Treasury chiefs face public accounts committee

VAT, health department struggles and 'vanity projects' all discussed

Struggles in the health department and the Island's VAT agreement with the UK were among topics discussed at a public accounts committee this afternoon.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan and Chief Financial Officer Sheila Lowe faced questions from the panel, which included Onchan MHK Rob Callister and Tim Crookall MLC.

The issue of so-called 'vanity projects' was also raised - where departments spend any surplus they have before the end of the financial year.

Mrs Lowe said the responsibility for expenditure ultimately lies with the individual departments: