Report recommends establishing new not-for-profit housing entity

£79,000 review was carried out by specialist consultants Altair

An independent report commissioned by government has recommended the establishment of a new not-for-profit housing entity to take on the landlord functions currently managed by the Department of Infrastructure.

The report, carried out by specialist consultants Altair, at a cost of £79,000, suggests the new body should have responsibility for developing feasible social and affordable housing solutions for Isle of Man residents, including suitable housing for key workers and measures to deal with homelessness.

The intention as stated in the report, is to have management functions operating before the end of this month.

Improving the affordability and availability of housing is one of the core principles of government's Our Island Plan strategy.

Infrastructure Minister, Dr Michelle Haywood will clarify the government's position in the wake of the Altair Report, at this month's sitting of Tynwald.

The report was carried out over a three-month period last year and involved consultations with relevant bodies on the Island.

Altair says that the new entity would assume management of the Ballacurn House Trust stock which comprises 32 properties for older people, and plan new homes and stock investment programmes.

A roadmap of how the housing entity could grow over the next five years is included in the report, covering transfer of ownership of the DoI stock, building of new homes and provision of services to other housing providers.