Meetings to tackle 'crucial' welfare state reform

The future of the Island's entire benefit system - including the state pension - will be debated at a series of public meetings next week.

Four consecutive events at venues around the Island start at the Manx Museum in Douglas on Monday (2 March).

After last year's Big Debates - which called for a smaller, smarter system of government - this month's meetings will look solely at reform of the welfare state.

A consultants' report on the Island's National Insurance fund said a 'bold transformation' of the system was needed.

Without reform it said, the NI fund would not cover state pensions and benefits in the future.

Treasury minister Eddie Teare says huge decisions lie ahead:

Tuesday's meeting is at School ree Gorree in Ramsey.

Wednesday it moves to Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin.

And the series rounds-off with a final presentation at the Peel Centenary Centre on Thursday.

All meetings start at 7.30pm and are open to everyone.