Gef’s Daily Roundup

Sing It Jo!

Singing Jo & Co has been awarded a grant of £97,314 from Manx Lottery Trust’s 2023 Community Awards Thematic Fund. Established in 2018, Singing Jo & Co’s aim is to support babies, toddlers, and children, nurturing their growth and development through singing, dancing, and rhyme. 

Jo Jackson said: ‘Our ultimate goal is to inspire young children through music, creativity and learning. We take immense pride in the fact that the majority of our young participants stay with us from birth to five years old leaving with essential skills, newfound friendships, enhanced confidence, improved physical fitness, creativity, and a profound sense of happiness as they embark on their school journey. We also know that parents, grandparents and carers have a lot of fun at our sessions meeting new people and building lasting friendships.’

‘So we are deeply honoured to receive this generous grant from Manx Lottery Trust. This funding will allow us to continue delivering our award-winning sessions whilst providing essential support to families across the Isle of Man. The skills we teach form the foundation for future learning and success, and we look forward to continuing and sharing the fun and laughter that fills our sessions.’

For further information on Singing Jo & Co, visit www.singingjoandco.im

Singing Jo And Co

National Insurance (It can’t all be fun)

People who pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions are reminded that they should continue to pay this way for the forthcoming tax year, April 6 2024 to April 5 2025.

While the UK gov announced plans late last year to abolish Class 2 NI, details have yet to be finalised for those living in the Isle of Man.

A decision has therefore been taken by the Treasury to continue collecting Class 2 NI for the foreseeable future and avoid any uncertainty.

People who pay NI this way, usually self-employed individuals, should therefore ensure their direct debit arrangements remain in place at the turn of the financial year.

For further information on National Insurance, contact the Income Tax team by calling 685400 (option 4 then option 3) or email nationalinsurance.itd@gov.im

Chinese New Year

Isle of Man Post Office has unveiled its stamps to celebrate Chinese New Year by introducing a vibrant set of four new stamps.

This collection, designed by acclaimed artist and illustrator Jo Davies based in the north of the island and in collaboration with EJC Design, beautifully honours the upcoming Chinese Year of the Dragon, set to launch next Monday.

Representing the awe-inspiring power and majesty of the Dragon, the Chinese Year of the Dragon, celebrated on 10^th February 2024, brings forth these stamps showcasing Jo Davies’ enchanting artwork capturing the essence of this revered lunar symbol.

Jo said: ‘Illustrating a set of stamps has been on my bucket list, especially one celebrating such a revered symbol. It’s an honour to represent the Year of the Dragon through art.’

Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, added: ‘We are delighted to present this exquisite stamp collection celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Each stamp is a masterpiece, capturing the majestic essence and cultural significance of this revered lunar symbol.’

Double Trouble

From Sky Sports News:

Everton and Nottingham Forest have been charged with breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Premier League clubs are permitted to lose a maximum of £105m over a three-season period (£35m a season). However, the Premier League says both clubs have confirmed they are in breach of the rules for the assessment period ending season 2022/23.

Their cases have now been referred to the chair of the judicial panel, who will appoint separate, independent commissions to determine the appropriate sanction.

In November, Everton were deducted 10 points – the largest sanction in the history of the Premier League – for a breach of the profit and sustainability rules. The club are appealing against their punishment.