Health funding from Manx taxpayers has reached unprecedented funding levels this year, reaching an all-time budgeted high of over £354 million. This is more than 50% higher in nominal terms than the £233 million which was actually spent a decade ago in 2013-14. In addition to the record spending allocated in the current Isle of Man Government budget, Manx Care reports that it is on track to overspend by a further £17 million – which would take the total expenditure to over £370 million.

The chart above shows actual expenditure on health over the last decade, alongside the budgeted spending in each year. This includes all Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spending and is broadly comparable from year to year, despite minor organisational adjustments such as removing “Public Health” from the DHSC. Adding “Public Health” spending to this chart would show that current spending is even higher than the comparable figure from a decade ago.

The Isle of Man Government provided these numbers in its annual financial budgets.

Adjustment for inflation

Adjusted for inflation, real DHSC expenditure in the 2013-14 financial year was £315 million in March 2024 pounds. Ten years later – in the 2023-24 financial year – real DHSC expenditure was £351 million. This represents an 11% increase in spending in real terms, with a further increase for the 2024-25 financial year to at least £354 million.

Comparing inflation-adjusted figures over time, the DHSC’s budget shows real increases year on year, with noticeable jumps in both nominal and real terms. This confirms that there has been a significant increase in funding for healthcare services in the Isle of Man over the last decade.

In 2024-25, the departments’ budgeted expenditures rose further to £354 million, continuing the upward trajectory of funding for the island’s health services.

This surge in spending not only accounts for routine operational costs but also encompasses the mandates for Manx Care, reflecting that Manx taxpayers are paying a large and increasing amount of money for healthcare in the Isle of Man.

Despite big increases in budgeted expenditures, Manx Care (and, therefore, the DHSC) continues to overspend despite the increased budgets. These record-breaking figures show the increased funding provided by taxpayers for health and social care on the Isle of Man over the last decade.