Welfare benefits review on the way

A review of universal welfare benefits enjoyed by Manx residents is on the way, as the govenment seeks to save around £80 million from next year's budget.

Fees could also be imposed for services which are currently free, from a sewage charge to an end to free parking.

And government has set a target for a 10 per cent reduction in total staffing costs, to save around £31 million.

The plan, issued by Chief Minister Tony Brown, is in response to the severe squeeze on budgets after the UK re-wrote its VAT sharing arrangement with the Isle of Man.

It will also include a huge efficiency drive, aimed at finding savings while safeguarding esential services.

Mr Brown says the Island faces a new economic reality.