Housing Review Consultation

The Department of Social Care is pleased to announce the launch of a twelve week consultation period on the findings of a Housing Review for the Isle of Man.

The Minister for Social Care Hon Chris Robertshaw MHK said:

'Good quality affordable housing is fundamental to any modern society. With the increase in numbers of smaller households, the population living longer, changing public expectations and increased mobility issues, it is essential to review the Island’s housing sector to inform future policies and ensure the needs of future generations are met.

The cost to the taxpayer of providing financial support to both public sector housing and first time buyers is forecast to continue to increase significantly if we do not make changes to current policy. Therefore given Government’s financial position, current policy is unsustainable. It is essential that the Government develops prudent, robust and financially sustainable mechanisms for supporting the housing sector which plays a key role in our Island’s economy as well as the quality of life for us all. This is a challenge we should not under-estimate and requires us all to have an informed debate on the housing issues which will impact both us and our children now and in the future.'

The Department commissioned the Housing Review to look into the housing sector to determine the potential options available for Government, in particular to:

• Produce a long term analysis of the housing market incorporating forecasts of the numbers and types of houses required on the Island over the next 20 years, both public and private sector.
• Identify and analyse policy options (including implications for Government, local authorities and the private sector) for ensuring that housing need is met.
• Analyse the current and future role, organisation and financing of public sector rented housing and to bring forward proposals for measures to meet the need in a financially sustainable manner.
• Identify and appraise options for the future provision of assistance to first time buyers in a financially sustainable manner.

The purpose of this consultation exercise is to invite comments on the information and potential options identified within the Housing Review and it is open to all those who are interested. The consultation will allow the Department to take an informed decision on the final options for the affordable Housing Sector.

The Department has commissioned a survey with which to gauge public views on the options identified. Copies of this and the Housing Review document are available at:

www.gov.im/socialcare/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=311

Comments should be submitted by Thursday 7th June 2012 in writing, by post or email to: Housing Review Consultation Department of Social Care 4th Floor Markwell House Market Street Douglas IM1 2RZ Telephone: (01624) 685918 Email: consulthousingreview.dsc@gov.im.

This consultation process will include the following components:

• The public consultation which will include the publication of the consultation document in print form and on the Government website.
• There will be an opportunity for the public to respond to particular questions and/or give an open response.
• Consultation document sent to all other Departments, Statutory Boards and offices and relevant others.

Further details will be posted on the Department of Social Care website.