Two housing authorities wanted greater rent increase

Thu, 18 Jan 2018

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer revealed the responses from the housing authorities in Tynwald.

Two of the Island's housing authorities wanted a bigger increase in public sector rent for the forthcoming year.

The Department of Infrastructure announced last month that prices will rise by 3.1%.

Douglas Borough Council, which controls over half of the public sector housing stock on the Island, wanted a rise of 4.1%, while Port Erin called for a 6% increase.

Ramsey, which has the second largest number of properties, wanted rent to go up by just 1%, while Onchan, Port St Mary and Cooil Roi - which provides sheltered housing - didn't think any increase was necessary.

The DoI says the rise is necessary to meet the rising cost of housing and maintenance.

The figures were revealed in a written answer at this month's sitting of Tynwald.