Douglas Borough Council is inviting applications for an independent member to join its housing committee.

Housing committee chairman Councillor David Ashford explained: ‘The housing committee has been restructured as an independent entity with not only a policy but also an increased scrutiny role.

‘More detailed management monitoring reports are coming before the committee than ever before, in terms of the capital programme delivery and key performance information. This is providing both committee and council members as a whole with invaluable day-to-day data with which to make informed decisions and deliver the best possible service to our tenants. In support of this the council is looking to appoint the first ever independent member onto the housing committee, which we see as a huge step forward in ensuring we afford our tenants greater visibility and that they have a direct “voice” at the table.

‘This we do against the background of the council’s recognition that good quality, affordable housing is essential to a person’s wellbeing, and as affirmation of our guiding principle that housing shouldn’t just be a space to reside in; it should be somewhere people can call home.’

Douglas Borough Council has a portfolio of more than 2,300 social housing properties. Its housing committee comprises five councillors and one independent member; it meets normally 10 times a year, and the independent member will bring an objective and independent perspective to its deliberations. The position is voluntary, although a modest allowance is payable.

The committee monitors the policies and performance of the council’s social housing service including all aspects relating to management and maintenance of its stock.

Candidates must be a current Douglas Borough Council social housing tenant.

The term of office will be until the end of April 2018, which may be extended to a maximum of a further two years.

For an informal discussion on the role of an independent member of the housing committee, contact Sue Harrison, director of housing and property, 696339, sharrison@douglas.gov.im

An information pack is available from www.douglas.gov.im or from Human Resources, Douglas Borough Council, Town Hall, P.O. Box 2, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AD.

Closing date for applications 5pm, Friday February 12, 2016.