At the end of last year, Rushen MHK Juan Watterson published a consultation document proposing reforms to the budget system to allow people to comment on the proposals before they are voted on in Tynwald. 

Mr Watterson reports the overwhelming feedback was that six days was insufficient for Members of Tynwald to scrutinise the budget before voting on it. It was also felt public input on the budget proposals was a positive step.

Mr Watterson says in a press release he has issued: “I would like to thank all of the people who gave me formal and informal feedback on the Budget proposals. I was gratified to see that people agreed with the suggestions I put forward which will be reflected in the final Bill. I was also grateful to those who suggested additional issues to address as well as concerns that they sought more clarity over. I was, however, very disappointed that the Treasury Minister did not take the time during the three month consultation period to comment on the proposed reforms.”

Mr Watterson added: “I will be meeting with legislative drafters from the Attorney General’s chambers in the next few weeks in preparing the draft bill which I am happy to consult with interested parties on. I hope that this will be the next positive step in making more accountable to the people it serves, and give them some say in how all of our money is spent.”