Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson has confirmed that a supplementary vote for the Department of Health and Social Care’s 2024-25 finances will not be presented to Tynwald until July, prompting criticism from members.
The delay was revealed during a Tynwald session after MHK Lawrie Hooper questioned the timeline, noting the financial year ended on 31 March.
“Why is it taking so long? We’re now in mid-May and won’t see a vote until July,” Mr Hooper said.
Dr Allinson explained the delay, saying, “The Department of Health has a range of commissioned services, including off-island providers.
“Some invoices arrive after the financial year, and reconciliation is needed to finalise the outturn.”
He added that the process involves Treasury and Council of Ministers approval before appearing on the Order Paper, which requires six weeks’ notice (it actually doesn’t, it requires four).
MHKs blocked taking a vote on allowing a £20m top up for health overspending back in March.
Regulations
Julie Edge raised concerns about compliance, asking, “Can the minister confirm DHSC accounts are compliant with financial regulations? Government accounts are usually finalised by April.”
She also criticised a previous supplementary bid as “a figure picked out of the air,” to which Dr Allinson replied, “I disagree completely. The memorandum showed a breakdown and anticipated risks.”
Mr Hooper expressed frustration over the lack of oversight, saying, “The Treasury doesn’t know how much we’ve spent until halfway through the year. That’s a big gap.”
Dr Allinson countered, “The paper is going before Treasury this week, but the Tynwald process dictates the timeline.”
The supplementary vote is now expected in July’s sitting.
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