A debate in the House of Keys saw the island’s housing legislation compared to Trigger’s Broom as concerns were raised over outdated laws.
Minister for the Cabinet Office David Ashford was quizzed about why the Housing and Communities Bill has been dropped from the legislative agenda.
Mr Ashford defended the current framework while acknowledging the need for consolidation.
He said: “To put it in these terms, for those of us of a certain vintage, you remember Only Fools and Horses, the Act is a bit like Trigger’s Broom. Although it’s labelled 1955, it has actually been updated at least 133 times since then with various pieces.
“So it’s got pretty much a new handle and a new head attached, but it most definitely does actually need to be consolidated.”
Modernised
Chris Thomas (Douglas Central).questioned why primary housing laws had not been modernised, stating that legislation from the 1940s and 1950s is “inappropriate for the Isle of Man in the 21st century.”
He added, “Are we really in a position where laws that reference ‘fair wages’—not even minimum wages—are still guiding our housing policy?”
Mr Ashford maintained that existing legislation remains functional.
“Are there powers within that Act that can be utilised? Yes, there are,” he said, citing recent government actions.
The debate highlighted differing views on whether full legislative reform is necessary or if changes can be made within the existing framework.
The Housing and Communities Board aims to increase housing availability, but concerns remain over whether current laws are sufficient.
With the administration nearing its end, questions persist about long-term legislative changes.
Listen
You can hear the exchange below:
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