Approval sought for new housing points system

Manx-born and joint applicants would receive fewer points under new proposals

Tynwald will be asked to approve a series of changes to the pointing system for public sector housing on the Isle of Man.

A supplementary order paper including details of the proposals has been published ahead of the October sitting, which gets underway on Tuesday.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer will ask the court to back plans to remove a five-point tariff for Manx-born residents on the list, as it's believed allocating fewer points to those born elsewhere contravenes the Discrimination Act.

Changes will also be made to the number of points an applicant is awarded based on their gross annual income. Those earning in excess of £25,000 will no longer receive points because of their salary - the current limit is a little over £27,000.

Some applicants will find themselves with more points under the new proposals though. Those in properties that are overcrowded or inadequate could be awarded up to 20 points - the current system awards 10.

Three different tiers are being proposed for those with health and welfare issues. 10 points are given to those who fall in this category now, but the update would mean those deemed to be high priority could be given up to 30 points.

Joint applicants won't receive five points more than single applicants anymore, but a new five-point allowance will be introduced for those who have rented in the private sector for over a year.

The full details of the proposals can be found at http://www.tynwald.org.im/business/opqp/opqp/2018-PP-0133s.pdf