LIBERAL VANNIN IN ACTION
Our media releases during February on the Climate Change Bill and our Question Time Event on the Budget can be seen at:
“Traa dy Liooar Tynwald” Not Good Enough – Liberal Vannin
Question Time – Liberal Vannin
The Question Time was moved online following the uncertainty over the recent Covid19 outbreak. Chris Cave from Manx Radio joined in and recorded part of the debate for broadcast.
We also launched a publicity drive with 1,000 leaflets delivered in Ayre & Michael during February.
Publicity Drive – Liberal Vannin
Hopefully, this will be replicated in other constituencies in coming months. Please get in touch if you want to help.
Our latest media release calls for the Government to keep their promise to publish the result of their investigation into what went wrong surrounding the isolation rules for the Steam Packet Crew:
TYNWALD
Report from Lawrie Hooper, Party Leader and MHK for Ramsey:
I was planning to update you this month on the upcoming launch of the Manx Development Corporation, success in getting the Department for Infrastructure (DOI) to review their concessionary bus passes, progress on my Private Members Bill, success getting the DOI to make big changes to their landlord registration Bill, Gas price regulation finally getting a resolution and a host of other work – but that has clearly now gone by the wayside!
The Island going back into our second circuit break (and third lockdown) has been a shock for us all, although I know that the Manx public will respond to this crisis with our usual sense of community spirit and determination.
From what government have said to date it seems that the current outbreak all looks to be connected back to those original cases from the Steam Packet – this makes knowing what went wrong here absolutely vital so we can ensure that it doesn’t happen again. There remain a lot of unanswered questions and we are now only too aware of the consequences.
But our immediate focus has to be on dealing with the current crisis. When things start to get back to normal and given the scale of the outbreak on the Island and the financial and societal costs we are now facing, it is only right that government is held accountable for any mistakes that could have been avoided.
Right now, my focus is on my work with the Economic Recovery Group, ensuring that the financial support schemes are up and running and are providing people with the support they need.
I appreciate how difficult this situation is for so many, the most important thing we can all do now is follow the rules and look after ourselves and each other.
Stay safe everyone, and please get in touch if there’s anything Liberal Vannin can do to help you.
COVID & THE CIRCUIT BREAK
The Financial support schemes are back open and the Economic Recovery Group will keep the level of support under review:
https://covid19.gov.im/funding-support-for-employers/
https://covid19.gov.im/funding-support-for-the-self-employed/
https://covid19.gov.im/funding-support-for-employees/
If anyone has any issues with the schemes, then please reach out and Liberal Vannin will do what we can to help.
USEFUL NUMBERS
The following numbers are now free of charge from mobiles and landlines:
COVID Business Support Line: 686455
Customs & Excise Debt Section: 648160
Income Tax: 685400
Social Security: 685656
Community Support and information line: 686262
(This line is for non-medical calls and queries)
There is plenty of information on the Covid website (https://covid19.gov.im)
Like links to food delivery services:
https://covid19.gov.im/general-information/local-food-and-produce-delivery-services/
Or links to charities that can offer support – Don’t forget, you aren’t alone.
https://covid19.gov.im/general-information/charities-that-can-help/
Most importantly – if you have any Covid symptoms, use the online assessment tool at https://services.gov.im/covid-19 or call 111.
GENERAL ELECTION & LOCAL ELECTIONS
If you’ve ever considered running for public office, either as a local Commissioner or Councillor or as a Member of the House of Keys now is a good time to get involved!
The Island is facing some significant challenges ahead and if you think you could make a difference please get in touch with the Party. Liberal Vannin is seeking committed, compassionate and of course liberal minded candidates to contest both local (April) and national (September) elections this year. Please see also our media release encouraging candidates to come forward at:
2021 Election Year – Liberal Vannin
COMING UP
Our next public meeting will be another Question Time panel, this time on Housing. The meeting may be held on Thursday, March 25th at the Christian Science Meeting Room, Woodbourne Road, Douglas at 7.30pm. However, it is now more likely to be another online event. We’re again planning to present a wide range of views on the panel, so it should be a lively debate. Keep an eye out for registration details, which will be circulated nearer the time.
GET INVOLVED
Our website at www.liberalvannin.im now allows anyone to make donations or pay membership subscriptions online. Membership subscriptions are only £10 annually, or £5 at the concessionary rate. See details at: