The government has released its draft ’Island Plan’ ahead of a debate in Tynwald next week.

The plan sets out what the government would like to do to make meaningful improvements to people’s lives over the next five years.

It tackles five key areas:

â?¢Housing

â?¢Health and social care

â?¢The economy

â?¢The environment

â?¢Education

It reads as essentially a wish list, rather than concrete plans with costs and delivery methods factored in.

The Chief Minister said it was only the government’s ’vision’ and that it would be further developed for the actual plan, which would be published in January.

Alfred Cannan MHK said: ’Our island plan sets out a bold and ambitious vision for the future of the Isle of Man and a clear direction of travel for the next five years.

’At its heart are the people of the Isle of Man and the work required to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.

’The Island Plan is simple, focused and high level to enable us to forge a strong sense of purpose and address the issues that matter most to our community.

’I engaged with Tynwald Members within 24 hours of being elected as Chief Minister to ensure that our plan reflects their views and develop the issues MHKs heard on the doorstep in the lead up to the general election.’

He added: ’This is very much a draft plan and has been developed for consultation and further input.

’We are ready to listen.

’Over the coming weeks we will be working to engage right across our island community to get feedback and views on the plan.

’The first stage of this will be in Tynwald next week, where I look forward to hearing members debating the plan.

’The feedback we receive will help us to refine the plan, with a final version going to Tynwald in January.’

A copy of the draft Island Plan is available online at: https://buff.ly/3c2F5YM

More details on the programme of engagement will be released later this month, but comments can be submitted by emailing [email protected] or by writing to Island Plan, 3rd Floor, Government Office, Buck’s Road, Douglas.