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Support for health, education in budget

Tue, 20 Feb 2018

Health and education were highlighted in this year's budget, with the Treasury Minister announcing plans to invest in education, healthcare and active travel.

Alfred Cannan announced a £423m programme of investment over the next five years while delivering his budget speech this morning.

An extra £5.5m has been designated for the Department of Health and Social Care this year, while £3.8m will be spent to encourage Active Travel over the next four years - encouraging locals to walk and cycle instead of using motorised transport.

The benefit in kind exemption for bicycles, which was introduced last year, will be extended to include electric bicycles.

An additional £1.5m has been set aside for pre-school credits, meaning an extra 20 hours per week for eligible children.

A capital programme to modernise the Island's schools will include a new Castle Rushen High School and improvements for QEII in Peel with the development of a Science and Technology block.

It's hoped funding the refurbishment of the NSC pool refurbishment in the next financial year will encourage more recreational activity, along with an increased budget for work to footpaths and national glens.

Total Government spending over the next 12 months equates to around £12,667 per Manx resident.

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