Ten people granted exemptions to be fast-tracked into public housing

Policy requires a ten-year residency for eligibility 

Clarification on the granting of public sector housing eligibility waivers has been provided in response to a written Tynwald question from Speaker of the House of Keys, Member for Rushen, Juan Watterson.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood said ten such exemptions have been granted since 2023.

The minister explained that access to public sector housing on the Isle of Man is subject to a requirement for 10 years residency, though the condition can be waived in extraordinary circumstances.

Information provided by the minister shows that seven exemptions were granted to help victims fleeing domestic abuse, two were in relation to health and mobility issues to enable residents to carry on living independently, and another was granted for health reasons and issues around parental rights.

Another case concerning an individual who's currently homeless has had residential discretion approved to be allowed onto the housing waiting list.

In the case of the waivers granted, three had been living on the Island for more than nine years and three were over state pension age. 

Meanwhile, one of the tenants cited in Dr Haywood's answer has since moved out, while another has died.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood says:  ‘I am grateful to Mr Speaker for asking the question and giving the Department the opportunity to explain more about the public sector housing eligibility waivers.

'The majority were granted to support people escaping from domestic abuse and to provide a safe home for them to recover from their traumatic experiences.  These use of exemptions in these cases is absolutely justified to support these victims.

'Public sector housing authorities take such matters very seriously and will help when they are able to do so.  Other exemptions were granted on health and disability grounds, and recognise that people with serious health conditions often struggle to find suitable and accessible accommodation.'