The Department of Social Care Annual Housing Conference was well attended by Local Housing Authorities on Friday 23rd March 2012 at the Mount Murray Hotel, Santon.  This year’s theme was “Housing – meeting the challenges”.  It focussed on the recent Housing Review Report and the associated public consultation the Department commenced on 19th March 2012.

Minister for Social Hon Chris Robertshaw MHK care commented:

“It was great to see so many Local Housing Authorities represented at the Housing Conference last week.  It gave them an opportunity to discuss the findings of the Housing Review with Department officials and politicians at first hand.  I know we all learned much through our discussions.

Local Housing Authorities are at the sharp end of delivering the housing service delivery and understand how important affordable housing is for both the economy and our communities.  They are playing a crucial role in the wider public consultation on housing as it is not just down to the Department of Social Care alone to meet the challenges that face the housing sector.  The conference achieved a high degree of consensus that the current funding mechanism for public sector housing is unsustainable and fundamental policy changes are necessary if future generations are to enjoy affordable housing at a sustainable cost.

I really appreciate the contributions that both politicians and officers have made to the ongoing consultation on the review, which finishes on 7th June 2012.  Overall, we have had an excellent reaction to our consultation, with over 400 responses already.  I would welcome further comments from the public and other interested parties in this important matter.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the housing review can visit the website on www.gov.im/socialcare.consultation.gov or email comments to consulthousingreview.dsc@gov.im.

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