Social Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK had an opportunity to explain the Island’s achievements in addressing its housing issues when he attended a recent British-Irish Council meeting in Belfast. The second meeting of the BIC’s Housing Workstream heard about the Manx Government’s milestones of 1000 public sector rented properties built and assistance provided for over 1100 first-time buyers during the past 10 years. Said Mr Quayle: ‘On behalf of my department and the Isle of Man Government, I participated in discussions about housing policy and operational good practices, what advances have been made, ways of attracting new forms of investment, addressing mobility within social housing, home swap schemes and energy efficiency. ‘I conveyed our achievements including the fact that during this financial year ending 31 March 2011 we will have surpassed the milestones of 1000 public sector rented properties built and given assistance to over 1100 first-time buyers since housing policy was approved by Tynwald in 2000. ‘I was also able to confirm that my Department is currently on course for a record year in terms of both the number of new public sector rented and first-time buyer homes completed this financial year. Overall, these are major achievements which have made a huge difference to the quality of lives of thousands of people in our community.’ Minister Quayle commented: ‘The British-Irish Council provides an important opportunity to promote the interests of the Isle of Man with our neighbours in the British Isles. I am pleased to be able to confirm that the Housing Workstream has made good progress, both in terms of enabling us to tap into ideas and experiences from elsewhere in the British Isles, as well as giving us an opportunity to share our achievements in return.’ He went on: ‘Our discussions showed that my political colleagues on the British-Irish Council face similar challenges in relation to the provision of affordable housing. Several members of the Housing Workstream have visited the Isle of Man and commented upon both the quality of the houses we have built and the success of the Island’s House Purchase Assistance Scheme. The scheme has helped both first-time buyers who otherwise could not have afforded to buy a home and also the local construction sector which has built the homes. As a result, I was able to demonstrate this Government’s investment and continued commitment in providing a wide range of suitable, affordable housing for the people of the Isle of Man while also playing a crucial role in supporting the Island’s construction sector.’ The meeting concluded with Ministers agreeing that much work had been undertaken and it was important to continue to share information and best practice as administrations continue their work in these areas. There will be a further meeting within 6 months. The meeting was hosted by Alex Attwood MLA, Minister for Social Development who chaired the meeting. Minister Attwood was accompanied by Junior Minister Robin Newton both representing the Northern Ireland Executive. The UK Government was represented by Neil McDonald Director of Housing Standards, Homelessness and Support, Department for Communities and Local Government. The Irish Government was represented by Michael Finneran TD, Minister for Housing and Local Services. The Scottish Government was represented by Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Housing and Communities. The Welsh Assembly Government was represented by Judith Askew (Senior Official). The Jersey Government was represented by Carl Mavity (Director of Strategic Development). The Guernsey Government was represented by Deputy Graham Guille, Deputy Minister for Housing. The Isle of Man Government was represented by Hon Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Social Care. ENDS