CHARITIES face a diverse set of challenges in the current economic climate.

And how Manx organisations are coping with reduced government spending, low interest rates, changes in legislation and an unpredictable economy was under discussion at an event hosted by financial analysts at PwC at the Villa Marina.

Ian Oakley-Smith, from PwC UK’s London office, spoke about the continuing challenges faced by charities in the UK and delivered a presentation on ‘Managing in the “new normal”’.

His presentation addressed key messages gathered from the surveys, which will be relevant to UK and island charities over the coming year. He offered advice on finding sustainable strategies, finding a balance between remaining independent and collaboration, strategic funding and demonstrating financial leadership.

PwC director Gordon Wilson concluded the event by delivering the results of a recent survey, conducted by the firm, of the charities sector in the Isle of Man.

He said: ‘We posed a number of questions relevant to the overall sector and believe the results are beneficial in helping island charities to continue to plan and structure in the current climate.’

Around 40 respondents took part in the survey, the majority being small to medium-sized charities operating only in the Isle of Man. Questions covered a range of issues, including respondent’s views on government involvement, issues faced over the past year, future outlook and levels of reserves.

The results showed that, while a reasonable proportion of respondents felt that there was a healthy relationship between charities and the Manx government, many would like to see more outsourcing of services to charities during 2013, as well as other initiatives such as gift aid and secondment of government staff into the charity sector.

This call for support comes as 66 per cent of respondents recorded an increase in demand for their services over the past 12 months and 63 per cent predicted an increase in the coming year.

Respondents suggested that the reasons behind the growing demand for charitable services could include the economic downturn, cuts in government spending, demographic changes and environmental pressures.

Many charities which responded to the survey had found it necessary to dip into existing reserves to cover the gap between funding and demand for services, with the majority that are doing so having sufficient reserves to cover core costs for the next 18 to 24 months.

This was not regarded as a long-term solution to fundraising shortfalls, however, and more than 50 per cent of respondents had carried out a review to determine future plans.

The majority of respondents were optimistic about the outlook for their charity over the next year, adding that support such as having better access to IT expertise, the involvement of more qualified directors and recruiting more volunteers would be of great benefit in meeting demand.

David Gawne, director of the Isle of Man Council of Voluntary Organisations (CVO) expressed appreciation to PwC Isle of Man and the individual speakers. He said: ‘The results of the survey, to a very large extent, reflect the CVO’s reading of the current situation and will help to finalise our strategy for 2013.’

THE Feddan Manx whistle course was completed in five more schools at the end of last year.

Children at Arbory, Jurby, Foxdale, Manor Park and Braddan primary schools have been learning to play the tin whistle through the medium of Manx music.

In just six weekly lessons, whole classes were taught how to play the folk instrument by Dr Chloë Woolley through a course called Feddan (Manx Gaelic for whistle).

It is the third year that the course has been rolled out in schools via the music service’s Primary Music Initiative.

And it has proved a popular way for children to try out an instrument for the first time, while learning about local culture and the Manx language.

The Feddan course was designed by Chloë, who is Manx music specialist for the Manx Heritage Foundation.

Year 5 and 6 pupils at Foxdale Primary School enjoyed the experience so much that they have made a recording of themselves playing and singing the Manx song Bee dty Host to send to a school in Pakistan they are linked with.

To find out more about the Feddan course visit www.manxmusic.com

ECONOMIC Development Minister John Shimmin says he is optimistic the island will maintain strong economic growth in 2013.

Mr Shimmin said the Manx economy performed well in 2012 in what continues to be a tough global economy.

Its estimated growth for that year was 3 per cent in real terms compared with an average of 1.4 per cent across the world’s major developed economies.

And this year, economic growth is expected to rise to 4 per cent in real terms.

Mr Shimmin said: ‘My department is playing a key role in driving this growth, working closely with colleagues in government and the private sector.

‘I believe we can take much comfort that our island continues to enjoy a strong, growing economy which is vital if we are also to achieve government’s other priorities of balancing government’s budget while protecting the most vulnerable in our community.’

The Minister said the foundation for sustainable growth was development of key export-generating sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, ICT, eGaming, tourism, aviation and ship management.

He said his department continues to both help existing local businesses to expand as well as attract new businesses in these key sectors.

‘We estimate we helped to create 130 jobs in these sectors in 2012, which then stimulated growth in the wider economy. We are forecasting this figure will increase to 180 jobs in 2013, building our confidence that our overall growth projections are credible in what will continue to be a tough global market,’ he said.

