Onchan Commissioners to use extra one percent charge on social housing rents

It was one of the issues discussed at its public meeting last night

Onchan Commissioners has confirmed it will be using a discretionary one percent charge on its social housing rents.

The local authority believes this will ensure there are ‘sufficient funds’ to cover future building projects and refurbishment schemes.

Lead Member for Housing Scott Wilson told the board that a number of social housing tenants had contacted him about the decision to use the discretionary charge.

Mr Wilson said the commissioners have previously been unsupportive of rent increases in the past – but the 2.9 percent is set by the Department of Infrastructure.

He added that the authority has supported the development of additional housing in the district and the DoI has been ‘withdrawing’ deficiency payments; the extra money is needed to cover these future works.

Mr Wilson also said the commissioners are carrying out refurbishment programmes across the village including properties in Barrule Drive, Ballachrink Drive and Springfield Court.

He confirmed that the sheltered housing budget is operating on a deficit and the general housing has an ‘underspend’.

Mr Wilson believes that the DoI’s future intentions are to no longer be responsible for providing housing deficiency payments to local authorities and must therefore ‘consider’ how to manage and fund housing budgets in the long term.

Also on the agenda was a request from a member of the public for a ‘cherished’ number plate currently owned by the commissioners.

Clerk Ross Phillips told the board that the ‘OMN 90’ plate is on a tractor which was the first vehicle purchased by the local authority in the 1950s for use at Onchan Park.

He confirmed the tractor is in good condition and working order as it is taken to shows for displays and parades.

Commissioner Gabriella Corkish said she would not want to sell the number plate as it is part of the village’s heritage and it should all stay together.

She added that the board may also not get any money from the request as it would be a swap for a different plate.

It was unanimously agreed to keep the number plate on the tractor.

A request from the Manx Family Centre regarding a payment of £500 towards its mobile library service was also discussed.

The board was told that previously it hadn’t donated to the charity as the commissioners already have a library in the village and, if needed, books could be transported to the sheltered housing accommodation for residents.

It was also confirmed Onchan isn’t included in its routes.

The commissioners agreed not to donate to the charity.

Onchan Commissioners will next meet on Monday 2 March.