SOCIAL Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK has used the opportunity of attending the recent British-Irish Council meeting in Belfast to report on the success of the Isle of Man’s housing policies.
Reporting on the achievements of the Manx government in reaching the milestone of 1,000 public sector rented properties built and assistance provided for over 1,100 first-time buyers during the past 10 years, he said the Isle of Man was 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,” he said.
“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 added, “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 six months.
The meeting was hosted by Alex Attwood MLA, Minister for Social Development, who chaired the meeting attended by senior ministerial politicians from Northern Ireland, the UK, Eire, Scotland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