For every job in export-earning sectors, the island’s economy typically has 2.5 additional jobs in other supporting sectors, including the public sector.

Mr Shimmin said his department will be focusing on three key areas in what will be a crucial year this year – maintaining growth in financial services, supporting the wider economy and helping the unemployed into work.

While the island has a much lower rate of unemployment than most of the developed world, the number of those unemployed for over a year continued to rise for much of 2012 to nearly 200. This has a large social cost as well as cost to the taxpayer.

Providing additional support to those who need it will be a key priority in 2013 including introduction of a Community and Social Enterprise Fund, a ‘Payment by Results’ scheme and a programme of work placements.

FOOTWAYS improvements are being made around the island after the Department of Infrastructure secured £500,000 for the works.

Director of highways Richard Pearson said those which are heavily used and in the worst condition were being prioritised: ‘There are footways around the island in a terrible condition but are less used. It would cost tens of millions of pounds to resolve them all.’

A one-way system is in place on Finch Road, Douglas, running towards Prospect Hill while new footways are installed in Finch Road and Church Road between Prospect Hill and Market Street.

High quality materials will be used for the footways between Mount Havelock and Well Road Hill because of high pedestrian usage and the proximity of the section to the Douglas regeneration area. Improvements will also be made to the drainage and pedestrian crossing points – such as drop kerbs. The works were originally due to take five months to complete, but it is hoped they will be completed sooner as additional resources have been allocated.

Parents of pupils at St Thomas’ School have been advised to use Chester Street car park while a lay-by is unavailable.

New footways will also be installed in Lezayre Road, Ramsey.

THIS week’s Tynwald sitting could mark a defining moment in the Allan Bell administration.

The sitting will be dominated by two contentious issues – tuition fees and the scope of government.

A debate on changing the student award regulations was postponed last month, ostensibly to give members more time to consider the proposals.

It was clear, however, the government was in danger of losing the vote.

Students will be protesting outside the Legislative Building tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon and former Education minister Peter Karran will present a petition from St Ninian’s High School pupil Ben Ingham and Sam Turton containing more than 2,500 signatures.

Earlier Tynwald will be asked to approve the principle of making government smaller, simpler and less bureaucratic. If the Council of Minister’s response to a revised independent report into the Scope of Government is approved, all government departments, boards and offices will need to review all options for delivery of services by December 31 this year.

Options include contracting out services to external operators or ‘corporatising’ them – that is, running them on a more commercial basis by government-owned companies.

Tynwald will be debating principles rather voting on specific measures.

Another controversial issue on the agenda is the possible introduction of bendy-buses.

Douglas North MHK John Houghton has tabled a motion calling for a parliamentary select committee to be set up to investigate whether the Department of Community Culture and Leisure took appropriate steps to examine and consult over the feasibility of introducing articulated buses and revised bus routes.

Less emotive perhaps, but no less important is the new Manx Taxation Strategy which will be brought before the court by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK.

The strategy makes clear that Treasury has no intention to introduce capital gains or inheritance/death taxes.

Personal income tax rates will remain competitive, the zero 10 corporate regime will stay and the tax cap for the super-rich will be maintained although it will be regularly reviewed.

But there are possible big changes on the way over the reciprocal National Insurance arrangements. The UK is looking to align income tax and national insurance and the Treasury is to review whether the current reciprocal agreement remains fit for purpose.

A total of 15 questions have been tabled for oral answer and a further five for written answer.

With bus drivers due to hold a second strike this week, with a half-day stoppage to be held on Thursday afternoon, questions will be raised with Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen about what has been done to settle the dispute.

Michael MHK Alfred Cannan will ask Health Minister David Anderson what immediate action he is taking to reduce waiting lists.

A TALK in Port St Mary this week will help to unravel the mysteries of ash die back disease for members of the public.

The presentation is by government forestry officer Jimmy Lee from the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture.

‘I will be talking about what the disease looks like and how it could affect the countryside. There will be pictures and a power point presentation. It will be put in to easy layman’s terms,’ he said.

Though the disease tends to be fairly dormant during the winter he said it usually shows itself in spring and summer as the trees come into leaf so now was a good time to draw public attention to it.

‘If we were to just let it go we could lose up to 50 per cent of our hardwood population,’ he said.

His colleague at DEFA John Walmsley said the island had a quarter of a million ash trees and stringent precautions were to keep them uninfected.

