Consideration is being given to establishing a shared housing waiting list for the east of the Island.
The initiative would strengthen the working partnership between central and local government and provide applicants for public sector housing with access to properties in a wider geographical area.
Braddan Commissioners, Garff Commissioners and the Department of Infrastructure will contact applicants on their existing housing waiting lists to explain the proposal and the potential benefits.
The combined eastern housing waiting list would operate in a similar way to initiatives already in place in the south and underway in the north of the Island. It would provide access to any general needs public sector housing owned by either Braddan Commissioners or the Department of Infrastructure.
The provision of shared housing waiting lists meets one of the objectives of the Programme for Government, as part of the work to support an inclusive and caring Island.
Andrew Jessopp of Braddan Commissioners said: ‘We are looking forward to working with the other Local Authorities on the shared list and feel it is a positive step forward for those wishing to live in the east and indeed a benefit to the Island.’
Nigel Dobson, Chairman of Garff Commissioners, added: ‘Garff Commissioners welcome the opportunity to be working with Braddan Commissioners and the Department to maximise the opportunity for choice a shared waiting list will provide.’
Onchan District Commissioners have decided not to participate in the eastern shared housing waiting list at this time, but will continue to monitor developments and are keen to explore other ways of working with Braddan and Garff Commissioners.
The Department of Infrastructure and Braddan Commissioners will shortly be writing to existing applicants to explain in more detail the proposed changes and benefits of the new system.
