Politicians vote on minimum wage rise

Tynwald will be asked to approve putting up the Island's minimum wage during this month's sitting, which begins today.

Workers over 25 will get an extra 50p an hour under the proposals - a rise of 7.1 per cent.

There'll also be a statement from Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas about the results of last year's census after the figures showed our population is falling.

And there's also a move to let government off with rules about accepting electronic documents, because a number of public bodies still can't receive them.

Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey will ask the court to approve two new codes of conduct for police officers dealing with witnesses and criminal investigations.

There's also good news for bookmakers as Tynwald members consider whether to allow betting shops to open on Good Friday.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper will ask the court to back a motion calling on the Manx Utilities Authority to abandon next year's water rate hike.

And Onchan MHK Julie Edge will ask for a full review of the government's staffing costs.

This morning's sitting starts at 10.30am.