Isle of Man government restructure cost £95,000

The cost of overhauling the Isle of Man government is less than £95,000 so far, chief minister Tony Brown has said.

The figure was revealed in Tynwald on Tuesday - the first sitting since the summer - in response to a question from David Cannan, Michael MHK.

Departments were restructured in April in what was described as the biggest ever shake-up of Manx government.

Mr Cannan said he was "amazed" by the figure, which Mr Brown described as the cost "to date".

All government departments had adhered to the instruction to keep costs to a minimum, Tynwald was told.

Ongoing costs

"I can confirm that costs, such as replacing signage and vehicle livery, are only being undertaken when necessary, when they would have to be done, regardless of the restructuring, through ordinary wear and tear," said Mr Brown.

"Departments are endeavouring to replace such items as required and as resources allow. Therefore, I am advised that the total expenditure to date resulting from the restructuring of government is identified as being less than £95,000."

Mr Brown said this was the figure to date and admitted there would still be "ongoing costs".

He added: "I think the point that matters is that the aim is to try and keep those costs to a minimum, whilst ensuring we provide the public services that the people of the Isle of Man want and need, and also ensuring that our staff work in appropriate conditions, sir."