A revised policy on the rental costs charged to tenants of public sector housing will be introduced next year.

This was confirmed in the House of Keys today (Tuesday) by Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw.

Mr Robertshaw was answering a question from North Douglas MHK John Houghton who had a three part question relating to the department's intended rental increase to tenants' in local authority properties.

Mr Robertshaw said the modernised formula takes into account the significant advances made in building design and improved construction standards.

He says the rises will have a knock-on effect for those who are claiming income-related benefits and qualify for housing allowance, while the impact on benefits will be determined by the type of property the claimant lives in.