Tynwald members gather for cost of living support debate

Extraordinary sitting to take place today

Tynwald members break their summer recess early today (Thursday Sept 22) with a major debate on measures proposed to help people facing the economic squeeze.

That will be followed by the education minister on the industrial action faced in schools.

First item on the agenda is from Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson asking to remove £26 million from the reserve fund into the consolidated loans fund and from there to advanced cash which will enable the government's announced cap on electricity prices until the end of March.

The motion also asks to cap bus fares at £2 a journey - mirroring the UK - and asks to go ahead with a third round of targeted support payments for those in receipt of child benefit and on low incomes.

Also, an acceleration of the £8 million programme for energy efficiency in homes and an establishment of a community support fund.

Minister Allinson has been speaking to Manx Radio:

That debate will be followed by an urgent question from Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher on the latest position in the schools regarding industrial action.

Then, a question paper with four inquiries from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse.

The other Tynwald business concerns the installation of Ayre and Michael MHK Tim Johnston as Manx Utilities Chair - in place of Onchan MHK Rob Callister, who's moving into the role of health minister.

It's understood Mr Callister will be fielding MUA questions in the first debate on economic support.

The sitting starts at the later time of 2pm, you can listen live on Manx Radio AM 1368, online and on smartphone apps.