Members of the public will have an opportunity to question Government Ministers about key issues facing the Isle of Man during a community meeting in Douglas on Wednesday evening.

The event, to be held at the Manx Museum Lecture Theatre, will provide a platform to discuss matters of national importance, highlight Government priorities and generate feedback and ideas from Island residents.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK, who will chair the meeting, said: ‘I want to encourage open and considered debate on a range of issues, explain our policies and discuss our ambitions for the future. Government has lost one third of its income and is having to make some difficult decisions in order to rebalance public finances while seeking to protect the more vulnerable members of our society. We must all work together during these unprecedented times to ensure a sustainable future for the Island. I hope Wednesday’s meeting will be positive and productive for all concerned.’

Doors open at 6.30pm and proceedings will get under way at 7pm with a presentation by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK who will outline the Budget process and the need for significant savings across Government Departments.

The audience will then be invited to put questions to the Chief Minister and members of the Council of Ministers.

The event is free and open to all members of the public. There is a limit on the number of people the venue can safely accommodate and seats will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. No bookings will be taken.