There’s good news this morning for Isle of Man residents struggling to meet rising fuel costs.

The Manx government has unveiled a package of support to help locals, particularly those on low and fixed incomes.

The measures include a ?150 increase in the winter bonus payment, and free insulation for the homes of those who most need assistance.

The initiatives could cut fuel bills by up to ?300 a year.

Chief Minister Tony Brown (pictured) hopes they help address both short and longer-term concerns:

"We have taken a two pronged approach to this. In the short term we are looking at providing addidional funds for people and we are asking Tynwald for ?450,000 extra to enable us to increase the winter bonus payment by ?150.

"We have also looked at what we can do in the longer term, because really it is the longer term which is important to help people with their fuel bills.

"So we are going to Tynwald to get additional funds, of up to ?500,000 for the energy conservation scheme.

"We are looking to provide free insulation to homes for needy pensioners and vulnerable groups.

"They will be prioritised (but) it's clear we have to identify the need first."

The proposals are subject to approval by Tynwald, at next week's sitting.