“We’re listening” and “we want your views” are some of the most commonly used phrases by our elected members, but are they actually listening?
Last night I attended the inaugural meeting of the newly founded Local Economy Forum which presented an alternative option to the new minimum wage of £13.46.
The solution which was tabled actually gave the low paid worker more money in their pockets, and focused on take home pay, not gross.
Spending Others Money
Not a single person complained about wanting fair pay, but they did complain about it crippling businesses in the process; thus leaving people without jobs.
What we’re seeing right now from government is champagne socialism at its finest. It’s a case of, it’s absolutely fine to spend other people’s money, but not our own.
However, in the words of Margaret Thatcher, the problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.
I’m afraid to say to this dear government, we are now at that point.
Are You Listening?
The forum was presented by former minister and MHK Chris Robertshaw, with a panel of five business representatives.
On the panel was Brett Martin of the Palace Group, Janna Horsthuis of Robinsons, Ollie Neale of Heron and Brearley, Andy Gibbs of Jaks Group and Lesley Murray representing care services.
The collective above presented a solution to government’s minimum wage increase, which would benefit everyone, including our government.
Over 100 business representatives and seven MHKs were in attendance at the meeting; four who voted against the proposal in Tynwald and three who voted for it.
Of the three who voted for it, two of them spoke at the meeting.
Onchan MHK Rob Callister explained to the audience that he didn’t agree with the proposal but as he had vowed in his manifesto to move the island towards a living wage during this administration, he voted for it.
How You Vote Matters
Speaking on my own behalf, I couldn’t help but feel Mr Callister was more interested in standing by his election promises rather than dealing with what we have infront of us.
No, no one could have exactly predicted inflation would have jumped like it has, but also it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know we have been on an economic decline since Covid, and the Ukraine war.
We are not immune to these issues, and standing by promises when times have changed, to me, is somewhat absurd.
Whilst I respect he is staying true to his manifesto, he is also, by his own admission, backing something he doesn’t believe in.
He kept pointing people in the direction of speeches he has made in Tynwald sittings, rather than focusing on how he voted.
But it’s simple, people don’t really care about your reasonings, they care how you voted.
Came to Listen
The Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson was also in attendance, and got called upon by the floor to expand on his decision.
Dr Allinson told the room he wasn’t expecting to talk and had to come to listen:
The third MHK supporting the increase was Douglas South representative Sarah Maltby, who also holds a political position within the Department for Enterprise, the department that authored the minimum wage order.
Nevertheless, she remained silent throughout the meeting.
The MHKs who voted against the proposal Kate Lord-Brennan, John Wannenburgh, Jason Moorhouse and Julie Edge were also quiet- although I don’t think they needed to say anything, as they have listened and their votes reflected that.
Deaf Ears
Sadly, I think all business concerns fell upon deaf ears when it came to the Treasury Minister.
Members of the floor explained how many of them are in business purely to feed their families, not to make millions, and they can’t keep up with these costs.
The feeling from the room was that this is the final straw, and they cannot continue to survive under this government which is seemingly hell-bent on destroying our economy.
An economy does not exist without a private sector. I really don’t understand how that is so hard for our elected members and their officers to comprehend.
I still find it mind boggling that we have MHKs that have never worked a single day in their lives in the private sector, yet are making life changing decisions for businesses.
But, thats a discussion for another day.
Are They Listening?
Whilst we will undoubtably hear more “we’re listening” and “we’ll see what we can do”, I for one am bored of hearing it.
MHKs weren’t voted in purely to listen, and we’re sick of footing the wage bill for elected members to fuel their own personal agendas.
Our elected politicians are there to take action and improve the island for those living in it, and to listen and to act on behalf of those who are paying for it.
So, are they just listening? Or are we going to see action?
You decide that one.
