DHSC has £11.1m extra funds approved

Wed, 18 Jan 2017

Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft MHK

The Health and Social Care Minister says her Department needs to be more cost aware after being granted an £11.1m additional budget.

Kate Beecroft, who only took charge of the Department in October, had to ask Tynwald to approve the overspend, blaming the cost of temporary staff and difficulties recruiting permanent workers.

Tynwald voted to approve the extra money, but the Minister will have to outline plans to reduce spending and increase income by July.

The DHSC also sought additional funds last year when led by Howard Quayle, while Mrs Beecroft admits there could be some difficult choices ahead to ensure such overspends don't continue.

The Department has the largest budget in the Isle of Man Government, having been given a £250m gross fund for the current financial year.