Politicians should be held accountable for delivering results in government.

That’s the view of Chief Minister Howard Quayle as he unveiled a document that sets out measures and milestones to help the public judge his administration’s performance.

Delivering the Programme for Government, which will go before the April sitting of Tynwald for approval, includes three key strategic measures of progress - raising average earnings, cutting the government’s structural deficit and increasing the economically active population.

It also lays down milestones for delivering a list of more than 90 actions, setting deadlines for completion and identifying which Minister or departmental member has lead political responsibility.

For example, Ayre and Michael MHK Tim Baker is responsible for securing the provision of a replacement landing stage in Liverpool by December 2019 while David Anderson MLC has to ensure the Douglas Promenades revamp is substantially complete by September 2021.

Julie Edge (Lib Van, Onchan) is tasked by March next year with modifying access and eligibility criteria for public sector housing to ensure priority is for those most in need.

So are these targets achievable - and what happens if they are not met?

Mr Quayle said: ’We don’t want to set targets that are unrealistic. No doubt some may slip.

’But I will want to know why targets have not been achieved.

’I believe people should be accountable for delivering results in government.’

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas said the targets had not been imposed by the Chief Minister and this was not a punishment tool but a way of ’helping us achieve what we want to do.’

Deadlines are tight - Julie Edge’s name is listed against completing the Lord Street and Parade Street tenders by March this year.

’The tendering exercise had been done,’ explained Mr Quayle at the press conference held for the launch of Delivering the Programme for Government.

Mr Thomas certainly has a lot on his plate. He has introduce agreed changes to the public sector pension this month, deliver a high level policy on means testing by May and set out a full plan for rates modernisation by October this year.

The Chief Minister said: ’This performance framework is the most comprehensive attempt yet to transparently report on government’s progress.

’It will take some time to be established, and will be subject to further development over time.

’Despite this, I believe this sends a clear signal that the Council of Ministers is serious about being open, transparent and accountable in the delivery of its Programme for Government.’

The document is available on the government website.