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.