Massive social and economic problems will need tackling in the Island, a government minister has admitted.
However, Policy and Reform Minister Chris Robertshaw says an innovative approach will provide massive opportunities to do ‘something really special’ in the Isle of Man.
The head of the Island’s new Cabinet Office was speaking at the annual general meeting of the Island’s Chamber of Commerce.
The minister told guests the Island was facing ‘huge challenges’ to its long-term sustainability and that the aim of government was not about preparing for the next General Election, but to provide a secure future for the next generation.
He stressed we had, quite rightly, expectations of a good health service, education and social welfare, but added the income we enjoy as a competitive tax jurisdiction was not in sync with our expectations.
Mr Robertshaw said great strides were being made to improve efficiency and reduce red tape with a big need to reduce the size and cost of government, to make it more responsive to the individual, and modernise the welfare state – goals, he said, which the Island was not alone in needing to achieve.