Tynwald gave its latest endorsement for the Council of Ministers’ Programme for Government this week - but not without criticism from backbenchers.

The vote to support the Delivering the Programme for Government report was unanimous, but indicators used to assess whether targets are met came under fire.

The latest document sets out key targets and performance indicators on how the government will achieve the aims set out in its policy blueprint. It also has assigned tasks to individual members and given deadlines by which they should be achieved.

Several members raised concerns about how achievements are to be measured or the relevance of targets outlined.

Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey) was critical of the reliance on using median earnings figures to measure some of the outcomes under the Inclusive and Caring Island section. Standard measures of income equality, he said, did not use median earnings alone.

Similarly, on accessible housing, he said the measurements focused on first-time buyers and housing in multiple occupation, with nothing on the price of rental properties or the proportion of income spent on housing.

’If we are going to be measuring things, the measurements should be meaningful,’ he said.

’This document just does not hit the mark.’

Daphne Caine (Garff) said she was ’underwhelmed and disappointed’ by the latest document, which had a ’lack of ambition’.

She added: ’I regret that while there is much to applaud in this document there are also too many questions, too much vagueness, not much to inspire confidence and optimism for all.’

Putting forward the report, Chief Minister Howard Quayle said: ’It provides a comprehensive approach to measuring success for every part of our programme.

’We are responsible for services which touch every person in the Isle of Man at every stage in their life. Not only that, but we must also ensure that we maintain and develop an environment that allows businesses to thrive and flourish here.’

He added: ’We have been clear where accountability for delivery lies. But this is not about a witch hunt or blame culture. Departments and members have a responsibility to ensure they are delivering what they said they would.

’The performance framework will ensure that potential problems are identified early and issues can be resolved in time. This will hopefully mean no unpleasant surprises.’

ADMINISTRATION

Juan Turner MLC said: ’The biggest problem we have in this administration is the legacy of the previous administration.’

He wanted more to be done to combat bureaucracy.

’Dealing with some departments is like trying to swim through treacle,’ he said.

Bill Shimmins (Middle) welcomed the use of targets, but said he was surprised there were not any for population. ’This is an important component of planning for the future.’

Despite the criticisms of the new report, members reaffirmed their support for the over-arching Programme for Government.

Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey) said: ’All of us have a role to play and a job to do.’

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas said the government had tried to keep things simple but emphasised the Programme for Government was a living document that could be updated and amended.

There will be an annual debate on the Programme for Government each October.