Authority Doesn’t Want Rent Increase

Onchan Commissioners has written to the DoI recommending it doesn’t increase rents on social housing this year.

Whether rents increase, as well as by how much, is in the power of the DoI.

The DoI wrote to local authorities across the island in August 2022 seeking their views on any changes to the rental levy for local government general housing and sheltered housing.

At a meeting held last month, Onchan’s board voted to recommend a zero percent increase.

A statement said: ‘The Board believes that under the present global energy crisis and the increase in cost of living expenses that some tenants would find it difficult to cope with any increases.

‘Despite the increase in cost for materials and labour, Onchan District Commissioners have continued to maintain their housing stock to a high standard and will be able to continue doing so for the forthcoming financial year without imposing a rent increase.’