Public trust in the Manx government has declined, the latest survey of social attitudes reveals.

The survey shows that the public’s trust levels in government has fallen from 47% to 39% in the past year, while trust in parliament has similarly dropped, from 38% to 33%.

Fewer members of the public currently feel that the present government has clear policies, and an increasing proportion state that policies have no direct impact upon their lives, an attitude especially prevalent among the under-30s.

Island residents are also significantly concerned about health and social care provision.

While a slim majority are satisfied with care provision by the Department of Health and Social Care [DHSC], more than half expect the standard of care to decline over the next five years.

And three out of four people feel that health and social care are facing significant funding problems.

One in four state that they would accept a hypothecated health care tax, and two in five would accept lifestyle taxes on sugar, alcohol, and tobacco to support the health care system.

Public opinion on Brexit has not changed since 2017.

Some 33% feel that the UK’s withdrawal from the EU will leave the island’s economy worse off, while 25% believe it will have no real economic effect.

Similarly, attitudes to the island’s population and rate of immigration have not changed significantly.

Half of island residents feel the island’s population should remain at its current level, while 33% feel it should increase.

Since 2017, there has been a small decline (3%) in the proportion of people who feel immigration improves the quality of life in the island, and a corresponding increase (4%) of those who believes its impact is negative, rising from a quarter of respondents in 2017 to nearly a third in 2018.

The annual survey is used to gather the views of the public on a wide number of areas of life in the Isle of Man.

As well as general demographics data, topics covered include employment and income, satisfaction with public services, safety, crime and justice, childcare and recreation and leisure.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK said: ’The annual survey on social attitudes provides government with valuable insight on how people feel public services are performing as well as life in the Isle of Man more generally.

’This information is highly valuable in developing and shaping government policy and I extend my thanks to all those who took part.

’As we now carry out surveys like this more frequently, we are able to identify changes and trends as they emerge, allowing government to be more responsive.’

Seven in ten of those who responded to the survey predict that their household financial outlook over the next year will remain steady or improve to some degree.

General perception of job security among people in the workforce has not diminished, although the small proportion of people on zero-hours contracts appears to have risen slightly. A full copy of the social attitudes report, including an executive summary and highlights, is on the government website at gov.im/about-the-government/departments/cabinet-office/economic-affairs-division/