Housing and Communities Minister Rob Callister’s central aim will be the development of a ‘National Housing Plan’.
But he may not have his own dedicated department to head up.
The development of a National Housing Plan, previously touted, has now been confirmed by the Council of Ministers as the focus for Callister. He is expected to come up with “proposals for how to deliver the homes people need”.
A new document outlining the ministerial portfolio, states: “In parallel (to the plan), the Minister should develop a proposal for any reorganisation of Isle of Man Government resources to drive delivery of the National Housing Plan.
“It is not assumed at this stage that a new independent department, with associated costs, is required; however, at a minimum, consolidation of key legal, financial and staffing resources to drive the plan as a central corporate initiative, and deliver policy change (e.g., a dedicated Unit) is anticipated.”
The portfolio said the proposal should “recognise the important role of local authorities, and the private sector, in the island’s housing system and ensure the Isle of Man is open to innovation to meet our residents’ needs”.
The portfolio, along with a statement from government, was released this afternoon (November 5), six days after Callister’s appointment to the ministerial position.
The statement says: “The role has been created to make progress on a critical and longstanding challenge for the island, bringing greater co-ordination to a fragmented housing system.”
Details of the Job
Callister’s role will include working with the Council of Ministers on “home ownership, the private rental market and related housing law, housing supply, public sector housing, homelessness and supported housing”.
The statement says: “The National Housing Plan will set out evidence-led, prioritised actions and will include the existing Tynwald-approved commitment to build, provide or facilitate up to 1,000 affordable homes over ten years from April 2025.”
It adds: “Housing policy and delivery currently span all eight government departments, and the system is also affected by factors such as mortgage rates, building costs and changing housing needs.
“Alongside development of the plan, proposals will be developed for how it can be delivered through co-ordination and collaboration across all government departments.”
Ministerial Portfolio
The portfolio lists the plan, governance and organisation and “parallel action” with the Council of Ministers where needed.
The scope of the plan’s development will include:
Home ownership and affordability;
Private rental market and related housing law;
Housing supply;
Public sector housing;
Homelessness and supported housing;
Housing delivery.
Callister will also be expected to consider how the “actively contributes to, or creates, thriving communities across our island”.
You can read the full portfolio document here:
