'Mass austerity' the alternative to spending from reserves

Treasury Minister responds to ex-minister's claims reserves are reaching 'crisis level'

Government would have to look at cutting public spending if it hadn't drawn down from the Island's reserves in recent years.

That's from the treasury minister after his predecessor raised concerns that current spending would leave the reserves in crisis by the end of the current administration.

David Ashford's comments came ahead of Tynwald approving Treasury's Department Plan for the year ahead.

Alex Allinson says the alternative to spending from the reserves would be to cut funding for public services: