Douglas Council says housing deficiency fund increase a 'step in the right direction'

Leader Devon Watson says government needs to 'accelerate' social housing plans

The leader of Douglas Council believes government needs to be investing the same amount into social housing as it does 'luxury apartments'.

Devon Watson has welcomed its plan to put £8.5 million pounds every year for five years into the housing deficiency fund, but says it needs to be 'accelerated'. 

Local authorities who have social housing development plans use money from rents to pay for the projects and any remaining costs are covered by the deficiency fund. 

Councillor Watson says the increased funding is a 'step in the right direction'. 

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him: