The Manx government's Annual Report has received political backing, despite concern it will be of limited value.

Tynwald members agreed to receive the document, which outlines future government direction and assesses what has been achieved over the past twelve months.

However, after the VAT bombshell revealed earlier in the day, many felt it had been overtaken by events.

North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson questioned its use after what he called the UK government's 'vicious' cutting off of a fifth of the Island's national income.

Michael member David Cannan also said the Strategic Plan was no longer relevant in view of the announcement, and it was time to get back to business reality.

He questioned the need to continue recruiting government staff following the earlier warning about redundancies.