There is still time for people to submit their views on proposals aimed at promoting greater fairness in the allocation of public sector housing in the Isle of Man.
The consultation on plans to modernise the access and eligibility criteria for general needs public sector housing runs until 18 February.
The Department of Infrastructure is inviting feedback as part of a wider review of all aspects of housing provision in the Island.
The focus is on providing affordable and accessible housing that meets the Island’s social and economic needs.
There are approximately 5,500 general needs public sector houses in the Island and the intention is to update the access and eligibility criteria to better reflect changes in society.
People are being asked to comment on proposed changes to local residency requirements, reduced thresholds for savings and financial assets, capping the number of points awarded for time spent on the waiting list and prioritising families with younger children.
Responses can be submitted using the Government consultation hub and further information is available from housing@gov.im.
Public feedback will be taken into account before any changes are finalised and taken forward for approval by Tynwald.
Notes:
A points-based system is used to prioritise the needs of those on the housing waiting list, which currently stands at 663 people.
A range of factors are taken into consideration, including residency, income, number and ages of dependent children and time spent on the waiting list.
The total number of points provides an objective measure of priority and determines an applicant’s position on the waiting list.
