Every department in the Isle of Man Government - and all who work there - must continue to make the best possible use of resources.

That's the conclusion of the Treasury's Value for Money Committee, which has published its latest report, covering 2006.

The findings show success in some areas - but the report concludes a vigorous approach is essential to avoid waste and combat poor financial control.

Marian Kenny reports:

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The committee's aim - to ensure public finances are managed to secure value for money.

It points out that while everyone is in favour of the principles - delivering on them can be a different matter.

But the reports insists the value for money approach is essential - as government faces ever more demands for new and improved services.

The report shows progress in controlling the costs of capital projects and external legal services. Savings have been made in the government's mobile phone contract.

While Manx Radio's operation has been scutinised favourably. But progress on achieving lower fuel tarriffs has been disappointing

Many initiatives are still in progress and their success will only become clear in the long term.