The Cabinet Office has developed a high level policy for means testing, in line with the Programme for Government, and has today (Friday 2 June, 2017) launched a public consultation on the principles proposed.
The policy has been developed by the Social Policy and Children’s Sub-Committee of the Council of Ministers.
Chair of the Sub-Committee, Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK, describes it as ‘an important next step’ towards a fair and consistent means-testing regime.
In a foreword to the consultation document, Mr Thomas writes: ‘Your comments and suggestions are welcomed and valued. They will inform the development of more detailed policy and an implementation plan for coming years.
‘This is a massively important topic, but we have to be realistic about the delivery timescale.
‘In one sense this consultation on high level policy is only the next step in a process, but the policy and principles in it if agreed can be instrumental and transformative.’
Consultation responses should be sent by 18th August to carl.hawker@gov.im or to Carl Hawker, Executive Director Policy and Strategy, 3rd Floor Central Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas IM 1 3PN.
The consultation is available on the Government website at:
https://www.gov.im/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=621
