'Government making progress on poverty, but housing board was a mistake'

Chair of poverty committee gives take on government progress

An MHK has praised government efforts towards alleviating poverty on the Island but has criticised the establishment of a Housing and Communities Board.

Juan Watterson, chair of the Select Committee on Poverty, has been speaking to Manx Radio ahead of the Council of Ministers' Annual Report on Poverty Measures being laid before Tynwald.

It was that committee's recommendations which have steered policies in this area - including raising the minimum wage and providing support for energy efficient homes.

But Mr Watterson believes the issue of suitable and affordable housing could be in better hands:

A ten-year plan to create 1,000 affordable homes on the Island was due to get underway in April.

Manx Radio has contacted the chair of the Housing and Communities Board for response.