THE Island's Social Care Minister will face a number of questions about public sector housing in Tynwald this week.

Chris Robertshaw MHK will be asked four questions on the subject when the December sitting gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday).

The questions, which are all for oral answer, will come from North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson and Eddie Lowey MLC.

Mr Henderson will ask the Social Care Minister whether his department has approved a 10 per cent increase in public sector rents and if so when it will seek approval from the Council of Ministers.

He also wants to know if the proposal will be submitted to Tynwald and whether any consultation was undertaken with residents in social housing before the rent increase was announced.

Mr Lowey will ask Mr Robertshaw about the new public sector housing in Clagh Vane in Ballasalla.

He wants to know how many faults have been reported in the new apartments regarding "leaking doors, windows, smells and noises".

Mr Lowey will also ask about commercial cleaning of the stairwells and landings in the properties and wants to know why tenants were told in writing not to erect Christmas trees on their landings.

The cost of government support for first time buyers will also come under question.

Mr Lowey wants to know whether the department intends to decrease benefits (grant loan aid and tax relief) for first time buyers to mirror the increased 10 per cent rise in public sector rent. 

The December sitting of Tynwald will start at 10am tomorrow (Tuesday).

Also see: Tenants should take rent increase as a sign of change says Social Care Minister