Agenda - Manx Radio
227 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago -A weekly look at the Manx political scene in which Phil Gawne talks to the politicians who are raising the issues and asking the questions in Tynwald and the House of Keys, ex-politicians about their time in power and exploring the wider world of politics and the workings of Government.
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Episodes
Agenda 7 September
September 07, 2020 11:07 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThere was no joy to be found for two of the Island’s political parties in the Douglas South by-election, with LibVan and the Isle of Man Green finishing in third and fourth respectively. Michael Josem came within a whisker of finishing second, with Andrew Jessopp behind the top three but still with 300 votes. So what do the leader of these parties think of this showing by their candidates? We speak to Lib Van’s Lawrie Hooper, and Isle of Man Green Party’s Andrew Langan-Newton:
Agenda 24 August
August 24, 2020 18:07 - 25 minutes - 58.9 MBAlex Wotton chairs the first of two Douglas South by-election special. With ten candidates in total, the second five (alphabetically) talk about their priorities for the vote on 27 August; Michael Jessop, Michael Josem, Kevin Oliphant Smith, Lon Pinkerton & Paul Quine.
Agenda 10 August
August 10, 2020 17:30 - 24 minutes - 28.6 MBAlmost a year after floods devastated Glen Road in Laxey, work is getting underway today to prevent a repeat. The Infrastructure Minister explains what's happening, while one of the MHKs for the area says some still aren't back in their homes. Elsewhere a new deal will ensure Manx residents receive free emergency healthcare when in Guernsey, but why wasn't this in place sooner? The Health Minister discusses the new reciprocal health agreement.
Agenda 3 August
August 02, 2020 23:00 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBThousands of private sector homes aren’t up to standard, with the elderly and those on low incomes suffering the most from poor quality accommodation. They’re just some of the findings of a survey into the condition of private properties across the Island. DEFA minister Geoffrey Boot says more funding could be available to fix the £70 million problem, and MHK Chris Thomas thinks these issues should be considered as part of national housing strategy. Elsewhere, parish politics erupts following...
Agenda 27 July
July 27, 2020 11:11 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBLandlords claim they haven't been directly asked about government’s latest attempt to bring in minimum property standards and tenancy; a housing charity says a bill is desperately needed. The chief officer of Guernsey airline Aurigny explains the benefits of secure travel links.
Agenda 20 July
July 20, 2020 07:57 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBHow do you sell queenies across the world when prices have dropped by 40% since last year because of a global pandemic? Shellfish supplier Island Seafare is faced with that problem. Police are asking young people to take part in a survey on cybercrime, and the environment minister wants to re-introduce grey partridges on the Island so they can be shot.
Agenda 13 July
July 13, 2020 10:13 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThe shake up in membership at the Department of Infrastructure continues following the departure of Onchan MHK Julie Edge. And Manx fisheries are in a 'dire state', with fears the industry may not survive amid a severely depressed shellfish market.
Agenda 29 June
June 28, 2020 10:29 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBWhy has it taken so long to have updated rules in place for landlords and tenants in the private sector? We speak to those involved in trying to make that happen, and take a look at a new bill aimed at regulating the private rental market. But what can be learned from previous efforts to manage this sector, and how can that be applied to what’s now being proposed?
Agenda 22 June
June 22, 2020 11:10 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBJuly is the deadline for a new gas deal to be agreed by the government. Manx Gas says it welcomes a ‘concrete’ timeline. The Isle of Man Ship registry is hosting a talk on the more than 100,00 seafarers in merchant ships around the globe, trapped at sea for long periods during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Agenda 15 June
June 15, 2020 09:44 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBCampaigners are still pushing for lower prices from Manx Gas, with negotiations between the energy company and government on a new regulatory agreement still yet to reach a conclusion. Tynwald will discuss the issue on Tuesday, with some hopeful government will force Manx Gas’s hand. And one of the largest protests in recent memory took place in Douglas last week – when more than 1,500 people turned out to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Agenda 8 June
June 08, 2020 14:05 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThe pathology manager at the Department of Health and Social Care explains how the roll out of antibody testing will take place, and a Garff MHK wants recommendations from the Laxey flood report to be implement as soon as possible.
Agenda 1 June
June 01, 2020 11:46 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBOn this programme we’re focusing on the ministerial sacking which seem to come of the blue last week. Chris Thomas was dismissed from the Council of Ministers for voting against the government on a controversial planning motion. The chief minister said he failed to follow the ministerial code, but Mr Thomas insists he had a pre-declared position.
Agenda 18 March
May 18, 2020 13:13 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBGovernment has announced work on the horse tramway will stop at the War Memorial to minimize disruption to next year's tourist season. It's promised to finish the remainder of the single track to the Sea Terminal, as agreed by Tynwald, ‘in the future’, but with a new administration likely in place by then, critics say it's kicking the issue into long grass. We hear from all sides.
Agenda 18 May
May 18, 2020 13:13 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBGovernment has announced work on the horse tramway will stop at the War Memorial to minimize disruption to next year's tourist season. It's promised to finish the remainder of the single track to the Sea Terminal, as agreed by Tynwald, ‘in the future’, but with a new administration likely in place by then, critics say it's kicking the issue into long grass. We hear from all sides.
Agenda 11 March
May 11, 2020 11:01 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBRoad-maps, review dates and the opening of garden centres were all announced recently as government edges Manx society towards a ‘new normal’. The coronavirus response shows an ability to tackle the climate crises claims a Douglas MHK, Manx Utilities may have a new chair, and the Home Affairs Minister explains why the all-Island warning sirens are on the way out.
Agenda 4 May
May 04, 2020 11:20 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThe education minister has offered an update on how the Island’s educational institutions are preparing for a world in which Covid-19 restrictions will remain firmly in place. But unions are unhappy over the possibility of more students coming back to school, and we find out how the Island’s civic amenity sites are coping after reopening.
Agenda 27 April
April 27, 2020 11:29 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThe sustainability of Castletown has been a subject of debate after plans for a new estate at Knock Rushen were rejected at appeal. Castletown Commissioners want new homes to attract young buyers to the town, and are calling for the Southern Area Plan to be revised and updated to reflect housing need.
Agenda 20 April
April 20, 2020 14:09 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThe planning committee is now meeting again digitally, but not in public. With a build up of home recycling, there’s a call to reopen some waste facilities. Braddan Commissioners face a question over a £7 million community centre, and Douglas Council says it’s taking steps to help people manage rent.
Agenda 6 April
April 06, 2020 14:33 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThroughout the pandemic there’s been a focus on mental health and how people can access support. Manx mental health charity Quing has launched a digital TV channel to make its online material more readily available. In the second half of the programme we speak to a BBC Isle of Man journalist about the challenges of covering Covid-19 whilst in self-isolation.
Agenda 30 March
March 30, 2020 12:39 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBAs Manx life continues to change day-by day, we reflect on a week of decisions designed to keep people safe and the economy afloat during the pandemic. An economic intervention of more than £100 million is approved by Tynwald, the food retail industry pleads for calm and respect for its workers, and despite what you may think, one of the Island's broadband providers insists its network hasn't reached capacity.
Agenda 23 March
March 23, 2020 14:41 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThe Island’s chief medical director explains why ‘flattening the curve’ is a must – we speak to a young person here with a mild case of COVID-19 who’s pleading with the fit and healthy to take the virus seriously. Graih outlines the challenges faced in helping the homeless self-isolated. And a Port Erin commissioner explains more about plans for the Cosy Nook.
Agenda 16 March
March 16, 2020 16:02 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBShould Arbory, Rushen, Port Erin, Port St Mary, Malew and Castletown all join forces to create a new local authority? The idea’s been floated by a commissioner ahead of the local elections in April. On this episode of Agenda we speak to representatives of all five authorities to see what they think about the proposal.
Agenda 9 March
March 09, 2020 12:07 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBVillagers in Laxey hear the pros and cons of plans to put a sewage treatment works in the heart of the community. The future of Port St Mary’s bowling green is up in the air. And, a cross-local authority forum is under threat.
Agenda 2 March
March 02, 2020 12:44 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThe leader of the Manx Labour Party, who helped rebuild lower Pulrose in the mid 1990’s, is calling on government and local authorities to invest in creating more public homes. We speak to recently-retired politician David Cretney. And, changes to the bus timetable, which upset some in Jurby, will 'lead to more efficient use of resources' say infrastructure bosses.
Agenda 24 February
February 19, 2020 17:44 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MB'It’s not the right site' - that’s what some in Laxey have said about the proposed location of a new sewage plant for village, designed to end the discharge of raw waste. Progress of the draft Eastern Area Plan has reached a new juncture, we find out what comes next.
Agenda 17 February
February 17, 2020 13:14 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBHomeless charity Graih has warned the quality of cheap private accommodation can be very poor, and landlords often seek to exploit vulnerable tenants. Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas says work is ongoing to improve the quality of accommodation in the private sector, including a landlord registration bill.
Agenda 10 February
February 10, 2020 12:28 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBLocal authorities are increasingly concerned about the closure of village post offices, with fears the situation in Ballasalla could soon spread. We hear from Malew Commisisoners, the Isle of Man Municipal Association, and from post office chair Julie Edge. A delayed social housing project in Braddan, which is expected to cost more than £4.5 million, is set to provide tenants with homes that 'exceed the standard in energy efficiency'.
Agenda 3 February
February 03, 2020 12:36 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBDouglas residents will pay out around £12 million in rates across the next financial year, but where does that money go? We speak to councillors about the budget for 2020/21, and find out how the local authority intends to use public finances.
Agenda 27 January
January 24, 2020 16:34 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThe owners of Caley’s Stores have decided to call it a day, causing an outpouring of sadness in the Sulby community. We hear why the old adage use it or lose it rings true. The Arbory/Rushen merger prompts talk over the future for local authorities, and whilst rates are being set, we hear what's going with attempts to change the way the property tax is assessed.
Agenda 20 January
January 20, 2020 12:23 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBShould MHKs be paid more, and the financial boost for being a departmental member dropped? It’s one of the ideas put forward in a report into the pay of Tynwald members. Some say this could re-balance executive and scrutiny roles by removing the ‘sweetener’ that comes with joining government. Others feel the report missed an opportunity to cut politicians' salaries and save public money.
Agenda 13 January
January 13, 2020 12:39 - 25 minutes - 34.3 MBThe Post Office says nothing is decided on the future of the Ballasalla counter, but residents have serious concerns about the prospect of losing a 'vital service'. We hear from some of the more than 100 people who turned up to a coffee morning last week to discuss the issue. Public sector rents are to go up 1.9% in April. Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer explains how the increase is calculated, whilst MHK Rob Callister challenges the DoI's figures.
Agenda 6 January
January 03, 2020 10:30 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBThe man who's served as clerk to three authorities in the north of the Island for almost half a century will step down next year. John Quayle, who's 80, has managed the books at Jurby Commissioners since 1973, and says at his age, it was time to 'pack it up' and will step down in February. We speak to him about his time in local politics.
Agenda 18 November
November 18, 2019 14:06 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBManx Utilities is aiming to start work next year on a new sewage plant in Laxey by the village harbour. But a residents' group, Best For Laxey, is opposed to the choice of location. And commissioners in Ramsey welcome news there’ll be flood defences built in the town, but want to make sure any scheme is done to the right standard.
Agenda 11 November
November 11, 2019 13:19 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBAn investigation is called in Malew over fears decision were made by commissioners without full approval. Slow down say Ballabeg residents to speeding motorists. And we hear from Douglas Council about plans for a Bee Gees statue on the capital’s promenade.
Agenda 4 November
November 04, 2019 12:38 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBAn Onchan commissioner resigns, accusing board members of trying to undermine him and creating a bad atmosphere at meetings. But the local authority's chairman insists members are told to treat each other with respect, and heated discussion is part of the job. Two politicians/businessmen unveil plans for a £6 million commercial sports centre at King Williams College, insisting the facility will be available to all on an equal basis. We speak to commissioner David Parnell, and MHK Ralph Peake.
Agenda 28 October
October 28, 2019 13:45 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MB'It was like a courtroom' say some who took part in the Eastern area Plan inquiry, we hear from those who felt they were up against it. A housing development in Marown has left residents feeling sorely disappointed. Is the fracking debate a distraction? And all change at Malew Commissioners, but the new chairman insists there’s no lack of experience.
