An MHK is taking the next step in his bid to make the Manx budget more inclusive, transparent and understandable.

Rushen member Juan Watterson is thanking members of the public and colleagues who have responded to a consultation document, supporting and highlighting potential concerns over proposals to reform the budgetary process.

Last year, Mr Watterson was given leave to introduce a private member's bill which he hopes will lead to budget proposals being open to public and parliamentary debate before they are presented.

He will now meet legislative draftsmen from the attorney general's chambers to prepare a draft bill.

Mr Watterson says the Island trails the world in terms of scrutiny of the budget process and the public should have more of a say in how its money is spent: