Peel’s sewerage scheme has received a boost with funding for preliminary design work being announced in this year’s budget by Treasury Minister, Eddie Teare.

The town’s MHK Ray Harmer said: ‘This is good news after many have been working for a long time to see this vital facility become a reality.

‘Manx Utilities have confirmed that an environmental report and a traffic assessment have been commissioned.

‘They expect to complete these studies shortly. Manx Utilities have also confirmed their commitment to finishing the sewage works in 2019.

In his budget Mr Teare said: ‘The largest scheme for next year will be the completion of the phase 1 regional sewerage treatment programme, costing some £11 million.

‘I have previously reported that capital costs have fallen substantially below previous estimates for the development and modernisation of this programme, which will help to alleviate the burden on both ratepayers and taxpayers alike.

‘Following representations from the Honourable Member for Peel, Mr Harmer, I have brought forward funding for the preliminary design work on the new sewerage scheme for the town. I hope that this will lead to the resolution of a long-standing problem.’

Peel currently pumps out ‘untreated effluent’ into the bay, which has outraged residents and the commissioners, especially as they are required to pay the ‘toilet tax’.

A new team will be overseeing medical services for motor racing events in the island, starting with this year’s TT races in June.

Manx Roadracing Medical Services, appointed after a tendering process by the goverment’s Department of Economic Development, will be providing services not just for the TT but for the Manx Grand Prix, Classic TT, as well as the Southern 100 races in July and the Pre-TT classic and Post TT races.

The new organisation will be headed by island GP Dr Gruff Evans and will take over from Dr David Stevens, who is stepping down after nearly 40 years providing cover for the island’s motorsport events.

Dr Evans has been providing medical services to motorsport events for 15 years both in the Isle of Man and in the UK and has been involved with the TT and MGP since 2002.

Completing the new team will be Dr Gareth Davies and Dr Sally Simmons. Dr Davies has provided medical services for the TT and MGP for more than 20 years and is a consultant in emergency medicine at the Royal London Hospital. He is also a medical director of London’s air ambulance.

Dr Simmons is a GP in Devon and is an ex military doctor. She has been providing medical services for road racing in the island since 2013 and will be chief medical officer for all racing on the Billown course. All three have already worked as senior medical oficers at the TT and MGP.

Dr Evans said: ‘We will look forward to working in partnership with experienced individuals and organisations based both on and off island in order to ensure that the high standards that David set over his 30-plus years are maintained.’

The new organisation will continue to work in partnership with other support services such as Hogg Motorsport, the Rob Vine Fund, St John Ambulance and Red Cross.

David Cretney MLC thanked Dr Stevens for his contribution, saying: ‘His commitment and professionalism have elevated the service that we provide to another level.’

Douglas was flying a flag for the Commonwealth yesterday (Monday) in support of communities across the Commonwealth who were supporting Commonwealth Day 2016.

Douglas mayor Councillor Sara Hackman performed the ceremonial raising of the flag in the public garden area on the corner of Lord Street and Lower Ridgeway street, near to the town hall.

The mayor was joined for the 10am ceremony by council members and council officers for a reading of the Commonwealth affirmation which outlines the commitment of member nations.

Each year, commonwealth day has a particular theme and the one for this year is An Inclusive Commonwealth. The intention is to celebrate the diversity of the commonwealth family of nations and plays an important part in promoting the continuing relevance of the commonwealth in a changing world.

Monday’s ceremony was reflected in more than 850 other locations around the globe, where ceremonies were held throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK overseas territories and Commonwealth countries.

The flag raising ceremony has become a tradition over the three years it has been done, and it serves as a collective public acknowledgement of the commonwealth’s focus on upholding shared values and principles of human rights, democracy, tolerance and mutual understanding.

Joining Douglas in celebrating the day were communities in the Antarctic Peninsula, Belize, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Tonga and Tristan Da Cunha, not to mention England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In London, the day was marked with a special commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey.

