Government issues clarification on proposed changes to public housing policy

Government has issued a clarification regarding proposed changes to the public sector housing (allocation) policy.

It says there has been concern amongst existing and prospective public housing applicants following misrepresentation of the changes on social media.

Currently, public sector housing allocation policy states an applicant shouldn't be selected if - amongst other things - they haven't been ordinarily resident for at least three months. 

The amendment order, due to be voted on in Tynwald this month, would include a clarification that authorities may use discretion to reduce this requirement if sufficient reason is given.

One thing the Department of Infrastructure wants to assure, is that the 10-year Isle of Man residency requirement has not been reduced or removed. 

The proposed amendments are intended to clarify existing legislation and provide limited discretion in exceptional circumstances where strict application of existing rules may create what it calls 'unintended hardship'.

In a statement on social media, the Department of Infrastructure says: "The [Department] wishes to reassure the public that there is no proposal to reduce the 10-year residency requirement for eligibility for public sector housing.

"To be eligible to join the housing waiting list, applicants must continue to have been ordinarily resident in the Isle of Man for a total period of not less than 10 years. This requirement remains unchanged.

"One of the proposed amendments simply reflects an existing legislative provision within the policy document. Current legislation already allows Local Authorities discretion in exceptional circumstances relating to the 10-year residency requirement.

"This discretion has existed for many years and is already available to Local Authorities. The proposed amendment does not create any new discretion or change the eligibility criteria; it merely ensures that the policy accurately reflects the existing legal position.

"The consultation also proposes limited discretionary powers in two other areas:

1. Three-month residency requirement before an offer of housing

Applicants who have qualified for the housing waiting list must currently be living on the Island for the three months immediately before a property is offered.

"The proposal would allow Local Authorities limited discretion in exceptional cases where this requirement creates practical difficulties, particularly for individuals wishing to return to the Island who may have health, care or support needs and cannot reasonably relocate without first securing suitable accommodation.

2. Three-year local connection requirement

"Applicants seeking housing in a particular Local Authority area are normally required to demonstrate a three-year local connection with that area.

"The proposal would allow Local Authorities limited discretion where there are compelling reasons for an individual or family to move to another area, for example to provide or receive care and support from close family members.

"This measure concerns moving between different housing authorities within the Isle of Man.

"These proposals are intended to provide flexibility in exceptional circumstances and to support vulnerable individuals and families. They do not remove existing eligibility requirements and do not create unrestricted access to public sector housing.

"The consultation response report and final policy proposals remain subject to Tynwald approval. Any changes will continue to be considered through the appropriate governance and decision-making processes before implementation.

"However, they must still have lived in the Isle of Man for 10 years during their life to be eligible."