Douglas Council Leader Devon Watson delivered one of the most forceful interventions of Manx.News Budget debate.
Watson warned that poverty on the island is deepening and placing growing pressure on public services.
Speaking during the Manx.News Budget debate, he said low wages and high rents are leaving many households unable to cope.
Poverty Crisis
Watson highlighted a case of a constituent living in “absolute squalor”, saying it reflects wider issues facing working families and those on low incomes.
He argued that the island cannot build a strong economy while maintaining what he described as a “permanent underclass”, and urged government to prioritise housing supply and targeted support.
His comments came as other panel members discussed the wider social impact of the £1.47bn Budget, with concerns raised about how rising living costs are feeding into health, education and welfare demand.
