Isle of Man meetings to discuss government cuts

A series of public meetings allowing people to discuss the Isle of Man government's plans for cuts have been arranged in the Isle of Man.

It is hoped the events will generate debate on government plans to to save £35m over the next year.

The first of the meetings, which will be held across the island, will be at the Manx Museum on 28 March.

Chief Minister Allan Bell said it was all part of his promise to promote a transparent government.

He added: "The budget spelt out the very challenging targets that government has to meet in order to stay on track with our strategy for rebalancing public finances.

"I said at the beginning of the year that the road ahead would be difficult and some of our decisions would not be popular or easy to accept- the community meetings will provide an opportunity for local people to question ministers and to discuss the direction of travel of this administration."

The first meeting will be chaired by the chief minister and attended by members of the Council of Ministers.