Onchan Commissioners to defy rent rise call

Onchan Commissioners say they'll oppose government calls to put up rents for public sector homes next year.

In Tynwald this week, the social care minister proposed an Island-wide rent increase of up to 5 per cent. 

Chris Robertshaw has previously outlined plans to means-test public sector tenants - but the scheme won't be in place for at least a year. 

Onchan Commissioners say a rise isn't justified for their tenants, as the authority currently makes a surplus on rents.

The authority is also resisting the minister's plans to drastically reduce the number of housing authorities in the Island. 

Lead member for finance John Quaye says means-testing is a sensible reform - but is coming in too late: