The Department for Social Care will introduce a new Bill into the House of Keys in November. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill contains specific provisions to address several longstanding legal matters which previously had been the responsibility of the Department of Local Government and Environment. The main purpose of the Bill is to introduce new powers relating to the management and ownership of leasehold flats. It also introduces new powers allowing statutory schemes to be made about housing assistance, the improvement of homes and the preservation of historic buildings. The Bill includes provisions which will replace the regulatory and enforcement provisions of two Acts in a single framework covering both flats and houses in multiple occupation. Finally, the Bill also includes various amendments to housing legislation including repeals of out of date legislation. Minister for Social Care Hon Martyn Quayle said: “The availability of good-quality, affordable housing is a key factor in quality of life. Good legislation can help. This Bill proposes some small but important changes which help to specify the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, as well as some other specific housing matters. The Bill contains measures which address issues that have been raised by Tynwald Members in recent years. As a result, I hope my colleagues will support the Bill when it enters the Branches of Tynwald later this month.” It is not expected that the Bill will place any significant administrative or financial burden on the Isle of Man Courts of Justice or the Rent and Rating Appeal Commissioners. Nor is it expected that there will be any significant additional costs for the Department of Social Care. Schedule 1 sets out the content of housing standards regulations which the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture must make in connection with the occupation of flats and houses in multiple occupation. Schedule 2 sets out the procedures that have to be followed when an acquisition to purchase a Landlords’ interest in a premises involves the discharge of any existing charges on the property. Schedule 3 sets out various miscellaneous amendments to housing legislation, including new enforcement provisions relating to bodies corporate. Schedule 4 sets out various repeals mainly relating to housing legislation. ENDS