On Air Night Flight | Midnight - 5:00am

Douglas Council says housing association is 'sticky plaster' on a bigger problem

Thursday, 10 October 2024 06:18

By Emma Draper

Leader says it's time to fix the 'broken' funding system

Douglas Council says the formation of a housing association is putting a 'plaster' on a bigger issue. 

Leader Claire Wells believes the solution to the current crisis lies with fixing the 'broken' funding mechanism for social housing. 

The local authority is the largest housing provider on the Island and has requested the Department of Infrastructure increase social housing rents by seven percent next year. 

During the council's October meeting Councillor Wells said she was 'categorically' against the move despite Councillor Stephen Pitts suggesting houses are handed over to the government to see if it could 'manage' the properties on its budget. 

Mrs Wells also said she couldn't ask government for more money whilst also requesting to keep the rent down.

It was also confirmed during the meeting there are 242 people on the housing waitlist.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to both Councillor Wells and Councillor Devon Watson: 

 

More from Isle of Man News