CoMin awaiting results of Household Income and Expenditure Survey
Measuring and addressing poverty on the Isle of Man is 'an ongoing journey for our government'.
That's the finding of a new report from the Council of Ministers which addresses the measures in place to tackle the issue.
The document analyses several actions undertaken to combat the issue here including:
- Social security/Treasury schemes
- Free phone numbers
- The Pilot Summer Holiday Activity and Food Programme
- Working with the third sector
- Cost of living response
- Actions around homelessness and the Housing and Committees Board action plan
- Transition to living wage
- Childcare strategy
- Minimum wage rise
- Free travel passes
- Funding of long-term care
- Rehabilitation planning for offenders
The document has been compiled in response to recommendations made by the Select Committee of Tynwald on Poverty.
In its opening statement CoMin says that 'understanding and effectively measuring poverty is essential for addressing the challenges faced by individuals, families and government'.
However it conceded that 'the complexity of poverty necessitates a nuanced understanding that goes beyond income-based measurements'.
The first issue government seemingly therefore needs to tackle is solidifying a precise definition of poverty - and what it means for people here on the Isle of Man - in order to measure it.
The report states that the findings of the 2023/24 Household Income and Expenditure Survey will be used to help 'approximate a measure of poverty' on the Island.
In its concluding remarks CoMin says: "The Island’s context will always be considered and the methodology adapted to suit our own needs and practicalities.
"There will be further close working between the Poverty Committee, government and Statistics IOM to measure and address poverty in our society, including around the remaining select committee recommendations."
You can find the full Council of Ministers' Report on Poverty Measures HERE.
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