He said if the disease arrived it was important to manage it effectively.

‘There is no known cure for ash die back and it has already wiped out millions of trees. Some trees may prove to have a natural resistance to it but it’s not looking as if there are many resistant strains – 90 per cent have gone in Denmark for example. So we are looking at a significant loss of our broad leaf trees should it get here.

He said one theory in the UK was the disease was carried in imported ash tree stock from the continent but another less probable one was that it was wind borne.

‘It’s a long way for it to be blown from the continent,’ he said.

To date, in the UK there are about 300-plus sites affected many in the south east of England.

At the moment the Manx government has restrictions in place to prevent the import of ash trees so infected material should not reach the island.

Those diseases which have already made it to the island – Dutch elm disease and sudden oak death – are stringently monitored.

While elm populations have been decimated elsewhere, the Isle of Man retains most of its stock. Oak death is a misnomer – it also affects species such as larch and rhododendron and evergreens in some of the island’s plantations.

More information on {http://www.openelm.org.im.openelm.org.im} or call 801263 to report any affected trees.

Mr Lee’s talk is at 7.30pm, Thursday January 17 at Mount Tabor Hall, Port St Mary.

Monday, January 14

Aries

(March 21 - April 20)

A new sparkle comes to your life this week. With it is the determination to do things your own way. Any decisions, however, should have the longer term in mind. Work colleagues may not be in the best of moods, so be tactful. Social contacts may have the power to progress your thoughts. Make the most of these aspects by turning on the charm and not being too modest.

Taurus

(April 21 - May 21)

Being a week of ups and downs, life can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Sometimes it is easier to go with the flow rather than try to change the tide of events. Improve your mind by reading and doing crosswords. Prefer a stroll along the street for some people-watching? Why not? It should be a great week for travel, with minimal delays. Let others make awkward decisions.

Gemini

(May 22 - June 21)

You face this new week with boundless optimism. Plans are huge and maybe even a bit fanciful. Look for a balanced picture: a middle way, if you like. Enthusiastic you should be. Practical you must be. Tossing your ideas around with others shows up the positive and negative sides of them. This is very useful. If you are thinking of taking on a course to learn more, this is the time.

Cancer

(June 22 - July 23)

Let it all out this week and give others a running commentary on how you feel. It may come as a shock to some but a relief to others. At last you are expressing your emotions. Feel better for it? Of course you do. Plans may be a bit disrupted but it is all for the better in the long run. Choose your words carefully, however, when dealing with those in authority.

Leo

(July 24 - August 23)

Feeling a bit snappy? Try snapping out of it by taking a break. It could be a trip to the Bahamas or a frothy coffee and a muffin, whatever gets you rebalanced. Partnerships of the romantic kind lift your mood and give the chance for an important intimate discussion, which may be long overdue. At work, show sympathy to someone in authority, but be genuine.

Virgo

(August 24 - September 23)

Fill your life with freshness and honesty. If there is something that you don’t want to do, then let it be known. Showing your emotions, especially on a domestic issue, leaves the ball in someone else’s court. After all, don’t you have more enjoyable things to get on with? Appreciation comes from an unexpected direction and gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.

Libra

(September 24 - October 23)

Breaking away from the everyday routine seems high on your agenda. There is a feeling of wanting faster progress, especially in your business life. It really seems to be a choice between breaking away or taking a break. You could do both, of course. You are not the only one feeling this restlessness. Finding like-minded souls sets you up for social success.

Scorpio

(October 24 - November 22)

What are you really passionate about? Can’t think of anything? Look for something that can really fire up your imagination and go for it. Could you have a hidden or neglected talent? Life seems so full of questions. Strangely enough, you have all the answers, if you wish. Deal with any important family discussions before Thursday for the best results.

Sagittarius

(November 23 - December 21)Does everyone around you seem to be behaving in a difficult manner? Don’t take it personally. It is just one of those weeks. You are in quite a good mood yourself, so seek out some more positive people. Some Aquarians are pretty positive at the moment. Know any? Next week will certainly be better for communications of an awkward kind.

Capricorn

(December 22 - January 20)

See an opportunity not to be missed? Then grab it before someone else does! This is a week of action and drama. With luck being on your side, perhaps you should ask for what you want this week? Meeting with people from a different age group or social level is both stimulating and informative. Don’t restrict yourself. Just chat away.

