MHK frustrated over political 'reluctance' to strengthen penalties for empty homes

Joney Faragher says government amendments have blunted her proposal to give local authorities greater power to act against long-term vacant and neglected properties

A Douglas East MHK is questioning why there appears to be political reluctance to introduce tougher disincentives for empty properties.

Joney Faragher had proposed giving local authorities new powers to fine landlords when homes are left empty or become dilapidated.

But the government amended her motion, saying it was already tackling damaged and ruinous properties via rates exemptions.

Ms Faragher says housing has been a 'defining pressure' throughout the course of this administration: