Developing a National Housing Plan and proposals for how to deliver the homes people need is the focus for the new Minister for Housing and Communities Hon Rob Callister MHK.
The role has been created to make progress on a critical and longstanding challenge for the Island, bringing greater co-ordination to a fragmented housing system. Details of the portfolio for the Minister of Housing and Communities have been published today (Thursday 5 November).
Housing policy and delivery currently span all eight Government departments, and the system is also affected by factors such as mortgage rates, building costs and changing housing needs.
Alongside development of the plan, proposals will be developed for how it can be delivered through co-ordination and collaboration across all Government departments.
Minister Callister will work with Council of Ministers on home ownership, the private rental market and related housing law, housing supply, public sector housing, homelessness and supported housing.
The National Housing Plan will set out evidence-led, prioritised actions and will include the existing Tynwald-approved commitment to build, provide or facilitate up to 1,000 affordable homes over ten years from April 2025.
The plan will inform decisions on funding, site availability and construction capacity, and ensure housing developments help create thriving communities across the Island.
It will also reflect the important roles of local authorities and the private sector in the housing system, making sure the Isle of Man remains open to innovative approaches to meeting residents’ housing needs.
