The cost of running the Lieutenant Governor’s home has been slashed, an Isle of Man Newspapers investigation has revealed.
The cost has fallen by nearly a third in the last five years – although it still costs the taxpayer almost £450,000 annually.
Figures released to iomtoday.co.im following an Access to Government Information request show that total Government House expenditure dropped from £627,435 in 2010-11 to £445,477 in 2014-15, down 29 per cent.
Employee costs fell by more than a fifth in that period, from £417,887 to £328,024.
Expenditure on Royal and VIP visits also dropped during the tenure of the current Lieutenant Governor, from £8,994 in 2010-11 to £2,860 last year.
Meanwhile, the vacancy for Mr Wood’s successor has been advertised in the Sunday Times.
The deadline for applications for the post of the island’s next Lieutenant Governor was 5pm yesterday.
The package for the successful candidate includes an official residence, Government House, a salary of £95,348, currently tax free, plus an allowance of £2,541 a year.
The officer holder gets £95,000 a year tax-free and an eight-bedroom house set in 12 acres.
The job advertisement states that the successful candidate should be ‘diplomatic and tactful’ in the discharge of official duties, and act as a ‘discreet and lucid communicator’ to the Isle of Man and UK Governments, paying close attention to ‘local political and societal sensitivities and protocols’.
He or she will be required to play a full and active part in Manx life, with particular emphasis on the island’s community and charitable affairs.
Applicants must be a British citizen, an Irish citizen, a citizen of a Commonwealth country, or hold dual nationality, and must have a distinguished record of Crown, public or other relevant service at the highest level.
Source: IOM Today
