On Air Mannin Line Andy Wint | Noon - 1:00pm

Public offer 1,200 money saving ideas

Suggestions to reduce govt spending pour in

More than 1,200 ideas have been put forward by the Manx public as part of the SAVE scheme - a government initiative to take £25million off expenditure within the next five years.

The scheme closed at midnight this morning after six weeks of inviting Islanders to have their say on where money could be saved.

A special platform was set up to allow people to submit their ideas online, as well as drop-in sessions taking place in various locations around the Island.

The suggestions with the highest ratings online include cutting back on large subsidies to farmers, checking immigrants to ensure they qualify for benefits and health services, and reducing the number of glossy government bulletins and newsletters.

Other ideas put forward include stopping the government subvention of Manx Radio, scaling back on funding for Tynwald Day celebrations and revising MHKs' pensions.

Politicians have denied the initiative is an indication elected representatives have run out of ideas themselves.

Contributions will now be examined by the SAVE committee - with officials hoping the better public suggestions can be put into practice and help tighten the purse strings.

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