The day is celebrated on the second Monday of each March and is seen as an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and commonwealth values as well as the work of various commonwealth organisations.

Previous themes include diversity, music and sport.

Successful women from all walks of life will be taking part in a week of activities as part of a scheme that inspires young people to fulfil their potential.

Inspiring the Future, which connects students with the world of work, is holding Inspiring Women week in the island next week (March 21 to 24).

Inspiring the Future’s Inspiring Women campaign connects up women with schools across Britain. Politicians, TV personalities, writers, pop stars and sports personalities have taken part.

RGS head teacher Annette Baker, the local organiser of Inspiring the Future, said: ‘We hope it will achieve the objectives of dismantling career-limiting stereotypes held by both sexes and open girls’ eyes to a vast range of career options they might not have considered.’

Castle Rushen High School will host a football match on the Monday between the island women’s side and an under-21s’ side, organised by the charitable foundation The Global Community and Sport Foundation and the Isle of Man Football Association.

Taking part will be Everton and England footballer Jenna Dear.

Amy Beggs-Cairney, women’s and girls’ football development officer with the IoM FA, will visit primary schools to talk about her work.

Women from a variety of professions will take part in a speed dating-style event at Ramsey Grammar School (RGS) to help Year 9 students with their exam options.

The event will be opened by Tynwald President Clare Christian, and will be attended by speakers participating in the island’s inaugural Diversity Conference the previous day, including Dr Fiona Bartels-Ellis OBE of the British Council and ITV’s diversity and inclusion manager, Miranda Wayland.

RGS will host assemblies on careers in petroleums and the armed forces while Helen Butters, one quarter of Yorkshire Rows, the all-women team that rowed the Atlantic Ocean in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, will speak to students at Ballakermeen High School.

Castle Rushen will host a Diversity Day, with Year 9 students participating in activities that challenge stereotyping and foster an understanding of diversity.

www.inspiringthefuture.org/regional-partners/

Health and social care professionals in the island will once again take part in Nutrition and Hydration Week.

The annual campaign runs until Sunday (March 20) and aims to highlight the importance and benefits of drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy nutritious food.

Activities during the week are being led by Isle of Man dietitians who assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems.

Dietitians will work together with the Live at Home Scheme, attending events across the island to talk to volunteers and users of the scheme to raise awareness of nutrition and hydration issues.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said: ‘Despite the advances in medical science over recent decades, good hydration and nutrition remain the bedrock of good health and wellbeing.

‘It’s important that we get the basics of eating and drinking right; both as individuals taking responsibility for our own health and as a department providing care for vulnerable people.’

Visit www.nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk for more information.

The Isle of Man Government has struck a new VAT deal with the UK.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK has this morning informed Tynwald that a new agreement has been reached involving a revision of the formula that governs the sharing of joint indirect tax revenues under the 1979 Customs & Excise Agreement.

When the UK revised its VAT-sharing agreement with the Isle of Man, the move led to an estimated reduction in income of £200m.

Mr Teare and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury of the United Kingdom David Gauke signed the new arrangements in London on March 2.

Minister Teare said: ‘The new formula, which is largely based around final expenditure by households, is intended to give the Isle of Man the revenue due to it from the consumption of goods and services in the island whether purchased on or off the island, including via the internet.’

A statement from government released at 11am said: ‘Both the Isle of Man and United Kingdom Governments recognise the good working relationship that has developed during the revenue sharing negotiations and believe that the new formula provides a stable and secure basis for the long term future of the Customs and Excise Agreement between the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man.’

‘A separate stand-alone document describing how the new Final Expenditure Revenue Sharing Arrangement (FERSA) will work in practice is to be produced by the Isle of Man Treasury, which once agreed with HM Treasury will be made public.’

Under the new deal, the island’s share of VAT will increase by £2.7m for 2013/14, £7m for 2014/15 and an extra £11.8m in the current year.

Drink-drive MLC Tony Wild has ‘unreservedly apologised’ to Tynwald but said it is his ‘heartfelt desire’ to carry on his LegCo role.

