Reducing the use of agency nurses and moving services online are just some of the ideas being looked at by the Isle of Man Government as part of its Securing Added Value and Efficiency (SAVE) scheme.
 
The scheme that launched in March this year asked the public for their ideas and views on finding the efficiencies that might assist the Government to identify up to ?25 million in revenue savings over the next five years. Today, (Monday 13 November) Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK has announced the online publication of more than 700 individual responses that were received.
 
Minister Cannan said: ‘We were delighted with the level of response to the SAVE challenge. More than 700 individuals registered to use the online ideas hub which led to a total of 1,311 ideas being submitted.
 
‘Every single suggestion has been reviewed, sifted and categorised as being an idea, comment or income generating idea.  We have today published our responses which have been prepared in consultation with the relevant Departments. 
 
‘This is in effect one of the largest consultation exercises that the Government has undertaken and I want to thank Bill Shimmins MHK for guiding the initiative to this point and MHKs David Ashford and Lawrie Hooper for their input.
 
‘Departments are now currently reviewing or implementing the ideas and I will make further announcements in that respect later this year.’
 
He added: ‘We have already made significant progress in reducing Government costs. Our digital strategy has been implemented to streamline internal processes and to cut red tape and bureaucracy. For example, just moving pay slips online will deliver ?15,000 of savings a year. We have also taken action to improve energy efficiency in Government buildings.
 
‘I would like to thank all those that took part to offer ideas. We are committed to acting and delivering these significant savings.’
 
Further information is available at www.gov.im/save