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Poverty report expected in the summer

Findings to be put before Tynwald in June or July

A government report on the experiences of poverty in the Manx community will be put to Tynwald in the summer.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas, who has been giving oral evidence to the Tynwald inquiry on the issue, made the pledge this morning after a request for an update.

Mr Thomas told the committee findings from government's 'Cold, Hunger and Homeless' group will be made available by June or July.

With two years left for the current administration, the minister was asked if people in poverty on the Isle of Man could expect any change in their circumstances.

You can listen to his response here:

There have been calls for further investigation into both relative and absolute poverty on the Island, after fears that both are growing issues.

A Tynwald committee looking into the matter has taken evidence from FoodbankIOM, Graih, the Salvation Army and Housing Matters, as well as members from Treasury's social security department.

It's chair, Juan Watterson SHK said the hardest part for the panel is "actually reaching out and connecting with those people who are struggling."

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