Transport, health and constitutional reform on House of Keys agenda

Members to debate road safety plans, public service updates, and fresh amendments to the bill removing the Bishop's vote

A packed question session, a series of legislative debates, and the return of the constitution bill are among the key items before the House of Keys this week.

MHKs are poised to question ministers on topics across infrastructure, health, justice and utilities, as well as progress on a number of bills.

Transport and road safety matters are likely to dominate the first half of the sitting.

Several questions from Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas on the draft Speed Limits (Various Roads) (East Area) Order 2025, including queries over enforcement, signage, consultation with the Chief Constable, and expected operational dates.

Others focus on the planned resurfacing of Arbory Street and Malew Street, and the proposed use of coal tar under the Balthane roundabout.

Broader policy concerns also feature prominently. Members are seeking updates on expenditure to tackle juvenile offending, the approval process for Manx Care board appointments, progress on elderly care funding since December 2024, and the anticipated publication dates for both the next National Cancer Plan and the review of nursing and residential care. There is also a question on spending to date on the proposed onshore windfarm development.

The sitting will also take forward a number of bills. The Education (Amendment) Bill will be given its first reading, while the Period Products (Free Provision) Bill is up for its second reading. Two major pieces of legislation - the Extradition Bill and the Public Records (Amendment) Bill - move into detailed clause-by-clause consideration, with a series of amendments already tabled for debate.

One of the most watched items appears later in the agenda: the Isle of Man Constitution Bill 2023, the legislation that would remove the Bishop’s vote in Tynwald.

The bill has already undergone a lengthy legislative journey, clearing earlier stages in the Keys before being amended by the Legislative Council last week

The amendment alters the commencement provisions, stating the change would come into force either after the current Bishop’s tenure ends or five years after Royal Assent is announced.

Manx Radio understands an amendment to LegCo’s amendment has been tabled in the Keys. If passed, this would mean the bill must return once again to the Legislative Council for further consideration.