The Isle of Man Government has unveiled its proposed priorities for the next five years, with housing, healthcare, economic growth and infrastructure all high on the list.

The new administration's 'Charter for Change', published today (Tuesday), is set to be debated in Tynwald next week.

However, the document does not yet contain a detailed programme of action, with specific measures and timescales expected to be brought forward in January 2027.

The government says the Charter was developed following workshops and discussions with Tynwald members.

It identifies eight national priorities grouped under three overarching ambitions.

The first, creating a ‘strong and confident economy’, aims to help businesses grow and encourage investment as well as expanding opportunities for employment, apprenticeships and skills development.

The second aims to build a ‘safe and resilient community’, lists reducing healthcare waiting times and improving access to primary and community-based care among its priorities.

The third ambition, creating a ‘connected and efficient island’, pledges a focus on improving transport links, infrastructure and access to housing.

The new administration has also promised to improve the effectiveness of public services, maintain sustainable public finances and increase transparency.

Chief Minister Chris Thomas said the Charter was intended to establish a clear direction for the new administration while recognising the challenges facing the island.

He said: ‘The purpose of this Charter is simple: to make life better for the people of our island.

‘We face significant challenges, from housing and healthcare to the pressures on businesses and public services. We cannot do everything at once, so we need to focus our efforts where they can make the greatest difference.’

Mr Thomas stressed that the Charter was not a finalised programme of government.

He said: ‘This Charter sets out that direction, but it is not a finalised programme of action. Behind each priority is a range of potential measures that now need to be considered by the Council of Ministers and, importantly, worked through in Tynwald.

‘Our aim is to agree a focused, realistic programme that delivers meaningful improvements for the people we represent.’

If Tynwald supports the proposed priorities, the Council of Ministers intends to present detailed action plans at the January 2027 sitting.

The action plans will identify a limited number of measures considered capable of making the greatest impact, alongside clear responsibilities, delivery timescales and ways of measuring progress.

Individual government departments will also develop separate plans covering their wider responsibilities under the charter.

Progress on the charter’s objectives will be reviewed every year, beginning in October 2027, to assess progress and establish whether priorities need to change.

In a statement, Mr Thomas thanked Tynwald members for helping shape the proposals and said their continued involvement would be important in deciding how they should be delivered.

He added: ‘Ultimately, what matters is delivering change that people can see and feel in their everyday lives.’