Plans to change public sector housing eligibility

Linking earnings threshold rises to annual inflation and easing residency criteria are among proposals put forward as part of changes to eligibility rules for public sector housing.

Under the changes, the maximum a single person with no children could earn to qualify would rise from £34,500 to £35,800, while the limit for a couple with three children would increase from £47,000 to £50,500.

Annual increases would then be applied in line with inflation each year.

The rises are among three sets of proposals put forward by the government's Housing Agency ahead of a full overhaul of the Isle of Man's public sector housing allocation policy.

The agency said the "essential changes" would also see housing authorities given more discretion on applying residency rules where there was "good reason to do so".

Current policy means applicants must have lived on the island for a total of 10 years, been a resident for three months immediately prior to applying, and have lived in a local authority area for three years to be eligible to be housed there.

Allowing discretion would "not widen access to public sector housing", but ensure local authorities could "respond appropriately to welfare and safeguarding needs without being constrained by rigid rules", the agency said.

Other changes outlined would see the removal of some "priority points", including low income level alone or being in private sector accommodation if it is of a good standard.

Having assets of £15,000 or more would also be removed as a barrier to being given priority in the allocation of social housing.

The agency said the proposals would see housing provided "based on actual housing need rather than broad assumptions".

A consultation on the proposed changes is available online until 19 May.

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