Aquarius

(January 21 - February 19)

You know what you want. You have a plan to achieve it. Somehow, though, others are not in the mood to go along with it. Join the club. This is an awkward week. That is to say, people are being a bit crusty. Do you know a bright-minded Sagittarian? Seek out their company. Failing that, you may have to be a bit more flexible and patient. Annoying, isn’t it?

Pisces

(February 20 - March 20)

Sharpen your mind, organise yourself and be very practical. Opportunity knocks in the form of getting the clutter out of your life. It could be old socks or an old home but whatever it is, you know how to deal with it. Communications may be awkward at times but you have more than enough to occupy yourself. Look for that treasure at the end of the rainbow.

PLANNING permission has been granted for a bowling alley and motel in Tromode.

Today’s Isle of Man Examiner reveals the news and has reaction from the local authority, which opposed the move.

The paper also reveals that a government department is possibly going to be disbanded. It’s the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, the department currently battling with the bus drivers’ union.

We have more about the bus dispute, including a claim from the chief minister that the union is being directed from off the island.

Should there be an IT university in the island? We look at plans to set up one.

The Examiner also talks to a number of politicians after the release of the Boundary Review Commission’s recommendations for new Keys constituencies.

Also inside, the paper reveals that a Manx architect has been commissioned to design Iraq’s parliament.

The Bishop tells the Examiner his views on the latest gay controversy to rock the Church of England.

As Tynwald prepares to vote on the controversial proposal to make students pay part of their tuition fees, the Examiner has two pages about the issue.

There are three pages of letters, including one from the airport director, Anne Reynolds. She tells us why she can’t save £2m at Ronaldsway.

We also look into a hole that’s mysteriously appeared in the beer garden of a pub in Laxey.

Sports coverage includes Isle of Man football coach Steve Burns’ first senior training squad.

The Isle of Man Examiner is in the shops now.

Scourge of the NYPD, an enigma to his own family, Detective Callum Doyle lives life on the edge...

Obsessive, hot-headed, rude and abrasive, he broods, snarls and glowers, but the violence that bubbles beneath his prickly Irish immigrant skin is threatening to erupt with devastating effect.

Marked is Wirral-based David Jackson’s third book featuring maverick New York cop Doyle and this new chapter in what has become the single-minded detective’s ruthless, relentless pursuit of justice makes its own show-stopping mark.

For a writer who must surely be more familiar with the beat of a British bobby, Jackson has become masterful at immersing himself in the seamy side of Manhattan’s Eighth Precinct.

His superb crime thrillers crackle with the tension that exudes from every pore of a detective whose nose for trouble, fine line in making enemies and penchant for black humour have made him an irresistible anti-hero.

As Doyle’s erratic behaviour becomes more unpredictable, so the cases he is assigned to become more gruesome, more baffling, more compromising ... and more deadly.

In New York’s downtown East Village, 16-year-old Megan Hamlyn, who lives with her parents in a pretty tree-lined road in middle class Forest Hills, is brutally raped, tortured and murdered. Her body parts are put in garbage bags and left for others to discover.

Detective Callum Doyle is put on the case even though only a few months ago he thought his police career was all but over. His last assignment turned him into something of a hero and since then he’s ‘become a cop again.’

But his colleagues, including his new partner Detective Tommy LeBlanc, are suspicious of him, not least because his rapier-sharp mind is allied to a nasty temper and a vicious tongue. Working with him, LeBlanc is warned, is ‘like walking through a minefield... just make sure he doesn’t make you go first.’

Meanwhile, Doyle has seen the victim’s remains, he’s visited the distraught family, he wants justice at all costs, and a distinctive tattoo on the girl’s body leaves him convinced he knows who the killer is.

The only problem is that he can’t prove it and the more he pushes his prime suspect, the more he learns that the man is capable of pushing back in ways more devious and twisted than Doyle could ever have imagined.

Throw in the appearance of an old adversary who has a mission for Doyle and won’t take no for an answer, and soon the detective finds himself at risk of losing everything he holds dear, including his life.

Marked is a deftly executed thriller with a fascinating cop as lead player. Journeying with Doyle through the immoral maze of downtown New York is a walk on the wild side, but one you wouldn’t certainly want to miss.

(Macmillan, paperback, £12.99)

CASTLETOWN referee Scott Campion has been specially selected to represent the English Football Association at the 2013 running of the prestigious Dallas Cup International Youth Football Tournament in the USA.

