PRIORITY
A stronger, more affordable Island
The Isle of Man has strong foundations, but many people feel it is becoming harder to survive, let alone get ahead.
Rising costs are squeezing many household budgets. Slow decisions and unreliable transport links are making it harder for businesses to invest and help the Isle of Man compete.
People have had to make difficult choices. Government must do the same.
We cannot keep spending beyond our means and drawing on financial reserves. We must remove the structural deficit and build a more sustainable system.
Politicians must set simple, clear priorities and hold Government accountable for delivering them.
Spending better before asking for more
Public finances are more complex than household budgets, but the principle is the same: know what is coming in, control what is going out and make the difficult choices.
We must make sure any new commitments can be paid for. I believe there are only two sustainable ways to do that:
Spend public money better.
Grow the economy
Spend public money better
Every pound wasted is a pound that cannot be spent on health, education or infrastructure. Government already has priority-based budgeting and an efficiency programme. The priority now is delivering visible results. Departments must:
Merge duplicated management structures.
Reduce reliance on external consultants.
Stop projects that no longer offer public value.
Some choices will be difficult, but they are necessary.
A future-focused economy
Our economic position is fragile. Growth can bring more jobs, higher wages and greater stability. Businesses need the confidence to invest, employ people and plan for the future. Government’s role is to create the conditions for growth.
The Island should build on its strengths, support high-value industries and create more opportunities for the next generation.
My priorities:
Budgets tied to clear priorities and public value.
Published savings and improvement plans for every department.
Greater transparency over spending and major capital projects.
Quicker decisions and proportionate regulation.
Better communication with local businesses.
Stronger links between education, skills and employers.
Greater focus on high-value industries creating skilled, well-paid local jobs.