Manx Newscast

"Every child deserves the right to an education." Those are the words of a Manx mum, after politicians backed her Tynwald Day petition to implement neurodiversity training across all the Island's schools. Last month, Tynwald unanimously supported a motion committing to making adaptive and inclusive practice a core part of teacher training. The Department of Education must now return to t...

Students on their way to becoming qualified counsellors have spoken of the benefits of being able to complete their studies on-Island. The organisation Brighter Teaching brought its training services to the Isle of Man in 2023, allowing people to achieve their Level 5 diplomas without having to leave and study in the UK. It offers a range of Ofqual-registered specialist courses for thera...

A Manx farmer says the sector 'needs to come together and find a solution' following the announcement that Milan Vets will no longer carry out farm veterinary services. The practice says it will no longer be able to treat livestock from the end of the month, citing a long-term decline in the number of farm clients. Milan Vets is owned by Independent Vetcare Limited, a large veterinary gr...

The Derbyhaven Residents' Society says it welcomes the findings from the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration regarding the handling of a complaint over the former Castletown Golf Links Hotel.  A report by the ombudsman found that maladministration had occurred when Malew Commissioners was dealing with a request to serve a demolition notice on the building - which the society describes as...

What is an adaptive classroom? Scoill Yn Jubilee Juniors in Douglas is the first to pilot the project. Christian Jones speaks to to Brendon Kenny from Ellanstone and Paul Murphy from Werk Solutions about what it means in practice. How can design, psychology, and community insight shape better learning spaces for children, and could it influence the future of education?

Public sector workers could see an increase in the level of pensions provided by government. Tynwald members will be asked to approve changes to its schemes in December's sitting. The amendments being proposed by the Public Sector Pensions Authority's (PSPA) would see an increase in the benefits of the members' contributions rather than a reduction of the contributions themselves. Chief Executive...

A Douglas East MHK says Treasury isn't going far enough to deal with dilapidated properties and derelict buildings on the Island.  Joney Faragher is introducing a motion to Tynwald later this month which aims to give local authorities the power to impose charges on the owners of these sites.  It also adds that any off-Island owners of domestic property should face additional charges...

An independent report has found that the current health and social care model in the Isle of Man 'is not operating as well as originally intended' following the establishment of Manx Care. Four options are on the table to improve things - including scrapping the body altogether. We speak to the Department of Health and Social Care's Interim Chief Officer, Professor Tim O'Neill about what it all me...

There have been some changes to the proposed new 20mph zones in Douglas and Onchan following a consultation. Earlier this year, people were invited to give their view ahead of the scheme being rolled out in residential areas.

A former infrastructure is pleading to parties at Ronaldsway Airport to sit down for consolidatory talks. It follows questions about political oversight of the airport's management. In the House of Keys this week, the Infrastructure Minister said she gave the senior management team at Ronaldsway her full support - but wouldn't comment on specific employment matters. Douglas Central MHK Chris Thoma...

The owners of a micropub in Peel which closed no less than five weeks ago have announced plans to reopen it. The Miller's T'Ale on Michael Street shut its doors for what was thought to be the last time on 30 September. At the time, owners Charles and Ann Miller cited difficult trading conditions, rising costs for stock, increased energy costs and declining customer numbers. In this edition of...

A Manx resident has been crowned 'Wedding Cake Artist of the Year' in a competition that's been described as the 'Oscars of the cake world'. Aimee Ford attended the Cake International Awards in Birmingham this past weekend (1-2 November) alongside artists from all over the world.

A blind resident has urged the Isle of Man Government to do more to promote equality and accessibility - questioning the loss of the Equality Champion role and the absence of an Access to Work scheme. We hear from Juan Greggor, and from MLC Dawn Kinnish, who says existing support needs a rethink.

Tynwald reconvenes after the summer recess looking bright eyed and bushy tailed - at least that's what the President seemed to think - though many would beg to differ! What were the main talking points we hear you ask? Listen to Phil Gawne and Christian Jones discuss Tynwald in Brief: October 2025 to find out.

Behind the sparkle of fireworks, some in the countryside face a very different experience. Owner of Ballakeenan Farm in Jurby, Thomase Cleator shares how last year’s celebrations caused distress among his flock - and why he's asking for a more considerate approach this year.

Hop-tu-Naa is coming up this week, and whilst we may be perfecting our costumes and getting ready for trick-or-treaters at the door - sometimes, the night proves to be no treat for our pets. With doorbells ringing, and kids knocking, sometimes, you just need to get out for a walk, a treat and a brew! Well this year, the ManxSPCA has you covered - with a special event at Archallagan Plantation...

The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce says a planned rise in minimum wage will be 'devastating' for local businesses. Approved by Tynwald last week, the changes will see the hourly rate rise from £12.25 to £13.46 from April next year.  The chamber is now warning the shift will mean businesses will have to face 'really harsh choices' in the coming months. Chief Executive Rebecca George says...

The treasury minister says a decision to increase minimum wage is about supporting the local economy, employers and workers.  Yesterday, Tynwald approved the changes, which will see the hourly rate rise from £12.25 to £13.46 from April next year. 

It's hoped that the Isle of Man will start getting 5G network coverage from next year. Telecommunications firm, Sure by Beyon made the announcement at a rebranding event in Douglas yesterday (23 October).

The Isle of Man has become the first crown dependency to be added to the radon risk map. It shows what the chances are of having a high radon reading in a property in each 5km square of the Island. Tracy Gooding is the Principal Radiation Protection Scientist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She's been telling Amy Griffiths more:

An MHK says the public needs more time to fully understand the impact the North and West Area Plan could have on the Manx countryside. Douglas Central member Chris Thomas has told Manx Radio he'll be looking to delay the debate on the document until next month. If approved, the plan would set out how to manage and guide development based on social, environmental and economic needs. But Mr Thomas b...

The infrastructure minister says her department is working to create three new mobility-scooter friendly bus routes by the end of the year. It follows work to install Kassel Kerbs, which allow step-free access onto buses, at 30 stops around the Island. Currently, users of class 2 mobility scooters can apply for the right to use one service - troute 21 - which operates from the city centre to...

The chief scientist of the Motor Neuron Disease Association says there is 'hope on the horizon' for finding ways to treat the condition. Dr Brian Dickie has been giving a talk on the Island, and has been telling Amy Griffiths more:

The outgoing clerk at Braddan Commissioners says he believes local authority reform will only happen if Tynwald orders it.  Colin Whiteway started at Braddan in 2007 as the successor to Buster Lewin and in that time has seen the board through litigation, the development of The Roundhouse and new social housing developments.  He believes reform hasn't been brought forward by local authori...

Treasury has extended a consultation looking at changes to the Island's Rating and Consultation Valuation Act 1953 until the end of the month.  It was meant to close this week but has been extended by two weeks after impact assessments in the document were updated - something some local authorities asked for.  Minister Alex Allinson has been speaking live on Manx Radio Breakfast.