The treasury minister says changes to the child benefit are about 'putting money back into the pockets of working families'.

A 2.2 percent uplift comes into effect from today (7 April), whilst income thresholds are increasing for the first time in a decade.

Those with a household income between:

• £50,000 and £60,000 are eligible for the full amount of £28.65, worth an extra £7.61 a week for each child in their family

• £60,001 and £70,000 are entitled to £21.49, up an extra £7.46 a week for each child in their family

• £70,001 and £80,000 are entitled to £14.33, up an extra £7.32 a week for each child in their family

• £80,0001 and £90,000 are to be eligible for support and able to claim £7.16 a week for each child in their family

Almost 5,800 families on the Island currently receive the benefit, around two-thirds of which have a household income under £50,000.

In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson discusses the changes - and responds to criticism from the IOM Medical Society over plans to implement an NHS levy.

The RNLI has released its annual rescue figures, showing crews on the Isle of Man were called out 40 times last year.

That's an increase on 2023, during which lifeboats were launched 31 times.

During last year's callouts four lives were saved - double the figure from 2023.

The number of people aided rose from 27 in 2023 to 53 in 2024.

In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster catches up with Chair of Peel Lifeboat Management Group, Stuart Blackley, about the latest annual rescue statistics.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and on 15 May the Isle of Man mental health training business Manx Minds will be hosting its annual conference.

Taking place at Babagge's at the Mountain View Innovation Centre, it's open to anyone interested in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

It's described as a 'chance to learn, connect, and share ideas with others who care about making a difference.'

There'll also be talks from guest speakers: Diana Parkes (Co-Founder of the Joanna Simpson Foundation), Sarah McIntosh (CEO of Mental Health First Aid England), Heather Melvin (Director of Rock 2 Recovery), and Graham Makepeace-Warne (Manx Wildlife Trust).

In this edition of Newscast, Manx Radio speaks with Ali Vondy - founder of Manx Minds - about what people can expect from this year's conference.