In a personal statement, he said his wish to step down immediately from his political membership of the DHSC had been accepted by the Chief Minister.

He said he deeply regretted the time it has taken for him to express his remorse but the delay had been due to legal and medical advice.

He told the court: ‘I unreservedly apologise to Tynwald court, the community of the Isle of Man, friends, colleagues and my family.

‘I am ashamed about my conduct and totally accept the findings and sentencing of the court. This has been a distressing time for many people, not just me - and all as a result of my actions. No one is to blame but me.’

He acknowledged there will be some ‘justifiable anger and disappointment’ out there in the community at his desire to remain as an MLC.

But he added: ‘It is my very strong desire to continue in my role as a member of the Legislative Council and it is my hope that our tolerant society will accept that a momentarily flawed individual made a serious mistake.’

Mr Wild was arrested for drink-driving in December after being stopped in Laxey and failing a breathalyser test.

He was more than three times the legal limit.

In February, he was sentenced to 180 hours community service, as a direct alternative to eight weeks’ custody.

He was also banned from driving for five years and must not buy alcohol for 12 months.

Mr Wild told Tynwald that in his court hearing mention was made of ‘certain medical conditions’. He told members he would not elaborate on this other than ‘these are personal, under control and I have the necessary support’.

He told the court: ‘I plan 100 per cent to learn from this life experience - let it guide me and renew my determination to make a positive difference. This is what I have always done in both my roles in Tynwald and career.

‘I will spend the rest of my public life delivering as many positive actions that I can from this experience.’

The second cohort of prospective Manx Grand Prix newcomers arrived on Friday for a familiarisation weekend.

The visit had a truly international flavour this time with aspiring racers making the trip from America, Spain and France, as well as the UK, along with a few locals too.

Around 25 assembled to travel laps of the course by car, along with experienced Mountain Course racers who explained the finer points of completing a safe and competitive lap.

The riders had the chance to complete around six laps, each time with a different guide, which proved invaluable despite thick fog on the mountain section of the course reducing visibility to a few yards in places. Fortunately further laps on Sunday were blessed with glorious sunshine.

Information was also provided on suspension set up in a special talk at the Hydro Hotel by AGR Racing and on Sunday visitors were given an insight into pit lane and refuelling procedures.

After completing Saturday’s laps, the visitors were given a short talk on bike preparation from the event’s chief scrutineer Peter Maddox.

Chairman of the Manx Motor Cycle Club, which organises the races, Harvey Garton welcomed the riders.

‘This weekend really focuses on two objectives,’ he told them.

‘For those of you who have never been here before, it gives you the chance to decide if this is really what you want to do. If it’s not, you can make the decision before you spend the money in August.

‘Secondly, by the end of tomorrow, your heads will be crammed with information which will start to all make sense when you are watching the on-board DVDs.’

Savvas Kosmidis, originally from Greece but now living in Denver resigned from his job and became an estate agent, so he could come and race here in August.

‘They refused to let me take the time off so I left,’ he said.

‘It’s been a great day: a unique experience. It’s unlike anywhere I’ve been in the world.’

Raul Torras Martinez, a traffic policeman from Spain, was on his second visit - his first was in January: ‘It’s been a great experience learning some of the secrets of riding the course,’ he said.

The course is now compulsory for all newcomers.

The manager of the government’s new £50m Enterprise Development Scheme has been appointed.

SPARK Impact has been selected, subject to regulatory and contractual confirmation, to run the accelerator and relocator elements of the scheme approved by Tynwald in October last year.

The EDS will provide grant, loan and equity investment to eligible businesses that are creating jobs on the island.

This support will be available to a wide range of businesses including new start-ups, existing expanding businesses and businesses wishing to relocate to the island.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘The Enterprise Development Scheme is a vital part of our strategy for nurturing local talent and creating more jobs for Isle of Man workers.

‘The scheme covers three key areas of business growth offering the opportunity for people to start, grow and relocate their business to the Isle of Man and further grow our island’s economy.

‘I am delighted that SPARK Impact will take forward the accelerator and relocator elements of the scheme. We already have a number of proposals in the pipeline and should begin to see real developments over the summer months. I would also like to thank all other bidders for some excellent submissions.’

Andy Round, investment director at SPARK Impact, said: ‘We are looking forward to working with the DED and the wider Isle of Man business community to make sure the scheme is a great success.

‘Our extensive experience in early-stage investment and venture capital will ensure the EDS accelerator and relocator elements work effectively for investment on the Isle of Man.’

UK-based SPARK Impact is an experienced investment group and specialist in early stage venture capital, particularly in the field of biomed. It currently manages investment funds totalling £150m.

Mr Skelly said the contract was for five years with a fees structure based on commission for delivering successful investments.

He said the EDS was expected to be self-financing.

There have been 136 inquiries so far for the scheme and applications for funds have been ‘stacking up’ said the Minister, with most seeking start-up grants.

The age of eligibility for start-up grants of up to £5,000 for micro-businesses has been lowered to 16. Small business start-ups can secure grants of up to £25,000 for research and development.

UK banking groups are drawing up detailed plans on how they are to restructure their operations in the island.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare was quizzed in the House of Keys over what action his department would take to address issues raised by the recent Vickers report.

The Vickers report, commissioned in the wake of the 2008 global banking crisis, recommends the ring-fencing of UK banks’ retail arms from their investment banking and corporate finance activities.

These changes affect only the largest banking groups worth £25bn.

But Mr Teare, replying to a question from Peter Karran (LibVan, Onchan) told the Keys: ‘Critically, some of these have a presence in the Isle of Man and the other Crown Dependencies, namely Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Bank, HSBC and Santander UK.

‘A ring-fenced UK bank – or a ring-fenced group – will not be permitted to operate a banking subsidiary or branch outside the EEA. Therefore, a UK ring-fenced bank is not permitted to have a branch or subsidiary in the Isle of Man, or indeed other Crown Dependencies.

‘This means local operations of the banking groups will be part of the non-ringfenced divisions of those groups.’

Mr Teare said the individual banking groups affected have continued to develop and refine their plans, and submitted near-final ones to the UK regulator at the end of January.

He added: ‘The Financial Services Authority is now receiving more detailed information on how the banking groups plan to structure their operations locally, and will be working with each group over the next two to three years. At this stage, the final structure is not known.’

Mr Karran asked whether the proposed changes would expose banks in the island to do more towards the Depositors’ Compensation Scheme.

Mr Teare said a way forward for the DCS could not be worked out until the new structure of the banks in the island is known.

Leading local IT firm, TechCentre is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month.

Founded by Chris Naylor in 2001 and joined shortly after by David Keating, the two directors have taken the company from strength to strength and firmly established TechCentre as one of the island’s leading IT support providers.

TechCentre, based in Woodbourne Lane, Douglas, has developed a strong reputation for the provision of bespoke, tailored IT solutions geared to a client’s individual requirements.

With a client list ranging from SME’s to large corporations, they work closely with their clients to ensure their businesses are running as cost effectively and efficiently as possible.

In 2013 TechCentre expanded their reach, branching out into providing data cabling solutions across the island, UK and around the world.

The qualified team of Krone authorised installers specialise in copper (CAT 6 and beyond) and fibre installation, data centre cabling infrastructure, cold aisle containment and much more.

Examples of some of the team’s work can be found on their website – www.tdc.co.im

The 15 year anniversary also marks the launch of the latest addition to the TechCentre group – TechCentre Communications.

TechCentre Communications has been created to provide business phone systems and services to companies across the Isle of Man and further afield.

The company will initially focus on offering all the aspects of standard business phone systems along with a vast amount of extra services at a very competitive price.

Managing director, David Keating said: ‘We are extremely proud to be celebrating our 15 year anniversary and very excited about the launch of our new venture.

‘The company has grown tremendously since day one, however we are still as customer focused as ever and are determined to continue providing the high service standards our clients have come to expect’.

For more information, visit www.techcentre.co.im or call 66 58 59.

The last of a series of social evenings for TT marshals is to be held in three weeks’ time.

The evening takes place on April 6 at the Tynwald Inn at St John’s and starts at 7pm. The TT Marshals’ Association will welcome all existing or potential marshals wanting to attend.

Anyone wishing to go along should, however, let the marshals’ office know by email or by telephoning 618191.

Suitable sites in Port Erin for ‘glamping’ are being investigated by the local authority.

Initially commissioners had considered Breagle Glen – with car parking, services and a cafe - could be a suitable place.

Commissioners’ clerk Jason Roberts wrote to residents in neighbouring properties about the idea.

He said they had a mixed response, two said it was ‘excellent’, three thought it was ‘good in principle but they had concerns’, three were opposed.

At last Tuesday’s meeting, Godfrey Egee, Gerry Callister and Barbara Guy agreed the idea of glamping is good, but the glen is the wrong place.

Phil Crellin pointed out in these ‘cash strapped’ times it is ‘incumbent’ on local authorities to find sources of income and make money.

He also expressed his disappointment in commissioners who previously supported the scheme and had changed their minds.

The authority decided to investigate alternative sites.

- Breagle Glen is also being considered as a place for light industrial units.

Mr Roberts wrote to residents in neighbouring properties asking for their response to the idea and the response showed there are concerns..
Mr Crellin said that residents need more information. Businesses síted there could employ nine people.

Steve George was ‘sympathetic’ to their concerns. He pointed out units would be better than what is the unused land that is there now. He suggested they draw up a more detailed plan.

Commissioners’ chairman Nick Watterson said local authorities need to identify income opportunities.
Mr Egee proposed they develop a solution and address the concerns raised by residents. The units would go in a ‘dead area’ and this idea requires ‘further investigation’.

He was seconded by Mr George.

The Isle of Man Special Constabulary is holding drop-in recruiting sessions around the island .

The sessions will take place on: Saturday, March 26, from 11am until 1pm at the Bowling Green Cafe in Castletown; Tuesday, March 29, from 5pm until 7pm at the House of Manannan in Peel; Thursday, March 31, from 5pm until 7pm at Ramsey Town Hall; and Friday, April 8, from 10.30am until 4pm at the Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas.

Special Constabulary chief officer Dean Johnson said: ‘It is an exciting opportunity for anyone wishing to experience life as a police officer as well as directly helping their community.’

The recruitment campaign is the brainchild of special superintendent, Sonia Rowe and fellow special superintendent Ian Horsey.

Sonia said: ‘It will give people a much better opportunity to find out what we really do and to hear first-hand from our officers how they balance the role of a volunteer police officer with their various day jobs and thus hopefully inspire people to join our team.’

Sergeant Paul Kemp, staff development manager, said: ‘We are looking for recruits with people skills and life skills. You may be in your 40s and think you have no relevant experience from your job or school, but it is life skills we are looking for.

‘Initial duties will involve going out in Douglas and being mentored by an experienced officer.

‘Further down the road we have specials in the traffic department doing driving courses with opportunities to improve your driving, and some involved in warrants.

‘The main message is that we’re not just looking for people to come into the regular police force but people who can spare time to volunteer and give something to the community.’

Sergeant Kemp added that special constables have the same powers as police constables and that training will involve five weekends covering law and legislation.

There will also be personal safety and first aid training to the same standard as regular police officers.

Application forms are available to download from.iompolice.im

The sensitive subject of abortion funding will be the subject of a public meeting in Douglas next week.

Mara Clarke, director of the Abortion Support Network, has been invited by the Freethinkers and Positive Action Group to give a presentation at the Manx Legion Club in Market Hill on Monday (March 21) starting at 7.30pm.

