Island's poorest will be hit by 'indiscriminate and unfair' stealth taxes, says MHK

Joney Faragher calls for conversation on progressive taxation

An MHK has called on government to re-think how certain services are funded, and stop so-called 'stealth taxes' having an unfair impact on the Island's poorest.

In Tynwald this week Joney Faragher voted against a number of items from the Department of Infrastructure looking to increase fees.

She says the Island needs to consider how it bridges the gap between the amount raised by taxes and the demand for public services:

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson says: "The Treasury is currently developing a Tax Strategy which will be published by December 2023 and will be progressive in nature and secure sustainable funding for public services."

"Further work is also underway with DHSC over the long term funding options for health and social care.

"These initiatives are central to the Economic Strategy and Our Island Plan."

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper told Manx Radio what he'd like to see from the strategy: