GD 2020/0058

2020/21

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Programme for Government October 2020 – July 2021

Introduction

The Council of Ministers is pleased to bring its revised Programme for Government to .

The Programme for Government was agreed in Tynwald in January 2017, stating our strategic objectives for the term of our administration and the outcomes we hoped to achieve through it. As we enter the final year of this parliament, the world finds itself in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. This and other external factors, such as the prospect of a trade agreement between the UK and the EU, will undoubtedly continue to influence the work of Government in the coming months and years.

What the has achieved over the past six months, in the face of COVID-19, has been truly remarkable, especially when compared to our nearest neighbours. The collective response of the people of our Island speaks volumes of the strength of our community and has served to remind us of the qualities that make our Island so special.

At the beginning of the pandemic the Council of Ministers suspended the Programme for Government, and any work within it, to bring to bear the complete resources of the public service in the fight against coronavirus as we worked to keep our island and its people safe.

Through the pandemic we have seen behaviour changes in society and in Government, and unprecedented times seem to have brought unprecedented ways of working. It is important for the future that we learn from the experiences of COVID and carry forward the positive elements of both what was achieved, and how Government worked together to achieve it.

Identifying what is most import at this time for our Island is crucial and Council of Ministers has reviewed the Programme for Government through the prism of COVID. This document restarts this important body of work, setting out clearly the new priorities in the wake of the pandemic.

This review has provided an opportunity to also consider what other significant challenges face Government, and our Island, in 2020 that have increased in importance since 2017. Four key areas have been highlighted as areas of priority for Government delivery in the remaining 10 months (and beyond). For the forthcoming year our community, health, or climate and economy will be the focus of delivery.

We are pleased that the Programme for Government continues to set out an ambitious but achievable vision of a nation that strives to be inclusive, tolerant and sustainable. It continues to set the agenda for delivery and will monitor the achievements of this administration.

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ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

The four focus areas for delivery for the remainder of this administration are described, on the following pages with actions highlighted as relevant to these areas; our community, health, climate and economy.

All actions in the Programme for Government 2020/21, as agreed by the Council of Ministers to help government to achieve its overall objectives, are detailed at the end of this document.

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OUR ECONOMY

The COVID-19 pandemic and the required response from Government has hugely effected the economy of the Island, and whilst the health situation is currently under control the risks posed by the economic consequences of controlling COVID-19 are considerable and affect all aspects of Island life.

A group has been established to lead a coordinated response to this economic impact. It will see investment in business support and stimulus measures which will also ensure our people have opportunities as part of the recovery. The programme of work will help to restore confidence to our domestic economy and build on the many aspects of our Island that make it a special place to live and work.

The Economic Recovery Group has identified and set up five programmes to help facilitate the Island’s economic recovery: Our Business; Our People; Our Domestic Economy; Our Island; and Our Future.

The “Our Domestic Economy” programme has been created to help businesses that serve our domestic economy to recover from the lockdown through projects that incentivise spend, stimulate demand in local businesses and boost confidence. In doing so, the programme will ensure Manx businesses feel supported and nurtured and will work to bring about a change in consumer behaviour, encouraging a switch to spend more on-island and in the process contribute to a thriving local economy.

Actions in the Programme for Government:

 Treasury and Department for Enterprise to jointly prepare and implement medium term economic stimulus programmes by Dec 2020, ahead of a long term economic strategy framework  Partner with business to offer skills, training and accreditations  Enable the delivery of ultrafast fibre broadband to over half of the Island's residents and businesses, should they want it, as part of a broader 5 year plan to enable the majority.  To establish a Development Corporation to be tasked with urban regeneration and the redevelopment of unoccupied urban sites  Deliver the actions of the Locate Strategy  Implement an overarching marketing campaign to promote the Island’s Financial Services Sectors to an international audience  Investigate the potential e-sports proposition and develop a strategy to capitalise on this sector

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OUR COMMUNITY

When the Programme for Government was developed, one of the three strategic objectives for this administration was to create an inclusive and caring society, and this objective remains a priority for the final year of delivery.

Experiences through COVID-19 highlight the strengths of our community as we saw neighbours taking care of each other, community groups being established for support and charities providing an invaluable role in helping our communities through the difficulties. Our caring society was certainly seen in action.

Government played its role too, providing a contact centre for our community to offer information and access all the support that existed and working with the third sector and businesses to provide additional support for those who needed it. Those that were asked to shield, those struggling with their mental health, and those without a secure and safe place to ‘stay at home’.

Continuing to build on the good work seen through the pandemic, the Chief Minister’s Committee for Community and Public Engagement will be delivering a series of reports over the coming months, reviewing topics such as charities and volunteering on our island and community hubs.

Work continues across all areas of Government to develop a fully inclusive and caring island, and progress in areas of housing, rates modernisation and education will be a priority.

Actions in the Programme for Government:

 Deliver a series of reports, through the Chief Ministers Committee for Community and Public Engagement that will bring together the needs of the community  Develop an all Island Housing Strategy, encompassing all elements of Housing work underway, and planned. Consider the strategic approach required and how this would be delivered.  Implement the action plan for homelessness, hunger and cold  Implement the plan for rates modernisation as agreed by Tynwald in October 2019

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OUR CLIMATE

In just January of this year the Council of Ministers presented to Tynwald the first phase of an action plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In the action plan, approved by Tynwald, the Chief Minister stated that to achieve net zero by 2050 will require a fundamental change in the way we live in the Isle of Man. It will mean changes to the way we source our energy, how we heat our homes, how we travel and many other choices we make in our day-to-day lives.

The resilience of our Island and its people came to the fore during the pandemic. The Island saw a rapid change in behaviour, on a scale likely not seen since the Second World War. This was because the pandemic was a threat to life and a threat to our way of life. The same is true of climate change.

We must work to energise and mobilise our community in our fight against climate change, harnessing the indomitable Manx spirit and spurring our community on so that the Isle of Man can play its part in tackling this threat.

The Climate Change Action Plan, which includes a Climate Bill for sustained changes and the development of a long term plan, is a priority for delivery. In addition, the considerations of climate change will be part of Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

Challenges also to be addressed in the forthcoming 12 months include putting in place actions arising from the devastating flooding in Laxey as well as considerations for drought management / prevention.

Actions in the Programme for Government:

 Introduce a Climate Change Bill that will provide the legal framework to enable to the delivery of net zero emissions by 2050  Deliver Phase 1 of the Climate Change Action Plan, reporting to Tynwald on progress in July 2020.  Carry out further research and analytical work to understand the complexities and impact of Professor Curran's report upon our economy, our environment and across all sectors of our community, reporting to Tynwald with Governments Phase 2 Climate Change Action Plan  Develop a long term funding strategy for the Climate Change Action Plan

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OUR HEALTH AND CARE

Since the development of the Programme for Government in 2017 the Council of Ministers commissioned Sir Jonathan Michael to chair an independent review of health and social care on the Island, and received a report in April 2019 recommending a programme of transformation.

The Council of Ministers was in agreement with the findings which were also endorsed by Tynwald. For the past 12 months the Department of Health and Social Care, the Treasury, and the Cabinet Office, led by the Chief Secretary, have been developing the transformation programme required to deliver this package of recommendations.

This transformation programme is now tackling legislative changes, organisational changes and service reconfiguration (which will determine what care is provided and how). Support, resource and a spotlight must remain on delivering this programme which will bring fundamental changes that will ensure that the service user is at the centre of our health and social care provision and that a clinically and financially sustainable health and care system is secured for the people of the Island, now and for future generations.

Actions in the Programme for Government:

 A comprehensive governance and accountability framework should be established aligned to agreed standards and underpinned, where necessary, by legislation. A single public sector organisation, perhaps to be known as “Manx Care”, should be responsible for the delivery and/or commissioning from other providers of all required health and care services.  Primary and/or secondary legislation should be introduced as required, and included in the legislative programme as soon as possible, in order to form a modern, comprehensive legislative framework. This legislation should address weaknesses or gaps in the current system as well as enabling the implementation of the recommendations contained in this Report, such as any necessary legislation to establish Manx Care.  A service-by-service review of health and care provision - requiring detailed needs assessment, analysis of care pathway redesign, consideration of on/off island delivery within agreed standards, supported by a longer term funding model.  Establish in statute a single public sector organisation, to be known as "Manx Care", to be responsible for the delivery and / or commissioning from other providers of all required health and care services.  Develop a longer term funding strategy for the provision of Health and Social Care services.

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Programme for Government - October 2020 – July 2021 Actions (to be included)

We have an economy where local entrepreneurship is supported and thriving and more new businesses are choosing to call the Isle of Man home REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Partner with business to offer skills, training and 1.02 Existing DESC Alex Allinson Dec 2021 accreditations

Enable the delivery of ultrafast fibre broadband to over 1.08 half of the Island's residents and businesses, should Existing DFE July 2021 they want it as part of a broader 5 year plan to enable the majority.

To establish a Development Corporation to be tasked 1.13 with urban regeneration and the redevelopment of New DfE July 2021 unoccupied urban sites

We have a diverse economy where people choose to work and invest We have Island transport that meets our social and economic needs REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE

2.2.07 Deliver the actions of the Locate Strategy Existing DFE July 2021

Implement an overarching marketing campaign to 2.2.09 promote the Island’s Financial Services Sectors to an New DFE Peter Greenhill March 2021 international audience

Investigate the potential e-sports proposition and 2.2.10 New DFE Daphne Caine March 2021 develop a strategy to capitalise on this sector

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Treasury and Department for Enterprise to jointly 2.2.11 prepare and implement medium term economic New TSY / DFE Laurence Skelly July 2021 stimulus programmes by Dec 2020, ahead of a long term economic strategy framework

We have Island transport that meets our social and economic needs REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Complete the construction of the Isle of Man Ferry Existing 3.3.06 DOI Tim Baker July 2021 Terminal in Liverpool (Amended)

Ensure that all preparatory work for the expected audit 3.3.08 by the International Maritime Organisation is Existing DOI Tim Baker Dec 2020 undertaken by the date of the audit, expected to be in 2020

Deliver the items contained within the Active Travel 3.3.09 Existing DOI Tim Baker March 2021 Investment Plan

We have an education system which matches our skills requirements now and in the future REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Update the 2001 Education Act to refresh existing 4.03 legislation and address gaps that exist in our current Existing DESC Alex Allinson Dec 2020 legislative framework

4.04 Encourage and stimulate the return of our graduates Existing DESC/DFE Alex Allinson Dec 2020

4.06 Develop a lifelong learning strategy Existing DESC Claire Christian July 2021

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We have an infrastructure which supports social and economic wellbeing REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE

5.03 Complete the substantial works to Douglas Promenade Existing DOI Tim Baker March 2021

Complete the regional sewerage infrastructure by the 5.04 end of this administration, subject to planning Existing MUA Tim Baker July 2021 permission

Develop brownfield sites at Jurby to create the 5.05 infrastructure needed to improve social and economic Existing DOI Tim Baker March 2021 wellbeing and meet the future needs of the community

We have utilities that support our Island, communities and business REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE

We are financially responsible while providing services that meet the needs of our community REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Re-finance the Government loan for the IOM Steam 7.10 Existing TSY Alf Cannan Nov 2021 Packet Company Ltd

Implement the plan for rates modernisation as agreed /Lawrie 7.11 NEW Cabinet Office Apr 2022 by Tynwald in October 2019 Hooper

Develop the longer term funding strategy for the 7.12 NEW Cabinet Office Ray Harmer Feb 2021 provision of Health and Social Care Services

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Review the funding, delivery and accounting for capital 7.13 NEW TSY Alf Cannan Feb 2021 expenditure

Review and assess alternatives for the collection of 7.14 NEW TSY June 2021 welfare payments in cash

We have public services which are fit for purpose, modern and provided in the right place REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Progress further incremental reforms to the machinery 8.12 of government to delivery more effective joined up Existing CABO Ray Harmer Dec 2020 working as one public service

Develop a 5 year strategy for the registries, including further digitisation such as annual returns and Lawrence Skelly 8.13 NEW DFE July 2021 Beneficial Ownership information in the Companies Registry

We have more responsive legislation and regulation REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Introduce a competition bill which provides Amended 9.01 international credibility into branches and review our DEFA Martyn Perkins Dec 2020 approach to regulating monopolies Existing Modernise the Telecommunications Act and work with 9.03 industry to review associated mechanisms so that Existing CC Mar 2021 consumers are better served Following the review of the Electoral System, ensure revised legislation is in place for the 2021 General 9.07 Existing CABO Ray Harmer Oct 2020 Election

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Lead on negotiations with Manx Gas to establish a new regulatory agreement 9.08 Existing CABO Oct 2020

Introduce a Food Hygiene Rating Scheme 9.09 NEW DEFA July 2021

Develop a regulatory framework to enable the 9.10 production and export of medicinal cannabis NEW DFE Lawrie Hooper Dec 2020

9.11 Introduce the Estate Agents Bill to update the NEW OFT/DEFA Martyn Perkins Mar 21 regulatory controls on estate agents

9.12 Introduce the Adoption Bill NEW DHSC Mar 21

9.13 Introduce the Medicines Bill NEW DHSC David Ashford Mar 21

9.14 Implement approved Bathing Water Standards NEW DEFA Geoffrey Boot July 2021

We engage, participate and are respected internationally REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Consider and respond to issues identified in the 10.01 international MONEYVAL report on the Isle of Man, Existing CABO Howard Quayle Apr 2020 prioritising and taking action as required Review and deliver new immigration rules that work Amended 10.10 for the economy of the Isle of Man CABO Howard Quayle Mar 2020 Existing

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Work with the UK as they negotiate their future economic relationship with the EU, to secure the best 10.13 NEW CABO Chief Minister Dec 2020 possible outcome for the Isle of Man

Work with the UK as they negotiate their future 10.14 economic relationship with the rest of the world, to NEW CABO Chief Minister July 2021 secure the best possible outcome for the Isle of Man

We are an Island where people choose to live and visit REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Ensure Agri-Food export trade continues after the post Amended 11.07 EU Transitional period DEFA Geoffrey Boot April 2021 Existing Introduce the Animal Welfare Bill to update regulatory 11.08 controls in relation to animal welfare Existing DEFA Geoffrey Boot July 2021

To design and implement a recovery plan for the visitor economy following the disruption in the sector 11.10 caused by COVID19, targeting a return to previous NEW DFE Rob Callister Sept 2022 numbers and subsequently increase within 2 years

We have a planning system which supports sustainable growth

REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Progress area plans for North and West call for sites Amended 12.07 for completion late 2021, followed by frequent reviews CABO Ray Harmer Dec 2023 Existing of the full set of Area Plans Implement the action plan (dated May 2018) to 12.08 improve the planning system Existing CABO Ray Harmer Dec 2020

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Amended 12.09 Undertake an audit of the Islands built and heritage CABO Ray Harmer Dec 2020 assets Existing

Make a proposal for introducing one or more National Policy Directives in respect of enabling sustainable 12.10 NEW CABO (With DEFA) Ray Harmer April 21 economic development to meet community needs given current priorities

We have a natural and built environment which we conserve and cherish and which is adapted to cope with the threats from climate change REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE

Open a new Strategic Special wastes disposal site to Amended 13.09 DOI Tim Baker Oct 2021 replace the current site at Wrights Pit North Existing

Introduce a Climate Change Bill that will provide the 13.10 legal framework to enable to the delivery of net zero NEW DEFA Geoffrey Boot July 2021 emissions by 2050

Deliver Phase 1 of the Climate Change Action Plan, 13.11 NEW CABO Ray Harmer July 2021 reporting to Tynwald on progress in July 2020.

Carry out further research and analytical work to understand the complexities and impact of professor Curran's report upon our economy, out environment 13.12 NEW CABO Ray Harmer June 2021 and across all sectors of our community, reporting to Tynwald with Governments Phase 2 climate change action plan

Develop a long term funding strategy for the Climate 13.13 NEW TSY Alf Cannan Feb 2022 Change Action Plan

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We have affordable and accessible housing which meets our social and economic needs REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Develop an all Island Housing Strategy, encompassing all elements of Housing work underway, and planned. NEW – 14.09 CABO Ray Harmer July 2021 Consider the strategic approach required and how this combined would be delivered. Develop and deliver a project to address emergency 14.10 accommodation, which would include requirements NEW CABO Ray Harmer July 2021 for a single night or longer term accommodation.

We have appropriate, flexible and equitable pensions for all REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE

We have open and transparent Government which engages effectively with Tynwald and the public REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE

We are tackling the inequalities in our Island society REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Change the way we help people get back to work by 17.02 Existing TSY Ralph Peake Apr 2021 establishing clearer support pathways

Implement the action plan for homelessness, hunger 17.09 Existing CABO Ray Harmer July 2021 and cold

Deliver a series of reports, through the Chief Ministers Amended – 17.10 Community Committee that will bring together the CABO Lawrie Hooper Mar 2021 needs of the community Existing

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We live longer, healthier lives REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Develop and bring the implementation of a digital strategy to that ensures comprehensive capture, 18.04 sharing and use of information. This will enable Amended DHSC David Ashford Mar-21 greater integration across the system, improved Existing monitoring and enhanced delivery of quality and efficiency-related information. 18.08 Implement the mental health and LD services strategic Existing DHSC Ann Corlett Dec-20 plans The provision of social care should be considered as part of the current review of future funding of nursing and residential care with the intention of removing disincentives to people requiring care and support 18.09 remaining in their home. This consideration should Existing CABO Ray Harmer July 2021 specifically include equalisation of the current threshold of financial assistance, a more flexible approach to funding to enable joint commissioning of broader care arrangements in the interests of the service user and provision of 24/7 social care access. A comprehensive governance and accountability framework should be established aligned to agreed standards and underpinned, where necessary, by 18.11 legislation. A single public sector organisation, perhaps Existing DHSC Jason Moorhouse Jan-21 to be known as “Manx Care”, should be responsible for the delivery and/or commissioning from other providers of all required health and care services.

Primary and/or secondary legislation should be introduced as required, and included in the legislative 18.14 programme as soon as possible, in order to form a Existing DHSC Jason Moorhouse Mar-21 modern, comprehensive legislative framework. This legislation should address weaknesses or gaps in the current system as well as enabling the implementation

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of the recommendations contained in this Report, such as any necessary legislation to establish Manx Care.

18.15 A core data set is essential for the management and assessment of services and should be established. Existing DHSC David Ashford Mar-21

18.17 Update the ageing population research report from 2013 and revisit the actions plan by May 2019 Existing CABO Ray Harmer Oct 2020

Achieve maximum waiting times after referral for non- 18.18 urgent consultant-led treatments of 18 weeks. To be Mar 2023 Existing DHSC David Ashford reported upon January 2021

18.19 Introduce a unitary complaints process in the DHSC Existing DHSC David Ashford Jan-21

Introduce overhauled and sustainable private medical 18.20 services Existing DHSC David Ashford Jun-20

A service-by-service review of health and care provision - requiring detailed needs assessment, 18.21 analysis of care pathway redesign, consideration of NEW CABO David Ashford Jan 2024 on/off island delivery within agreed standards, supported by a longer term funding model. Establish in statute and a single public sector organisation, to be known as "Manx Care", to be 18.22 responsible for the delivery and / or commissioning NEW CABO David Ashford Apr 2021 from other providers of all required health and care services Develop a longer term funding strategy for the 18.23 NEW TSY Alf Cannan Feb 2022 provision of Health and Social Care services

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We have improved the quality of life for children, young people and families at risk REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Implement the recommendations in the Care Inspectorate 2014 report of an inspection of services 19.01 for children and young people, and respond to the Existing CABO Ray Harmer Mar 2021 comments in the Care Inspectorate’s 2016 update report Services provided directly or indirectly by Manx Care should be inspected regularly by independent, external 19.03 Existing DHSC David Ashford Mar 2021 quality regulators, with a report to the Manx Care Board and to the DHSC.

We live our lives safe from crime and danger REF ACTION STATUS LEAD DEPARTMENT POLITICAL SPONSOR END DATE Widen the scope of offences covered by cautions and 20.01 Existing Home Affairs Graham Cregeen Mar-20 fixed penalty notices

Develop new guidelines for parole and probation Amended 20.02 Home Affairs Graham Cregeen Oct 20 frameworks Existing

Develop a strategy to enhance early intervention 20.10 through multi agency working to prevent offending Existing Home Affairs Graham Cregeen Jul-21 and reoffending by September 2018

20.12 Update the fire services and fire safety legislation NEW Home Affairs Graham Cregeen Jul-21

20.13 Introduce new licensing legislation NEW Home Affairs Graham Cregeen Jul-21

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