Today’s Department of Social Care Annual Housing Conference at Mount Murray Hotel, Santon was well attended by Local Authorities from across the Island.
 
This year’s theme was – “Housing – Working Better Together” and focussed on the recent Housing Review work undertaken being undertaken by David Tolson Partnership on behalf of the Department of Social Care.
 
The Minister for Social Care Hon Chris Robertshaw MHK said: 
 
“It was very encouraging to see so many Local Authorities’ represented at the Housing Conference this year.
 
As key stakeholders in the Housing Review process it is really positive to see them working with my Department on the detailed findings of the Housing Review projects before I take these forward to Tynwald in the autumn.
 
This year was very different from previous years as we have actively encouraged those Local Authorities who have not previously been involved in Housing Delivery to come forward and have their opportunity to discuss the initial findings of the Review with Department Officers and Politicians first hand. It was a great opportunity to listen, learn and perhaps clear up some misunderstandings about the Housing Review work.
 
The economic and demographic challenges ahead will test our public services and as such it is vitally important that we work collaboratively to develop robust policies which help to meet the needs of our Island communities.”
 
The Conference focussed on the five Housing Review projects:

• National Housing need survey
• Affordable Housing opportunities
• Procurement of goods and services for public sector housing
• Older Persons Housing
• Option appraisal for Public Sector Housing delivery.