Public sector rents to rise by 2.1%

Announcement from Department of Infrastructure

Public sector rents in the Isle of Man are set to rise by 2.1% in the new year.

Following consultation with the Island's 16 local housing authorities, the Department of Infrastructure has made the announcement today.

It will come into effect from 1 April 2019.

Depending on the size of property, the rise equates to an average weekly increase in rents of between £1.22 and £2.06.

Tenants who have their rental costs met by government as part of their income-assessed social security benefits will not be affected by the change.

The department says the cost of providing public sector housing, including maintenance, refurbishment and building new properties continues to outstrip rental income.

Infrastructure funds the difference which is estimated to be more than £6 million for the next year.

The rise is below the current rate of inflation but people who find they are struggling to make payments should contact the Social Security Division at Treasury for advice.

Several local authorities called for no rise in rents earlier this year including Castletown, Onchan, Peel and Port St Mary.