A review’s been launched to ensure the means testing of child benefit is being carried out fairly.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare revealed the news in Tynwald (21 April) amid concerns over the way means-testing is operated.

South Douglas MHK Kate Beecroft asked whether the rules governing the levels of child benefit payments – first introduced 12 months ago - are ‘fair and proportionate’.

While Mr Teare said he thought they were, he’d been made aware of a number of cases where the system appeared unfair and urged colleagues to advise him of cases where people’s levels of income had dropped substantially.

He pledged to amend any anomalies and inconsistencies and revise legislation before the summer recess.