People with learning disabilities living in Manx Government homes are to be made to pay for food and board.

The move will see residents, such as those with full-time jobs, charged to live in the housing which is currently free.

The Department of Health and Social Services hopes it will provide the spur to see them move into accomodation of their own, freeing up spaces and reducing the burden on the state.

Director of Social Services, Andrew Swithinbank, says they won't do anything without talking to users.