The American tournament is a highly-regarded event and is staged over a seven-day period, ending on Easter Sunday.

More than 180 teams participate including the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Boca Juniors, Mexican club Tigres and Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Football Association has identified this development opportunity and funds a place for eight candidates, who are chosen from each of the regional referee development groups.

Senior national game referee manager Ian Blanchard said: ‘Many consider the Dallas Cup referee corps to be one of the best for a youth tournament.

‘Some are FIFA referees with past World Cup appointments, providing the opportunity for these young referees like Scott to operate with a variety of officials.

‘The FA is fully committed to providing improvement opportunities for referees who are involved in the national referee development programme.’

A delighted Campion added: ‘I am extremely proud to be the first island referee to be selected to attend the Dallas Cup.

‘When I was told the amazing news that I had been selected to go I was absolutely ecstatic and thought I was dreaming!

‘This opportunity only comes once in a lifetime and I know how fortunate I am to be selected.

‘I am now looking forward to the tournament and gaining some valuable international experience that will stand me in good stead as my career progresses.’

George McCaffery, a referee coach and group leader said: ‘This is a great opportunity for referees to experience the challenges associated with international football whilst also developing their own personality.

‘They will be refereeing the stars of the future, as previous alumni include Beckham, Rooney, Raul, Crouch, Defoe, Dempsey and many more.

‘They also live with an American family as part of a homestay programme.’

The Isle of Man FA referee development manager Tommy Crowe concluded: ‘To be one of only eight referees to be selected by the Football Association to attend this prestigious tournament is a great achievement for Scott, especially considering he only began refereeing four years ago.

‘He has been an active member of the referee development programme and his selection is a reflection of the hard work and commitment he has shown in the support of local football. We wish him every success.’

Braddan Commissioners are cutting the rates in the parish.

After maintaining the rate at 227p for four years, they are setting the 2013/2014 rate at 225p in the pound, a reduction of 2p.

WILL MHKs stick with their election pledges over the tuition fee policy?

The issue of whether government should continue to fund in full university education for our students was a campaign issue for many candidates at the last general election.

Ahead of the poll, iomtoday questioned each of the candidates on their stance on a variety of issues including free university education.

So what did they say - and will they vote the same way in the Tynwald debate this week?

In reply to the question ‘Should the government continue to pay full tuition fees for university students’, Tim Crookall (Peel), now Education Minister replied: ‘Yes, if possible’.

Allan Bell (Ramsey, subsequently appointed Chief Minister, replied: ‘Yes, where possible (maybe- economy).

Eddie Teare (Ayre), appointed Treasury Minister after the election, replied to the same question: ‘As long as our finances permit’.

Those now government ministers who agreed that yes government should continue to pay full university tuition fees were David Cretney (Douglas South), who is now Infrastructure Minister; Graham Cregeen (Malew and Santon), now Community, Culture and Leisure Minister; Phil Gawne (Rushen), now Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister and Juan Watterson (Rushen), now Home Affairs Minister, who said; ‘Yes, even if it means fewer students attend university’.

Other successful candidates who supported the principle were Richard Ronan, who secured the Castletown seat; Brenda Cannell (Douglas East); Bill Henderson (Douglas North), who said it was ‘vitally important’; Kate Beecroft (Lib Van, Douglas South); Steve Rodan (Garff); Alfred Cannan (Michael), Howard Quayle (Middle); Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan); David Quirk (Onchan); Zac Hall (Onchan); Leonard Singer (Ramsey) and Laurence Skelly (Ramsey), who added: ‘Investing in our youth is investing in our future’. Chris Robertshaw (Douglas East), now Social Care Minister, replied: ‘In the main, yes’.

John Shimmin (Douglas West), now Economic Development Minister, said the issue ‘will need consideration immediately’.

Geoff Corkish (Douglas West) replied: ‘Where possible, yes’.

Only Health Minister David Anderson (Glenfaba) stated categorically: ‘Can’t afford to’.

John Houghton (Douglas North) didn’t contribute to our pre-election questionnaire but in his manifesto stated: ‘It is vital that our students continue to receive financial support where appropriate to attend universities and colleges in the UK.’

A MAJOR insurance provider has apologised after it refused to renew a policy holder’s travel cover – because he is a Manx resident.

Jim Edge, of Station Road, Ballasalla, was told by The AA that Isle of Man residents could no longer get travel insurance from them ‘because of the Reciprocal Health Agreement’.

The AA has said that the advice given about the Reciprocal Health Agreement was ‘erroneous’ and the company is making sure other Manx residents don’t come up with the same problem in future.

Mr Edge said: ‘I was recently contacted to renew my annual travel insurance with The AA, I have always found them to offer a very good package at a competitive rate, so was glad to do so.

‘All was going well until we got to the question: are you a resident of the United Kingdom?

‘Of course I had to answer no. This caused some consternation and I again was asked the question, this time with the caveat that if I answered no the lady could not proceed with the renewal.’

When Mr Edge followed the inquiry up by email, he received the following response: ‘Because of the Reciprocal Health Agreement we can no longer offer travel insurance to the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.’

The Manx Independent contacted The AA for an explanation.

Ian Crowder, of The AA, said: ‘We have looked into this and I can confirm that so far as the underwriter for AA travel insurance is concerned, the Isle of Man is most definitely regarded as part of the UK (as is Jersey, Guernsey etc) for insurance purposes.

‘The information given to Mr Edge was wrong for which we sincerely apologise.

‘The adviser should have ticked ‘yes’ in the UK box right at the beginning, notwithstanding the fact that Mr Edge said that he was not a UK resident.’

He added: ‘The subsequent advice about the Reciprocal Health Agreement was also erroneous and we are looking at how such advice came to be provided. Suffice to say that the team have been in touch with Mr Edge to put his mind at rest and ensure that he can continue to be insured for the purposes of both his car and travel insurance.

‘And, I am very happy to say that Mr Edge has renewed his travel cover with of course a big apology and grateful thanks to him for his continuing faith in The AA.

‘We are making sure that other Isle of Man residents don’t come up with the same problem when buying AA insurance.’

The Isle of Man and UK governments signed a new Reciprocal Health Agreement in September 2010, but the terms of the agreement remained unchanged.

Under the agreement, Manx residents visiting the UK receive free NHS treatment if they become ill, apart from statutory charges which UK residents have to pay, such as prescription charges, and vice versa.

No payments for such treatment are made to the Isle of Man by the UK, nor by the UK to the Isle of Man.

Medical repatriation is not – and never has been – covered by the agreement. The cost of repatriation, if an air ambulance and medical team is required, could be as much as £20,000 from the UK.

PLANS to microchip household wheelie bins to reduce the burden on waste costs on the elderly and single people are being considered by town hall chiefs in Douglas.

The move comes as Douglas Council prepares to set its rate for the coming year at a crunch meeting on January 24.

Council leader David Christian said this budget would be one of the most challenging the authority has faced – and he warned there could be cuts to staff numbers and services as the borough battled to balance the books.

He said: ‘We’ve delivered 12 budgets now and I would certainly rank this one right up at the top. We’ve put many hours in trying to find ways to reduce the pain.’

The biggest impact on borough finances has been the announcement that the government is withdrawing its £5.7 million annual waste disposal subsidy, transferring the cost onto the rate payer.

A 64 per cent cut in the subsidy is set to be followed by further reductions until 2018, adding an average 10p on the rates each year.

It will cost Douglas Council an extra £287,000 in the coming year and will take the burden from the current £700,000 to £2.2 million by 2018.

Councillor Christian said the authority was doing all it can to minimise the rate increase in the coming and future years. ‘People are starting to feel real pain out there. Times are tough.’

He said one proposal being looked at was to microchip household bins so that you only pay for the domestic waste that you produce.

Commercial bins are already microchipped in the borough.

Vote on this issue using the web poll panel at the right of this story.

‘I believe that if you are paying a huge amount for waste disposal and you are producing very little then I don’t think that’s fair. It should be the principle of the user pays – you pay for what you put in the bin. If you have an elderly or single person living next door to a family of five why should they pay the same rate for their refuse? It’s a fair argument.’

Mr Christian said the borough engineer was looking at how much the initiative would cost but said the scheme would not be brought in this year.

One issue will be whether locks need to be put on the wheelie bins, as they are with the commercial bins, to stop abuse of the system – ie people dumping their rubbish in other people’s bins.

He said: ‘We need to weigh the costs up but I would argue we can’t afford not to do it. Obviously we want more people to recycle.’

An executive meeting of the council was held last Friday when officers and councillors poured over the estimates, capital schemes and reserves funds with a view to recommending a level for the rate.

Mr Christian said the authority had had to dip into its reserves over the last three to four years.

He said this time round, reductions in staff numbers and services had to be considered.

Douglas Corporation currently employs some 260 staff. The council leader said cutting this figure didn’t necessarily mean redundancies but the reduction could be achieved by not replacing those who take retirement.

This year, staff got a £400 lump sum pay award in line with Whitley Council manual workers but Mr Christian warned: ‘It could be this year there will be no pay award.’

• What do you think? Email {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im} or sign in to add your comment below.

HEALTH bosses are introducing emergency measures to cope with a shortage of dentists in the island.

The Department of Health says there has been a shortage of salaried dentists for a variety of reasons, including long-term sickness and repeated difficulties in recruitment, means that it will be necessary to delay routine checkups and treatment.

The current limited resources available will be used to provide urgent care and follow up.

At the same time, the department is looking at a number of options to resolve the problems.

These include alternative recruitment methods, the introduction of extended hours, employment of locum dentists and alternative ways of providing the service, for example by developing additional General Dental Practitioner services.

The changes will take place with immediate effect at the Hillside and Community Health Centre clinics in Douglas.

The Ramsey NHS clinic is not affected by these changes, nor are services for children or those patients with additional needs who attend the Community Dental Service.

The department expects the situation to improve over the short to medium term, so that routine check up and treatment appointments will start again.

Minister for Health, Mr David Anderson MHK, said: ‘The department is committed to solving the acute problems currently facing the Salaried Dental Service. These challenges are not simple to resolve but I would like to reassure patients that we are taking all possible measures to improve the situation.’

What will this mean for patients:

· The service will continue to see registered patients and those patients who do not have a dentist who have toothache or other dental problems

· Patients currently undergoing a course of treatment will have their treatment completed

· Children will continue to be seen for routine checkups and treatments

· Checkups and routine treatment for adult patients will be subject to delay.

PEEL’S rate for 2013-14 is to remain the same at 242 pence in the pound.

However, due to the Department of Infrastructure’s withdrawal of the waste disposal subsidy it means the commissioners have had to factor in an increased cost of £42,000 for the coming financial year.

The separate annual refuse charge for domestic properties, which covers the cost of the bin collection contract, the waste disposal charge at the Energy From Waste Plant and Peel’s contribution to the cost of running the Western Civic Amenity Site will have to increase significantly.

Therefore the current charge per dwelling per annum of £128.50 will increase to £152.00.

A MANX wedding cake could well be one of the best travelled confections ever after setting out from the Isle of Man and arriving, not only in time for a beach wedding in Hawaii, but making it in one piece.

The globe-trotting confection endured a journey of planes, trains and automobiles to arrive safely in time to nourish well-wishers as Sarah Williams and Spencer Arnold tied the knot on December 12.

As Sarah’s mother Ann was born in the Isle of Man and her mother and aunt – Audrey Kelly and Myra Kelly – still live here the pair decided on a Manx wedding cake, despite the logistical challenge of actually getting it there.

The 15-pound cake, made by local baker Allison Ratcliffe, took five flights, six car rides, three taxis, one train, two ferries and one light rail.

And 10,600 miles later, it arrived intact.

AGE Isle of Man is to open its new shop at the former Manx Electricity Authority Showroom in Station Road, Port Erin, at 10am on Monday, January 31.

The charity (formerly known as Age Concern) has run a shop, further along Station Road, in Port Erin, for almost 20 years and is well established in the village.

It said that its volunteer staff has done a ‘superb job’ keeping the rented shop going over a long period of time.

But in recent years the charity became short of space and the premises were much in need of refurbishment.

‘We were also paying a substantial rent,’ said George Quayle, chief executive officer of Age Isle of Man.

He said: ‘We were fortunate therefore as a charity to receive a substantial legacy just before the MEA closed down its retail outlets.

‘Our directors felt it was a sensible investment to make to buy the shop in the current financial climate.

‘As retailing provides us with a very important income stream, this move has ensured both our continued trading in Port Erin and the future sustainability of Age Isle of Man.’

The shop will continue to provide second hand and nearly new goods and information on Age Isle of Man.

Given the increased size of the store, they are keen to recruit more volunteers to help with its running.

Anyone interested in working in the new shop should contact Age Isle of Man, phone 631740, or visit the shop once it is open.

It was announced last April that the Manx Electricity Authority was to cease retail trading and close its five shrowrooms in Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown, Peel, and Port Erin.

MEA Showrooms had been selling electrical appliances on the island for several decades.

MEA said then: ‘However, as has been well publicised, retail across the British Isles has been significantly affected by the economic downturn and this has brought into question the MEA’s proposals to return the business to profitability.’

It added: ‘Following a full review of the entire retail operation, and despite the sterling efforts of the staff, the MEA Board has concluded that it is not possible to turn the business around from its current loss-making position.

‘The Council of Ministers has confirmed its agreement with this decision.’

It followed that the showrooms closed down and the now empty units have been sold by the government.

TIME is running out to join Isle of Man Newspapers’ campaign to protect the island’s lifeline ferry routes from over-intensive wind farm development in the Irish Sea.

Since we launched our ‘Don’t cut us off’ campaign in December, we have received 1,149 petition forms.

Our campaign received a welcome boost this week from Shoprite. They sent in more than 100 signed petition forms.

The deadline to send in your petition form is Friday.

We will then present them to developer Celtic Array – a joint venture between Centrica and Dong Energy – to show the strength of feeling on the issue.

We hope they will then abandon their plans for the North East wind farm development, which we believe would seriously jeopardise the island’s lifeline to the outside world.

The Manx government, the Steam Packet, the Chamber of Commerce and TravelWatch Isle of Man have expressed concerns the cumulative effect of the current and proposed wind farms, together with the Morecambe Bay gas field platforms, will present a very real threat to lifeline services and the Manx economy.

Concerns include a greater likelihood of cancelled/delayed sailings, particularly in bad weather, and increased journey times and costs.

{http://www2.iomtoday.co.uk/pdfs/DontCutUsOff.pdf|Get involved by downloading and filling in the petition form - click here.}

THE Church’s belief that sex should be confined to marriage is one of the issues at the heart of the gay bishops debate, the bishop of Sodor and Man has said.

Bishop Robert Paterson said because a civil partnership is not a marriage sex was precluded, in the eyes of the Church, within such a relationship, but he agreed that sometimes such debates could be in danger of obscuring more important issues.

‘The Christian standard is sex belongs within marriage and marriage is a heterosexual relationship by nature and if you are having sex outside marriage - gay or straight - you should not be an ordained person. Hence if you are in a civil partnership it should be sex-free.’

Because the legislators decided civil partnerships should be purely the preserve of same-sex couples and not available to couples of opposite sex, he said this had caused more complication because the inference was of a homosexual relationship.

‘It left us with a problem because there were vicars entering civil partnerships - many tell us they are not sexual but they are life-long friends. Some have no other family, for example, and they want the other to inherit when they die. In the Church of England we are not going to go too deeply into this,’ he said.

‘Certainly any of this talk of bishops spying in people’s bedrooms is just nonsense.’

But he said the position of bishops had required a slightly different approach.

‘It was thought the standards of a bishop should be more rigorous so it was thought we should raise the bar a little and say you cannot be considered for a bishop’s role because of the risk of a scandal to the Church.’

But by 2011 he said pressure was mounting on the Church so a commission was set up, which he chaired, to consider the matter.

‘Should we drop this extra bar to being a bishop and make it the same as for a vicar?

‘Our report was discussed last May by the bishops but there was no agreement and it was brought back to the December meeting of the House of Bishops - the senior Church of England Bishops. This time we decided on a very simple response.

‘The rules for ordinary priests should apply for bishop nominations too. Of course you choose a bishop for thousands of different reasons, but the fact of being in a civil partnership, as long as it follows the standard doctrinal reasoning of the Church of England will not stand in your way.’

On the matter of women bishops he said he felt many people’s response had been ‘‘for goodness’ sake come into the real world’’ but he said the gay bishop matter was perhaps different.

‘Christianity, Islam and Judaism - the Abrahamic faiths - share the same fundamental view of marriage, as a relationship between two people of the opposite sex and the gift of sex is something that belongs, at best, within marriage, so adultery or sleeping around or abuse of sex falls below that standard.

‘What I think they are all trying to say is it would be a mistake to drop that standard. We understand a lot more about same-sex sexuality now and we would be fools to ignore that, but at the same time we don’t want to ignore a good ethical ideal. Judaism has been established for 4,000 years so it would be re-writing that in fewer than 10 years.

‘It looks as if we are holding up the progress of history, but we shouldn’t be too quick to re-write the book.’

He warned of the inherent dangers of traditional family breakdown pointing out that unexpected problems sometimes manifested themselves several years down the line, but he added: ‘We are not very good sometimes at reading the signs of the times.’