An MHK has called on Chief Minister to obtain an independent forensic financial audit of Manx Care before Tynwald considers support for any new governance structure.
Julie Edge said such an audit was “a totally different process” from the internal and value-for-money audits already underway.
Alf Cannan outlined the existing scrutiny, telling members the government “already operates a strong assurance framework”.
He confirmed, “the Auditor General is currently conducting a value for money audit in Manx care,” which aims “to provide transparency and accountability”.
However, Ms Edge pressed the point, saying” “I don’t believe anybody in all of our audit sector of government is a qualified forensic auditor.”
She argued that any new independent director joining a board would expect full due diligence, saying, “I think it’s clear the answer is, we have not had a forensic audit at Manx Care.”
Mr Cannan acknowledged the sentiment but cautioned against the move without clear cause.
He defined a forensic audit as “a detailed investigative review aimed at identifying issues such as fraud mismanagement or weaknesses in financial controls,” but noted it is “highly specialised. It’s very expensive, very time consuming”.
He concluded that such an audit should only be commissioned if “clearly identified as to the problem area and the benefits of undertaking it”,” based on evidence from existing oversight mechanisms”.
Source: Manx News, 21 January 2026
