Chief Minister Howard Quayle gave a state of the nation speech in Tynwald as he unveiled the framework for a Programme for Government.
Insisting the ‘bedrock on which we build a new future for our island is solid’, he outlined a range of measures to encourage economic growth – including action on work permits, utility charges, planning and education.
The sewerage rate had been due to go up by about 33 per cent, an average of £50, next year but will now increase by inflation only.
Mr Quayle told Tynwald he was also looking for reform of the telecoms infrastructure, pre-school education and the benefits system.
There will be proposals to expand the range of work permit exemptions in response to skills shortages that are hindering business expansion.
The next sewerage rate increase will be restricted to inflation only and the Manx Utilities Authority will be asked to consider a similar approach for water and electricity costs.
Work to reform the planning system will aim to achieve ‘substantial progress’ within the next 18 months. Mr Quayle said growth should not come at any cost, but there was a consensus that the current system ‘is not responsive enough.’
A new strategy for lifelong learning is to be developed, ‘which will ensure our people are able to get the skills they need, when they need them, ready for the workplace of the future.’
Recommendations for improvement to telecoms and internet provision are to be progressed, including a more active role for the Communications Commission in monitoring pricing and quality.
The Chief Minister said there was inconsistent pre-school provision across the island, and the system needed urgent overhaul. ‘I want to ensure that all our children are receiving the best start in life’, he told Tynwald.
Finally, he said reform of the benefits system to be intensified and policy work on needs and means testing to be completed in the first year of the administration. Mr Quayle said the system should provide ‘a truly tailored package of care for those who need it most’ but at no additional cost.
The planned freeze in the sewerage rate had earlier in the Tynwald sitting been announced by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan.
Mr Cannan said the Manx Utility Authority’s strategy has been based on a long term financial plan whose primary objective was to pay its outstanding debt which amounts £570m.
He said given changes in economic circumstances he was commissioning an independent review, led by Treasury.
in the meantime the sewerage rate will rise by inflation only and a motion on this will be brought to the December Tynwald. The water rate will also increase in line with inflation. Electricty tariffs for 2017-18 will be considered in January.