Public sector tenants face big rent rise

Public sector rents in the Isle of Man are going up by ten per cent in the New Year.

The Department of Social Care says the action is being taken in recognition of its increasing annual housing costs, in relation to its income from rents.

The annual cost of maintaining the department's housing stock is currently around £7 million, but the figure is rising by £1 million year.

There is also a recognition of the gap between rents in the public and private sectors.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw says he is aware it will be an unpopular move: