Rent rise 'disappointing', say commissioners

Onchan appeals to central government

A local authority has called a public sector rent rise 'disappointing', and warns many tenants may now face a difficult year ahead.

This week the Department of Infrastructure announced a 3.1 per cent increase in rents for social housing - the hike comes into effect from April next year.

Onchan District Commissioners recommended rents remain the same, and say the increase comes at a time when many with low incomes are having to pay more, with less means to do so.  

In a statement, the local authority expresses the hope that government will make some provision for the most vulnerable in society.