusted, open, delivering and looking to the future.

In his foreword, Ard-Shirveishagh Thomas says the purpose of the charter is improving the lives of the people government represents.

Following talks with the Council of Ministers and in Tynwald, Mr Thomas says the charter will aim to do fewer things than previous administrations to ensure they get done, which will mean compromise and making difficult choices.

The charter will be the subject of a supplementary order paper at this month's Tynwald sitting, which gets underway on Tuesday (17 November).

Subject to Tynwald approval, a finalised version of the Charter for Change will be brought to the January sitting of the court for further engagement.