Backbench MHKs have been responding to the announcement that the island will stick with the triple lock for this year’s pension increases.
The Treasury will propose that pensions should increase in line with the UK triple lock policy of 4.1% for the year 2025-26 ahead of a public consultation on future proposed changes .
With the Treasury acknowledging that it has done this follow this week’s debate, MHKs are claiming victory for their constituents.
Julie Edge, whose motion essentially led to this, said it was a “victory for fairness and transparency in the NI fund debate for Manx residents”.
Ms Edge added: This is a huge win for fairness, transparency, and democracy. It proves that when people come together, speak up, and demand accountability, real change happens!
“The Government must ensure that pensions remain fair and protected for both today’s retirees and future generations.
“This outcome was only possible because so many of you engaged in this debate—asking the right questions, lobbying MHKs, and making your voices heard.”
Her constituency colleague Rob Callister also expressed his support for the announcement and the prospect of further debate on the National Insurance scheme.
Mr Callister said he was “urging the Manx Government to engage in an open discussion with pensioners about alternative options, especially if there is a move away from the triple lock formula in the future”.
He also emphasised the “importance of a comprehensive consultation, which should be undertaken place in February or early March, to ensure that pensioners’ voices are heard and considered ahead a formal debate in Tynwald in April”.
Lawrie Hooper (Ramsey) however was not in a celebratory mood and criticised the government’s handling of the announcement.
He said: “So now the Treasury are openly talking about the content of the budget which they’ve prohibited everyone else from discussing? This is just outrageous.”
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