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A rent freeze next year is 'unrealistic' says DoI

Onchan Commissioners reluctant to recommend 2% rise

The Department of Infrastructure has warned housing providers that freezing public sector rents next year is 'unrealistic'.

It's due to the need for ongoing investment in social housing, and the cost of providing the service, which is subsidised by the DoI. 

The department has started the annual rent setting consultation with local authorities, to find out what they consider to be an 'appropriate rise' for 2021. 

In April this year, tenants saw a below-inflationary increase of 2.1 per cent.

Onchan Commissioners have consistently voted that rents be frozen, to shield tenants from 'unfair increases', but this year, they're reluctantly recommending a 2% rise. 

Chairman Robin Turton says the board had little choice:

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