Housing rents must rise to be self-funding

Douglas councillor plays down suggestion of 9% hike

Public sector housing rents would need to raised by nearly nine per cent if the service was to be self-funding, a Douglas councillor has admitted.

Claire Wells says the gap between rents and the cost of running housing services must be plugged to ensure their continued use for future generations.

However, after being criticised on social media, she insists she’s not suggesting such an increase be introduced.

Mrs Wells says it was an honest answer when asked to demonstrate what’s needed to make public sector housing in the capital sustainable.