BBC News - Isle of Man government review to save money.
Many on the Isle of Man blame me for the fact they have a massive black hole in their government's budget.
I am entirely happy to accept the blame.
Now I note their prime minster, Mr Brown (not, not that Mr Brown - they have one too) has said:
Government is rising to the challenge of its revenue shortfall with a series of practical, co-ordinated and pragmatic measures.
There has to be a realisation at both political level and within the public sector that many difficult decisions will have to be made if we are to secure our extensive public services and secure employment within the public sector.
The solution is called tax.
I really recommend they try it.
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What’s that old tag about “shooting the messenger”?
I have just returned from a short break in the Isle of Mann, and was puzzled by what I considerd a contradication in their economy,on the one hand they have low taxation and offshore financial services,then on the other a large Public Sector where the majority of the people work. It’s Water, Electric, Transport and Social Housing are still Publicly owned. I thought how does a economy with low taxation support a large Public Sector, now I know the answer, it was subsidized by the us!
@john
It’s the ultimate definition of freeloading, isn’t it?
Mind you I did admire that they still believe Utilities should be Publicily owned and they never sold off their Council houses!
@john
Hard to believe they’re a bunch of lefties really!
Like I said a contradiction!
Many a true word……. Chief Minister Tony Brown would I am sure feel it a compliment to be labelled left wing. We also have “electricity board showrooms” competing with the private sector believe it or not as in Harold Wilson’s UK. Serious note though, Richard, you attack our business model and say we are heading for bankruptcy. Then you say we should “try tax”. According to your prediction, very soon there will be nothing to tax, or is that your hope?
John and Richard, there’s another very obvious reason why our system works – we are are a small population and although not perfect, our services are run fairly efficiently. Also, we don’t waste millions getting involved in wars and other nations’ affairs. I thought that you would have complimented us on that really.
Dear Freeborn Man, Define fairly efficiently please or it means nothing at all – and in doing so take into account that the Treasury Minister has just sought approval for a £12.5 m overspend on capital projects. Capital projects that contribute to the delivery of public services. As for your second comment I can see that the Manx Government does not spend millions in wars (presumably you are refering to Afghanistan). Manx soldiers fight in the British armed forces do they not, the same armed forces that secure your safety? Please take some time to read up on secrecy jurisdications and the effects on other nations affairs, it may enlighten you. You don’t have to look far – its all over the internet.
Nope, we don’t waste all that money on silly expensive wars like you lot in the UK do. There’s a lot you lot could learn from us. We are a peace loving country that looks after all it’s people very, very well, thank you. And most folk in the world like us.
Ibelin, by “efficiently”, I mean we don’t waste too much money on the employment of large numbers of “managers”, “liaison officers”, “development managers”, communications directors” and other non-jobs that are soaking up money that could be used to deliver important public services in the UK. By “fairly” I mean that there is still a lot of waste in the public sector here that needs to be addressed. And I don’t think privatising everything is the answer either – it hasn’t exactly been successful in the uk has it?
And yes I do mean Afghanistan and Iraq. And yes I know that many brave Manxmen serve in the British forces, and don’t forget that the IOM pays the MOD over £2m pa for “defence”. But tell me how Britains involvement in senseless wars guarantees my safety? The world doesn’t feel safer to me.
Just read in my son’s school newsletter that all swimming lessons for kids are cancelled due to VAT crisis. This is only the start I suppose. I’m sure you are very proud of yourself that you’re making such a difference in te world Richard.
@Freeborn Man
Pay more tax and you can have as many swimming lessons as you like
Freeborn Man, just as Stalin couldn’t make an omelette without breaking eggs, hardship caused to ordinary people (or their kids) doesn’t matter to Richard, as long as everyone and everything crumbles before his ideology. Richard is delighted that your child doesn’t get swimming lessons – see how eagerly he claims the credit for it at the top of the page!
@Gutbucket
What complete tosh
I want no child to go without
But I see no reason why a child in the UK should go without to subsidise a child in the IoM when the latter refuses to collect appropriate tax form a community more than able to pay for swimming lessons
And I see no reason why the UK should subsidise the Isle of Man to operate as a secrecy jurisdiction promoting the corruption that means that children in the developing world don’t just have swimming lessons – they die
By all means apologise for crime if you want to – I won’t