Cost of living on many minds ahead of Manx election
Cost of living on many minds ahead of Manx election. Image source, Manx ScenesImage caption, Growing the economy has been billed as a top priority for the majority of candidatesByAlex BlakeIsle of ManPublished7 September 2026, 06:46 BSTResidents, businesses, and charities say they are feeling the pinch of rising costs, with many describing the economy as a key priority ahead of the Isle of Man general election.
What happened
Related topicsCost of Living InflationRamseyMore like thisHouse of Keys election contested by 82 candidatesPublished27 AugustHousing cited 'huge priority' ahead of electionPublished4 days agoHow wind farm plans are influencing Manx voters ahead of electionPublished24 AugustRelated internet linksIsle of Man General Election 2026Tynwald Residents in Douglas said rising prices were affecting everyday life, with several describing the cost of living as their biggest concern ahead of the election. He said it was something on his mind ahead of election, adding there was "a lot we can do to cut down our costs".
Ahead of Germany's federal election last year, US Vice-President JD Vance endorsed the party, in a move criticised in Germany as political interference. "The cost of living is increasing and it's getting tougher and tougher for many people. Residents, businesses and charities are focused on the economy ahead of the general election. The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce warned the Island faced "a very hard five years" ahead, citing a shrinking tax base and the recent loss of many high‑earning jobs.
The wider picture
Gawne said many families were living on a financial knife-edge. Contact formContact formRelated topicsJohn HealeyLabour PartyHM TreasuryMore on this storyUK long-term borrowing costs highest since 1998 ahead of October BudgetPublished5 days agoAlmost half of households do not see benefits of economic growth, report saysPublished4 days ago Image source, ReutersImage caption, Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's leader in Saxony-Anhalt, says the result is a "clear mandate to govern"ByJessica Parker, reporting from Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Amy WalkerPublished7 September 2026, 11:03 BSTUpdated 3 hours agoThe far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is "very, very close" to taking power in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, its deputy parliamentary leader has told the BBC, after a historic victory in elections there.
Skip to content Menu Home | KZN to bring together political parties, IEC for election peace talks KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli Image Credits : Facebook-KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government SABC News 5 September 2026, 21:20 [SAST] Political parties in KwaZulu-Natal will meet for a peace summit this month aimed at promoting tolerance and stability ahead of the Local Government Elections on November 4. Day 1: KZN Stakeholder Engagement The Electoral Commission leadership met with KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr Thami Ntuli, setting the tone for collaborative action ahead of the 2026/27 Local Government Elections (LGE).
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ikea is trying to win new customers by opening high street stores like this one in LondonByEmer MoreauBusiness reporterPublished1 September 2026Swedish furniture giant Ikea is cutting prices across hundreds of products in Europe to woo customers struggling with deepening cost-of-living pressures. Ikea has seen revenue decline over the past two years as the rising cost of living reduces people's ability to invest in new furniture and home renovations. Despite a recent uptick, consumer confidence in Europe is at its lowest level for almost three years due to concerns about inflation and the cost of living, according to EU figures. , externalBritish consumers, meanwhile, are becoming more optimistic about the economy and their own finances, following a truce in the Middle East, but analysts have warned that inflation and the rising cost of living could dent consumer confidence in the coming months.
What has been reported
Contact formContact formRelated topicsIkeaCost of Living CompaniesRetailingConsumer behaviourMore on this storyFrom lighting to vintage gems: Five ways to spruce up your rentalPublished27 August Several independent shops in Ramsey said custom was down and running costs had become harder to manage, while the island's foodbank said demand for support had doubled in two years. Image caption, Sharon Cox said daily life on the Isle of Man had become unaffordableMum-of-one Caitlin Gibson said she was living with her mum and struggled to save anything while caring for her young daughter.
"Another Douglas resident, Andrew Cairns, said rising fuel and energy costs were having "a massive impact". Amy Salter, from the Brunch cafe, said the cost of supplies and energy had changed how the family business operated. Image caption, Linda Murphy wanted candidates to be looking out for small businessesLinda Murphy, from Oma Sustainable Living, said footfall dropped sharply after government services were removed from the Post Office earlier this year. Watterson called for an election focus on national issues rather than local.
Image source, ReutersImage caption, John Healey was giving his first major speech as chancellorByFaisal Islam, Economics editor, Dearbail Jordan and Esyllt Carr, Business reportersPublished7 September 2026, 00:34 BSTUpdated 59 minutes agoChancellor John Healey has called for a restoration of "confidence about Britain" despite acknowledging the challenge of "historic high" borrowing costs.
What happens next
In an interview with the BBC, Healey promised that "doubling down" on "more growth generated in more places" will be a central priority ahead of his first Budget on 28 October. And Healey did not rule out tax increases in next month's Budget, with a recent increase in government borrowing costs piling pressure on the public finances. Faisal Islam: Chancellor's attempts to boost vibes may limit tax risesPublished1 hour agoAsked about the impact of higher borrowing costs, which have surged this month, the Chancellor said that the government was responding to "extreme pressures in the wider market," and reiterated that he wanted to "bring down welfare costs.
It came as Healey offered an upbeat view of the state of the UK economy ahead of the Budget, building on a recent uptick in consumer and business confidence. He repeatedly refused to comment on possible tax rises or spending cuts ahead of 28 October, stating only: "Staying true to our values means being honest about the need to control government spending. But recent ructions in government debt markets have piled fresh pressure on already-stretched public finances, with the Treasury needing to fill possible multi-billion pound gaps caused by rising borrowing costs and the need to fund higher defence spending.
On Monday, Healey blamed "too high" borrowing costs on global events as well as 14 years of Tory rule, including austerity under David Cameron, Brexit under Boris Johnson and Liz Truss's mini-Budget.
The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across bbc.co.uk, theguardian.com. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.