'Everybody sometimes needs a hand up' says MLC pushing for prioritisation of homelessness legislation

'10 years is too long for urgent legislation like this that is life changing'

Over two years since Tynwald passed the Isle of Man Homelessness Strategy, an MLC is calling for the legislation to be prioritised going forward.

Kirstie Morphet wants it to be developed and introduced into the branches by June next year.

She says housing is a basic need, and without stability, it is extremely difficult for individuals to move forward positively in their lives.

When Tynwald voted unanimously to approve a homelessness strategy for the Isle of Man back in December 2023, it set out an ambition to end the issue on the Island and create a legal right to housing.

Chair of the Housing and Communities Board, David Ashford - who wasn't a minister at the time - brought the document to the court.

He told members that preventing people from ending up in a cycle of homelessness is crucial:

However, the timescale proposed in the plan for several key areas of delivery is 2029 - something Mrs Morphet says 'does not reflect the urgency of the situation'.

A social worker for many years before gaining her seat on the Legislative Council, Mrs Morphet says she has seen first-hand the challenges caused by the absence of statutory responsibility:

A consultation into the legislation opened on 18 December last year and considers options for its development.

Mrs Morphet has this message for the Manx public:

You can complete the consultation HERE.

It closes on 25 February.

You can hear more from Mrs Morphet in our latest Newscast, available now.