Officials at the Manx Treasury can today begin the task of implementing the many cost saving measures included in yesterday's 2010 budget.

After a debate lasting around seven hours, Tynwald gave the package the 'resounding level of support' hoped for by the minister, Allan Bell, with only one member, Onchan MHK Peter Karran, voting against.

Measures designed to tackle the loss of tens of millions of pounds in VAT receipts include a two per cent rise in the upper rate of income tax, a 6.5 per cent reduction in net departmental spending on public services, and a freeze on public sector pay for the coming year.

After the debate, Mr Bell told Manx Radio the idea of benefits being available to one and all would be reassessed (play audio file):

The February sitting of Tynwald resumes at 10.30 this morning, with full coverage on Manx Radio's 1368 AM service.

The next item on the order paper is the monthly series of questions, with 34 items for oral answer, and a further seven for written reply.

The sitting will also include a debate on a proposed major restructuring of the departments of the Manx Government.