On Air Sweet & Swing Howard Caine | 9:00pm - 10:00pm

Public sector housing rent to rise by 2%

DoI and local authorities to introduce April increase

People living in public sector housing on the Island will see their rent increased by two per cent next year.

It's in light of what the Department of Infrastructure describes as 'ongoing economic pressure' from the Covid pandemic.

Minister Tim Crookall said: "The rising cost of maintenance is a concern for the local authorities and the Department as a whole, especially the housing team. The cost of materials for use in both general repairs and redevelopment projects continues to increase and provision must be made to accommodate this trend."

The rent increase will come into force from April and has been agreed by the Department of Infrastructure and all 15 housing authorities.

Tenants who have their rental costs covered by their benefits will not be affected by the change.

Those who feel they may be left struggling from April onwards are urged to contact their housing provider who may be able to help with a repayment plan.

The DOI says the average weekly rent increase will be £1.29 for a one bed flat, £1.90 for a two bed house, £2.17 for a three bed property and £2.68 for a four bedroom house.

More from Isle of Man News