Tynwald members polled on pension contributions

There has been a good response from Tynwald members to a Manx Radio poll on whether they're prepared to pay into their own pensions.

Tynwald will vote next week on proposals which would see the Manx parliament's 32 members contribute to their pension scheme for the first time.

The Standing Committe of Tynwald on Emoluments chaired by Speaker Steve Rodan, will recommend that a contributory scheme be introduced as a matter of urgency, starting with a 3% contribution from April, rising to 5% by 2014.

If the committee's recommendations are agreed, the new scheme will be voluntary for existing members.

However, it will be compulsory for anyone elected to Tynwald after 1 April 2012.

Manx Radio has contacted all MHKs and MLCs to seek their views ahead of next week's vote.

So far 20 have responded, 18 members indicating they are in favour, while two have refused to give a yes-or-no answer.

We'll be reporting on the responses in more detail in Mandate next Monday.