Updated Manx economic plan faces criticism

Government hopes to grow the population to 100,000 by 2037

An update on the Isle of Man's economic strategy has not recognised the needs of "real people", an MHK has said.

Concerns were raised in Tynwald as politicians debated a snapshot report on the 10 to 15-year plan, which was launched in November 2022.

Tim Glover MHK said the report described a "fantasy island" and did not reflect "real issues", such as food bank use and long hospital waiting lists.

But Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said the review was a "story of resilience".

The report said job opportunities had risen by 3% since November 2022 with 1,500 new roles, and there was a "general trend of population growth".

During the January sitting of Tynwald, politicians questioned why affordable housing had been excluded from Island Infrastructure Scheme developments, how job vacancies were being filled, and how data had been gathered.

Urging the Chief Minister for clarity, Claire Christian MHK said the report felt like "government spin" as it did not feature the "balance" of potential risks and setbacks, and their associated costs.

'Lack of strategy'

Meanwhile there were also comments made about the plan to close the Southern Swimming Pool.

Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood said there was "a distinct lack of strategy around a government that proposes closing down facilities".

She said she could not back a plan "that prioritises subventions to private developers over subventions to community assets that are so needed by our communities".

Supporting the update, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson said it showed "significant initial success and forward momentum that will take us through the next decade".

Mr Cannan said he "accepted the challenge" to "deliver a clearer steer" on how the data was collated.

But he said the strategy was about the creation of jobs, increasing government revenue, and was "improving the lives" of residents "in so many ways".

Despite some opposition in protest over the proposed pool closure, the report was received by parliament.