The Select Committee on the Role of the Legislature in the Budget Process was established in December 2024 to examine the role that Tynwald should play in the Budget Process including, but not limited to:

• The effectiveness of the current mechanisms for scrutinising the Budget;
• The role that Tynwald Members, Department Members, and Ministers should play in the formulation of the Budget;
• The timeframes for reviewing the Budget;
• The availability of training, advice, and information in respect of Members’ analysing the Budget;
• Whether Tynwald Members should have the power to make amendments to the Budget, and to what degree; and
• The role of the Public Accounts Committee and the Policy Review Committees in scrutinising the Budget and its delivery.

For information, a research paper outlining the Island’s Budget Process can be found here.

The Committee would like to invite written submissions from anyone who would like to comment on the Isle of Man’s Budget Process, including individual members of the public, businesses, bodies, and groups. 

Submissions should be sent to the address below by noon on Friday 30^th May 2025. Email is preferred but hard copy is equally acceptable.  Alternative accessible formats can be arranged on request.

Email: committees@tynwald.org.im

Post:

Select Committee on the Role of the Legislature in the Budget Process,

Clerk of Tynwald’s Office, Legislative Buildings,

Finch Road,

Douglas,

IM1 3PW

The Committee is also in the process of collecting the views of Tynwald Members on the issues above. The following consultation themes have been issued to Members:

1. Scrutiny of the Budget
   • How effective are the current mechanisms for scrutinising the Budget before its approval?
   • What role should (a) all Tynwald Members, (b) Department Members, and (c) Ministers play in the formulation of the Budget?
   • Are the timeframes for reviewing the Budget sufficient?
   • Do Members have access to adequate information to understand the Budget and make informed decisions? How can the public assist in this?
   • Do Members feel sufficiently informed and equipped to analyse Department Plans against the Budget?
   • Do Members feel that there is appropriate training and skills development to adequately scrutinise the Budget?
   • What improvements, if any, could be made to improve parliamentary oversight of the Budget?
   • Is there sufficient evidence as to whether the Budget aligns with Government’s policy priorities?
2. Amendment of the Budget
   • What power should Members have to make amendments to the Budget?
   • How effective are the current provisions for Members to participate in and make amendments to the Budget?
   • Are there any barriers that make it difficult for Members to adequate influence the Budget?
   • What role should Tynwald have if Government seeks to amend or reallocate budgets in-year?
   • What role should Tynwald have in supplementary votes?
3. Overall Effectiveness of the Budget Process
   • What do you consider to be the key strengths of the Island’s Budget process?
   • What are the main weaknesses or challenges that need to be addressed?
   • Are you aware of other jurisdictions that could serve as useful models?
   • Is there sufficient information provided in-year to assess delivery of the Budget?
   • What role should scrutiny committees (PAC and PRCs) have in scrutinising the Budget and its delivery?

Please be aware that the Committee may choose to make public any information it receives. Personal contact details are routinely redacted in advance of such publication. If there is any other information in your submission that you do not wish the Committee to publish, or that you believe the Committee should not publish, please explain this in your submission.

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For further information contact:

Office of the Clerk of Tynwald
Telephone: 01624 685500
Email: enquiries@tynwald.org.im
Website: www.tynwald.org.im