Tackling pensions deficit is a 'given'

The Chief Minister says while the Manx government is making progress there are major problems still to be resolved.

Allan Bell was speaking after the 2016 Manx budget was approved in Tynwald last night (Tuesday), gaining a comprehensive backing by 26 votes to four.

Described as a ‘budget of realism’, the focus centred on long-term rebalancing via a mix of economic growth and increased tax revenues.

Concerns over the public sector pensions deficit and Treasury's plan to rebuild public finances were also raised during a debate lasting more than six hours.

Mr Bell believes it was largely a balanced exchange of views in the final budget of this administration.