No IoM funding as BBC signs Jersey deal

Jersey move aligns Channel Island policy with UK

All eyes are on the Manx government's next move after it was announced the BBC will partially fund TV Licences for over-75s in Jersey.

The move brings the broadcaster's Channel Island policy in line with that of the UK - costing the corporation an annual sum of £135,000 from 2018.

It follows a review of the BBC's current arrangements with the States of Jersey - which will expire at the end of this year.

Free Licences for older residents here were re-approved by Tynwald a month ago after being controversially scrapped by the previous administration.

But the full cost - around £600,000 per year - is being absorbed solely by government.

Treasury Minister Alf Cannan assured members it was a 'short term' solution at the time - and efforts would be made to arrange a level of BBC funding in the Island.