THE Manx Government is on course to provide more affordable housing than any other Government since the 1950's by September 2011.
The Department of Social Care – which is now responsible for housing after the Government restructure in April – has set out the Government's progress over the last decade in a report laid before Tynwald last month.
The Housing Policy Review report showed that in the last ten years:
- An average of 438 homes were built annually compared to the target of 400.
- Since 2002 an average of over 90 new public sector houses were built annually compared to the target of 80.
- Since 2002 an average of 100 households per year received assistance with the purchase of an affordable home compared to the target of 80.
Investment in planned maintenance has also resulted in 6,000 public sector housing units having modern central heating installed and a good standard of thermal insulation.
Between 2002 and 2008 the number of unfit dwellings in the Island's private housing stock reduced from 5.8 per cent to 3.9 per cent as a result of House Improvement and Energy Conservation Scheme and the Cosy Homes initiative.
Minister for Social Care, Martyn Quayle MHK, said: "Government's substantial investment over a sustained period is a significant achievement which has made a positive difference to the lives of thousands in our Island community.
"The next 20 years will include many challenges which will require further changes to the Island's housing stock and Government policies therefore as Minister for Social Care I have initiated a comprehensive housing policy review to identify these challenges and ensure there is wide consultation on this important matter."
The Department of Social Care is now leading an ambitious programme to build more public sector housing over the next five years at a cost of £130 million.
The Department's Political Member for Housing Mr Bill Henderson MHK said: "It is heartening not only to see these statistics but also to have met some of the individuals who have benefited from these new homes and hear how it has improved their lives."
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