Agenda 21 October
October 21, 2019 13:17 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBA new skate park in Castletown is just weeks away from completion. We speak to the commissioner behind the project, and those building the 'world class facility' at Poulsom Park. Residents in Port St Mary fear a main road could collapse if development on the Underway continues – and Douglas Council wants to see changes to the way social housing is funded.
Agenda 14 October
October 14, 2019 13:16 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBVillagers in Laxey demand answers from Manx Utilities and government ministers over flooding which devastated homes along Glen Road. We get the reaction of residents, commissioners and MHKs from last week's public meeting. And what impact will the 'climate emergency' have on plans to zone swathes of greenfield sites under the Eastern Area Plan?
Agenda 7 October
October 07, 2019 12:13 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBGarff Commissioners say the devastating floods in Laxey could’ve been avoided, and want government to take action. Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas puts forward a plan to modernise rates, but critics aren’t sure it’s any better than the current system.
Agenda 30 September
September 30, 2019 12:15 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBHow does looking for gas in the Manx seabed fit into the government’s commitment to make the Island carbon neutral? MHK Ralph Peake and MLC Jane Poole-Wilson, members of the climate change transformation team, attempt to answer that question. And they could call men to arms, quell riots and light beacons to warn of invasion – we speak to a new Captain of the Parish.
Agenda 23 September
September 23, 2019 12:39 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBGood planning recognises the latest data – those the words of our guest on this programme, author of the 2016 Isle of Man Population Atlas, Paul Craine. He’s questioning figures in the Eastern Area Plan which could lead to swathes of Greenfield land zoned for development in expectation of a growing population. But is the Island’s population really going to grow? Or are government hopes a distant reality? The statistician seeks to answer those question and more on this episode of Agenda.
Agenda 16 September
September 16, 2019 12:30 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBThe Isle of Man Green Party is gearing up for its first conference this weekend, with community, clean energy and climate change all on the bill. We hear from party leader Andrew Newtown, and deputy leader Lamara Craine. Plans to turn Ramsey Courthouse into a community hub get the green light from planners. And there’s now a full set of Malew Commissioners after a by-election last week, we speak to the winners.
Agenda 9 September
September 09, 2019 11:50 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBWe hear from the five candidates vying for the three vacant seats on the board of Malew Commissioners. With a by-election taking place on Thursday, the five hopefuls explain why they're standing. And in the second half of Agenda, foodbank users speak out about poverty on the Isle of Man, whilst the government insists steps are being taken to address the issue.
Agenda 2 September
September 02, 2019 11:44 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBDo you know how much local authority members claim? Should they take allowances for attending meetings? Some do, and some don’t, we hear why. Commuters are 'fed up' with the TT access road, but changes aren't likely to be made until 2022. Finally, residents by Ballakermeen High School fear traffic calming measures could lead to further congestion despite claims to the contrary.
Agenda 19 August
August 19, 2019 11:03 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBCommissioners in Castletown feel planners are frustrating efforts by developers to build new homes in the ancient capital. Those behind plans for glamping in Groudle explain more about the project, and we speak to the MHK, turned Health Minister, who promised to bring the issue of local authority reform to Tynwald every year unless 'sufficient progress is made'.
Agenda 12 August
August 12, 2019 11:18 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBThe roll out of Bus Vannin’s 'dial-a-ride' minibus service has caused a stir in the north, where Jurby residents are unhappy with the loss of regular, timetabled buses, and a taxi driver leaves Kirk Michael due to ‘unfair competition’. And should the Tynwald ombudsman be able to investigate complaints against local authorities and statutory boards?
Agenda 5 August
August 05, 2019 11:47 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBA local authority merger special, as Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners investigate a possible union. We look at the experience of Laxey Lonan and Maughold which merged to form Garff in 2015. And are local authority mergers a sign of government led reform, or complete inaction? We hear the opposing views of Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer, and Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.
Agenda 29 July
July 26, 2019 17:30 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBWho should compensate businesses suffering from works along Douglas promenade? Onchan Commissioners are wary of major development under the Eastern Area Plan, and a play park revamp in Port Erin has come at an unfortunate time.
Agenda 22 July
July 23, 2019 06:42 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MB'Unparliamentary language' and 'institutional bullying' - criticism for the education minister. And why is the Douglas promenade refurbishment scheme costing an extra £6.5 million?