Net-zero, Tesco takeover and possible removal of tax cap on Tynwald agenda

Last sitting of the court in 2024

Net-zero targets, Tesco’s takeover of Shoprite and the possibility of removing the tax cap will all be under the spotlight in the last sitting of Tynwald for 2024.

The December meeting gets underway at 10am today (10 December).

Twenty-two questions have been tabled by the Island’s politicians including three ‘starred’ or priority questions.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse wants to know what insights the government acquired in light of the retail giant’s acquisition of Shoprite stores.

The chief minister will be quizzed on assisted dying and there will be more questions about the cost of a hydrocarbon licence granted to Crogga.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper will ask the chief minister for more details about the role of the new Minister without Portfolio.

He’s also tabled a question for the Cabinet Office Minister about the success of the Digital Strategy.

Onchan’s Julie Edge wants to know how much Manx Telecom has been paid to lay fibre broadband and the number of government employees who are working remotely off the Island.

There will also be further questions about the resurfacing of an estate in the south of the Island, helicopter rescues and infrastructure within the government estate which could be used for future development.

You can find the full question paper HERE.

The Department of Infrastructure’s department plan will be laid before the court as will Manx Utilities Pricing Review as well as a proposed pricing strategy for the next five years

The Housing and Communities Board Policy Response to the Objective Assessment of Housing Need will also be discussed.

Middle MHK Stu Peters will also try and gain support for an urgent review of all net-zero targets and budgets with the aim of ‘strengthening the wider Manx economy for the benefit of all residents’.

And Mr Hooper will also move three motions calling for a 20 percent rate of personal Income Tax, cessation of the tax cap and the removal of the age cap on National Insurance.

You can find the full order paper HERE.

Tynwald will sit from 10am. You can listen live via Manx Radio’s AM 1368 frequency or online HERE.