No magic framework for 'arms-length' government bodies

There are ongoing reviews into the governance of several high profile organisations

It would be impossible for government to create a one size fits all approach to arms-length organisations and businesses owned by taxpayers.

A review into the governance of the bodies has acknowledged the challenge of applying a single framework to more than 110 different organisations.

The Council of Ministers' second report on the issue highlights the 'broad spectrum' of bodies, from Manx Care to the Isle of Man Scallop Management Board, which make it 'impossible to promote policy and requirements which are applicable to all'.

The report outlines common concerns such as a lack of clear accountability frameworks and ambiguity over the degree of independence but that it wouldn't work to put the same requirements on Manx Care and the Scallop Board. 

It also notes several ongoing governance reviews are ongoing, including for Manx Care, the Steam Packet, Manx Development Corporation and the Meat Company.

The report adds that it is 'not appropriate for the same governance and accountability arrangements to apply to all of the categories of entities'.