Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK set out what he called an ‘Agenda for Change’ today when he presented a statement to Tynwald on his Government’s priorities.
 
Mr Bell updated Members on work to progress the three key goals of his administration – stimulating economic growth, rebalancing Government finances, and protecting the vulnerable.
 
He told Tynwald: ‘We have embarked on the most fundamental reform of Government’s relationship with our community for at least 25 years. Our Agenda for Change will cover at least the lifetime of the current administration and probably beyond.
 
‘As Chief Minister I do not have all the answers, and so it is vitally important for us all to put partisan and parish pump politics behind us, and work together to deliver the sustainable and cohesive future our community deserves.’
 
He concluded: ‘We have all had twelve months to settle in and understand our various responsibilities. Now the hard work to deliver our Agenda for Change begins’.
 
The Chief Minister’s statement covered the five areas of: taxation and revenue; management of the economy; social policy; environment and infrastructure; and good Government.
 
On taxation and revenue, he said Tynwald would receive a revised tax strategy in December. There would also be reform of the structure for determining rateable values and an extension of the ‘user pays’ principle for certain local and central Government services. Mr Bell warned of a move towards automatic exchange of information as the new global standard in international tax co-operation.
 
On management of the economy, the priorities included helping young people find meaningful employment, reducing bureaucracy for small and medium-sized businesses, and simplifying the work permit system.
 
On social policy, the Chief Minister said social welfare reform would be debated at the December Tynwald, and housing policy recommendations would follow in 2013. There would be a review of the implications of an ageing population. A strategy for a streamlined criminal justice system would also be presented to the December Tynwald, and independent recommendations were being implemented to improve the performance of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
 
On environment and infrastructure, Mr Bell said the Steam Packet User Agreement would be reviewed by March 2014, and the Open Skies policy would be reviewed by June 2013. There would be a report on sustainable ways to reduce energy costs, including options for renewable energy use and refinancing the MEA. A strategy for food security would be developed by the end of 2013. The Council of Ministers was expecting an interim report on options for modernisation of local government in December.
 
On good government, the Chief Minister announced a broader role for the Civil Service Commission as the agent of the Council of Ministers in developing human resources policies across both the public and civil services. The Transforming Government initiative would be strengthened, bureaucracy would be reduced and transparency improved, with more information to be made routinely available ahead of the introduction of Freedom of Information legislation. There would be a new website to show the public how Government was performing against its stated targets. The Scope of Government issues would be brought back to Tynwald for further debate in the near future.