We Need to Get Forensic on Manx Care

Julie Edge has again called for a full forensic audit of Manx Care, challenging the Chief Minister to support the move if he believes the health body is functioning efficiently.

During the budget debate in Tynwald, the MHK for Onchan said: “I don’t want a sampling audit. I don’t want a value for money audit. I want a full forensic audit and if I hear that in response from the Treasury minister today, I may look to support this budget.”

Ms Edge expressed concern that every person on the island is effectively being charged £18,280 for government services, questioning whether constituents feel that represents value for money.

She highlighted that public sector costs had increased by approximately £36 million in the last year, with employee-related costs approaching 60% of revenue expenditure.

Reform

“Once pay employer contributions, pensions and NI transfers are included, we are actually approaching 60% of our revenue expenditure tied solely to employee related costs.

“That’s before any reform begins, Mr. President, that helps create a diminishing flexibility and opportunity for any transformation,” she said.

Ms Edge claimed Manx Care had increased its head count by nearly 500, asking: “Where are these people? Where are those additional staff deployed? Are they front line? Are they administrative agency, remote? Are they on our island even, or are they off Island?”

She described a forensic audit as “the only solution”, saying it would review procurement contracts, supplier payments, payroll records and capital spending line by line.

“Five years, nearly 200 million more, and all of our departments put more in as well. It’s unfair, it’s unfair, but if there are any inefficiencies, it will expose them.”

Rob Callister intervened to clarify that the increase related specifically to Manx Care, which sits outside the Public Service Commission’s direct employment.

Ms Edge also raised concerns about the National Insurance Fund, stating: “It’s an intergenerational responsibility to ensure that the National Insurance Fund is being used appropriately.”