Housing, VAT, climate and tourism among concerns raised by the East in government roadshow

More young people in attendance at Douglas event than previous ones

The chief minister has admitted housing on the Isle of Man is in 'crisis', after a number of residents raised concerns over a lack of available and affordable homes.

During the penultimate 'Listening to You' event - held in Douglas last night - residents discussed a wide variety of topics.

Issues included tax rises, growing the economic population, healthcare, climate change, tourism and VAT for the hospitality industry.

In attendance were all of the high level decision-makers who determine the direction the Isle of Man's future takes.

But also some constituency politicians too, including MHKs David Ashford, Andrew Smith, Julie Edge and Claire Christian.

In response to concerns over the pressures caused by VAT, Treasury revealed as much as 28-percent of government's total income is sourced by that tax.

Despite calls to overhaul VAT government recently ruled out any changes, saying it's committed to complying with conditions set out in the Customs and Excise (Amendment Agreement 2018).

Dr Alex Allinson insisted he is 'very aware' of the challenges facing working families across the Island.

Housing has become a recurring theme throughout the events, with more young people seemingly in attendance at the event held at Ballakermeen High School than was seen in the South and West.

A detailed document assessing the Island's housing need is expected to be published soon, which sets out the requirements now, and projections for the future - assuming the Island Plan and Economic Strategy targets are met.

The Objective Assessment of Housing Need (OAHN) is set to be handed to the Council of Ministers before being presented to the wider public and Tynwald.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper is a member of that board and revealed ahead of its publication of some statistics surrounding current property ownership: