Detail needed on housing reforms, says commissioner

An opponent of plans for a major shake-up of social housing in the Island is calling on the social care minister to produce more detail.    

Minister Chris Robertshaw won the support of Tywnald yesterday for a far-reaching package of housing reforms.

A call for the 25 recommendations in his housing review to be debated  separately was voted down.

Among principals agreed: five new regional housing bodies to replace the 17 authorities currently overseeing housing in their own areas. 

Also included, new criteria for tenants seeking a council house, waiting list reform, the sale of some public sector housing and a review of all existing sheltered housing for the elderly. 

Chairman of Onchan Commisisoners Rob Callister says village commissioners remain opposed to the changes, although he has promised the authority will work with the minister on the next stage.

But Mr Callister says vital detail on how the reforms will work 'on the ground' is lacking: