Politicians to debate removal of age limit on resettlement grant scheme

Proposed changes follow tribunal ruling deeming age restrictions unlawful

The Treasury Minister is set to move a motion in Tynwald which would allow all members who are voted out to claim up to six months' salary after their tenure is completed.

Dr Alex Allinson will ask politicians to approve an amendment to the Members of Tynwald (Resettlement Grant) Scheme 2018.

Currently, Tynwald Members who lose their seats and are under the age of 60 may apply for a resettlement grant equivalent to six months' salary.

The proposed changes follow a ruling from the Employment and Equality Tribunal, which found the scheme's age restrictions to be unlawful under the Equality Act 2017.

The tribunal ruled that the upper age limit, introduced to align with the transfer of members to the Isle of Man Government Unified Scheme, constitutes age discrimination.

The Treasury’s suggested amendments would remove the age restriction ensuring all former members are eligible to claim the grant regardless of age.

Treasury has emphasised the changes would aim to maintain cost neutrality in line with the overarching policy for Tynwald members' payments.

While removing the age limit is expected to increase the number of Members eligible for the grant, the amendments are designed to comply with the legal requirement for equal treatment and provide a statutory basis for future claims.

Members of the House of Keys are paid £75,907 per annum and Legislative Council members receive £71,659 per annum, meaning six months worth equates to £37,953.5 and £35,829.5 respectively.

The motion is expected to be debated in an upcoming sitting of Tynwald.