Updated Island Plan wins backing despite Cannan admitting it needs 'more finesse'

'Redefined' priorities brought to Tynwald

Government’s updated Island Plan has been steered through Tynwald despite the chief minister himself admitting it needed ‘more finesse’.

Alfred Cannan didn’t have the smoothest of journeys bringing it over the line yesterday (19 March) with the number of politicians voting against it up from two years ago.

The Original

In 2022 Mr Cannan’s administration set out a vision to create 5,000 new jobs, a £10 billion economy and a population of 100,000 in 10-15 years.

He also claimed that by 2026 government would have filled 1,800 new jobs, welcomed 2,500 residents and occupied 1,000 new homes.

This was on top of improving health outcomes, delivering a new quality assurance scheme for education, developing two brownfield sites and increasing income by £75 million.

In addition 20MW of onshore renewable electricity was also forecast.

You can find the original document HERE.

Current Position

Mr Cannan claims the Island is on course to deliver those ‘headline targets’ adding he makes ‘no apologies’ that his ‘absolute focus’ is creating the ‘economic foundations needed to deliver the vision’.

However he has conceded that increased financial pressures mean government must provide more robust financial controls.

The updated Island Plan sets out six ‘clear redefined strategic priorities’ that the Council of Ministers will prioritise over the coming financial year.

They include:

• Financial discipline so public services are delivered within budget
• Creation and filling of jobs across the economy and a commitment to the Economic Strategy
• Increasing the number of economically active new residents
• Progressing renewable energy commitments
• Providing more homes
• Increasing the reliability of air and sea connections

You can read the updated Island Plan in full HERE.