On Air After Hours Rhian Evans | 10:00pm - Midnight

MHK questions lack of maternity allowance increase since 2011

Other benefit payments and employers' maternity pay among reasons for payment freeze

Maternity allowance for new mums on the Isle of Man hasn't increased for more than a decade because it's already higher than other social security benefits.

That's one of the reasons Treasury has given for not increasing the payment since 2011.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson added maternity pay from employers was another factor against putting the allowance up.

The maximum rate per week has stood at £179.85 per week since 2011.

The details have been revealed following a Tynwald written question from Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh.

More from Isle of Man News