How much would it cost for the government to raise the income tax thresholds? Well next week we may just find out.
Onchan MHK Julie Edge will ask Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson just that next week.
Raising thresholds was put forward by several politicians and businesses in place of the 9.9% increase in the minimum wage which business leaders have warned will put the hammer to some small businesses and lead to job losses in others.
Ms Edge was also one of the MHKs who did vote against the increase, due to the concerns raised by small businesses, a lack of clarity over the impact it could have and calls for increases to the thresholds.
She will ask Dr Allinson what the impact on the government’s income would be of increasing the single person’s tax-free allowance i) by a) £250, b) £500, c) £750 and d) £1000; and ii) to £20,000?
That £20,000 figure was also suggested by several people as it would closely align the island with Jersey which offers an exemption for single people of £20,700 and £33,200 for married people.