The Abortion Support Network helps women from Ireland, Northern Ireland and sometimes the Isle of Man to travel to England to access safe and legal abortions. These must be paid for privately and are not available on the NHS. The cost can be between £400 and £2,000.

The network, a charity of 50-plus volunteers, provides confidential, practical and non-judgemental advice to anyone. It believes it is important and morally right to provide such a service for women.

Dr Alex Allinson, president of the IOM Medical Society, will at the meeting to explain the current Isle of Man medical position.

Manx law allows terminations up to 24 weeks where it is necessary to preserve the woman’s life, the foetus is unlikely to survive or is seriously handicapped. A single figure number of terminations is carried out here each year.

Island GPs say they ‘completely support’ controversial fitness-to-work tests for those on sickness benefit.

In a letter to Tynwald members, Dr Alex Allinson, chairman of the GP sub-committee of the Isle of Man Medical Society, said there are a large number of people in the island who would benefit from returning to work after a period of illness or disability.

Dr Allinson wrote: ‘GPs on the Isle of Man completely support the Treasury department in carrying out personal capability assessments on their patients.

‘GPs recognise that the longer a person is out of work, the harder it is for them to return to employment.

‘Long-term unemployment adversely affects a person’s mental and physical health as well as their ability to look after themselves and their family financially.’

The letter was circulated to Tynwald members at a presentation organised last week on the work of Dependability Ltd, the UK company commissioned in 2014 to carry out the personal capability assessments for an estimated 3,000 invalidity benefit claimants over the next three years.

Concerns have been expressed about the methods they use after it emerged that half of all appeals have been upheld.

At the presentation, it was confirmed the Treasury’s social security division had looked into a total of eight cases raised by Tynwald members, the majority relating to long-term claimants.

But of those eight, in seven cases the claimant’s GP was of the opinion that work would be of benefit to their patient while in the eighth case, the GP had no view one way or the other.

Following an in-depth review into each of the cases, it was not considered necessary to change any of the decisions,

A lot of detail in the case files was not available to the Tynwald members who had raised concerns.

Douglas South MHK and LibVan leader Kate Beecroft last month tabled a motion calling for the social affairs policy review committee to examine and report back on the Dependability contract. This was adjourned and will now be debated at this week’s sitting of the court.

At the end of January this year, out of 636 face-to-face assessments, only 4 per cent have gone to appeal, half of which were upheld. Fifteen of the 16 appeals related to long-term claimants.

Officers giving the presentation denied the process is unfair and is about forcing people off benefit and saving money. They insisted the process is open and transparent and is about being on the right benefit. They said that transferring claimants onto income-based benefits costs the same.

But they have agreed to make some improvements including the need to improve support for those affected by any changes.

They also accepted that it can be a shock for people who have been on indefinite incapacity benefit to now have periodic assessments.

Up to 3,500 households – nearly a 10th of the total – are currently in fuel poverty.

That’s the shocking finding of a report by the Cabinet Office’s economic affairs section.

Depending on the definition used, it found that between 3,100 and 3,500 island households can be considered to be in fuel poverty.

It found that we spend about 40 per cent more on fuel than in the UK and the poorest 10 per cent of households spend around 14 per cent more.

But levels of fuel poverty are lower than in the UK as higher levels of income and benefits more than offset the extra cost.

The report also uncovered evidence of under-spending on fuel by the poorest 10 per cent of households.

Chief Minister Allan Bell said the figures were a concern in what comparatively speaking is a wealthy island - but insisted there were no simple solutions.

He said: ‘The figures indicated that levels of fuel poverty are less than the UK average so on the one hand it is not altogether surprising. But it is still concerning that we have the level of problem we have and it is not an easy one to address.’

Mr Bell said improving insulation in homes is one step that government can take in the medium term.

He said those in fuel poverty were in many cases on low incomes trapped in poor quality accommodation which isn’t well insulated.

Mr Bell said that while oil prices have fallen, gas and electricity prices have not followed suit but he said government was limited in what it can do to intervene. He fully accepted that increased government charges have put pressure on household incomes.

The new report uses two definitions of fuel poverty.

Defining it as households which receive below 60 per cent of the median income and spend more than the median amount on fuel, it estimated that 9.9 per cent of island households - some 3,525 - fall into that category.

Another definition identifies households which spend more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel, estimated to apply to 8.7 per cent of island households, a total of 3,100. This is down from 16.6 per cent in 2013. With the island having a greater reliance on oil to heat homes, the drop in oil prices since 2013 has dramatically reduced the number in fuel poverty.

Depending on the definition used, between 10.4 and 12 per cent of households in England were in fuel poverty in 2013.

Policy and Reform Minister John Shimmin MHK said: ‘We realise that short term solutions will not bring about lasting change. We are fortunate that oil prices are currently low, but when they increase again, the numbers in fuel poverty will increase once more.

‘The right solution is therefore to reduce the need for heating by improving insulation. Older properties in particular cost more to heat and should be a priority for such insulation work.’

Mr Shimmin said Cabinet Office will work with housing staff, Social Security, and Health and Social Care to identify those most at risk of fuel poverty. He said the focus would be on targeting the most vulnerable in society, especially the elderly and disabled.

The report finds that the average spend on fuel per household is currently £1,920 a year, up from £1,299 in 2006-7 but down from £2,282 in 2013. Those living in old properties may pay £150 a year more while those in newer homes would pay £75 a year less.

Mr Bell said he believed government fees and charges had reached a limit.

But there’s been yet more pressure placed on household incomes with electricity bills, water rates and the sewage charge all going up this year.

Manx Gas also come under fire for lowering tariffs but hiking the standing charge.

While electricity and coal prices have increases, the cost of fuel oil has fallen dramatically to 42.52p a litre, down from 66.5p a litre in 2013.

A day-long conference aimed at encouraging businesses to relocate to the island has been announed.

British Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy will be among the guest speakers.

The Department of Economic Development will be hosting the inaugural Islexpo conference ‘to support innovation and entrepreneurialism on the Isle of Man.’

The one-day conference will take place at the Villa Marina, Douglas, on Wednesday, May 25 and will be preceded by a corporate gala dinner the night before.

According to the organisers the conference is free to attend and is ‘aimed at inspiring and developing local enterprise and encouraging businesses to relocate to the island.’

Economic development minister Laurence Skelly MHK, said: ‘Islexpo will be a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable advice from world class speakers, including Sir Chris Hoy MBE, as well as receive hands-on training from the likes of Google Digital Garage.

‘The event is an important part of the Department’s strategy to support local businesses by providing the guidance and opportunities for new start-ups and entrepreneurs to flourish.

‘The event is set to kick start the Department’s £50 million Enterprise Development Scheme and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of the Isle of Man.

‘I would encourage local businesses and their employees to attend and learn more about the opportunities for business growth and skills development available on the Isle of Man.’

The event will consist of lively presentations, informed panel discussions, practical workshops, interactive demos and much more, all aimed at accelerating the Isle of Man economy. Both on and off-island visitors are expected to attend the event which will further position the Isle of Man as a progressive centre for international commerce.

Local events and marketing company Revel are co-ordinating the event.

This week’s Isle of Man Courier is available to read as an emagazine.

The papers are being delivered to almost 40,000 homes and businesses around the island today (Friday).

But we know many of our readers want to get access to the latest news and sport plus jobs, property and motors adverts as soon as possible.

Click this link and follow the simple instructions to turn pages and zoom in and out: Isle of Man Courier, March 11, 2016

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Firefighters were called to a house fire in Cronk Grainagh estate, Braddan just after 11pm on Tuesday.

The occupants were woken by their smoke detector after a dish washer in the kitchen caught fire.

They were call emergency services and safely evacuated the property with their pets.

On arrival the first appliance found the building heavily smoke logged, before two firefighters used a high pressure hose reel to extinguished the blaze. .

The fire was confined to the kitchen area and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

Crews were in attendance for about 40 minutes.