A LibVan MHK has failed to force Manx Utilities to rethink its ’inflationary’ 6.4 per cent increase in the water rate.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper called for the authority to limit the increase to just 2 per cent until the financial review of the organisation is completed.

There was outcry from some when Manx Utilities announced it was freezing electricity tariffs this year but increasing the water rate in line with the Retail Prices Index measure of inflation rather than by the much lower Consumer Prices Index measure.

The government was accused of picking and choosing which measure of inflation it uses - and of reneging on election promises to limit increases in charges.

Afterwards, Mr Hooper tweeted: ’Tynwald rejected the call to stick with the Programme for Government - I wonder why we even bothered to put it together.’

During the debate, Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan put forward an amendment, calling for the concerns to be recognised, and supporting a review of Manx Utilities’ financial position.

But Mr Hooper told the court: ’Voting for the amendment, voting against this motion is basically saying the Programme for Government can be ignored when it suits various government bodies. It’s saying we won’t be holding boards and Ministers to account. They can continue with policies approved by previous administrations even when those policies directly contravene the Programme and the wishes of this administration.’

During question time, Douglas North MHK David Ashford asked MUA chairman Alex Allinson what plans he has to seek new legislation for the water rate levy to require Tynwald approval. Dr Allison replied the MUA does not need Tynwald approval to set or amend charges.