Commissioners join together to oppose rent hike

Mon, 15 Dec 2014

Commissioners from Malew, Onchan and Ramsey are objecting to impending rent rises for those in public sector housing.

They've written to the Department of Health and Social Care saying it is unfair as tenants have already seen their rent increase between 23 and 47 per cent since April 2012.

Rents will increase by five per cent in April - which Minister Howard Quayle says he feels is fair to both tenants and the taxpayer as social housing must become more equitable.

A hike in social security benefits is set to cover people who can't afford it - but according to the commissioners 67 per cent of those renting the properties aren't receiving the help.