Local authorities in the Isle of Man could find out how they will be affected by last week's 'VAT bombshell' this evening.

Local Government Minister John Shimmin has invited the 24 chairmen to a meeting at Ballakermeen High School, at which he is expected to outline areas where savings could be made.

At this stage, nothing has been revealed of the department's plans, but central government does make a considerable contribution to local authority costs.

Areas include housing, civic amenity facilities and kerbside collection of household waste, and the authorities will be wondering if any of those costs could be heading in the direction of the Island's rate payers.

Meetings between DoLGE representatives and local authority staff have taken place in the past week, and Manx Radio understands some cuts for next year have already been spelled out.