The Treasury is to appeal against a ruling that would force it to pay money to two former MHKs.

An Employment and Equality tribunal said that Geoffrey Boot and Martyn Perkins should both be awarded £33,778.50 by the Employment and Equality Tribunal in November.

Today the government released a statement to say: ‘After a period of reflection and following legal advice including from specialist counsel, the Treasury has taken the decision to appeal the recent Employment and Equality Tribunal judgment regarding resettlement payments for two unsuccessful MHK candidates at the 2021 General Election.

‘Treasury considers that there are important matters of law to clarify in relation to this decision, not only in reference to the immediate claim but also the potential consequential effects. 

‘Where significant expenditure of public funds is involved concerning MHK benefits and equality aspects, as well as the status of Tynwald legislation, appeals are justified where there are perceived substantial legal principles in question and a significant level of public interest. 

‘The potential costs incurred by the appeal are considered as proportionate in these circumstances.’

Mr Boot and Mr Perkins lost their House of Keys seats in the general election in 2021.

They argued that the fact that they were not given a payment was ageist.

That payment, made under the Resettlement Grant Scheme, provides that if a member under 60 years of age who has served at least two years is unsuccessful in seeking re-election to either the Keys or the Legislative Council, he or she will be paid the equivalent of six months’ basic salary.