Some homeless individuals placed in DoI accommodation during the TT were required to pay rent.
Between January and March, 2,955 bed nights were provided to people presenting to Manx Care as homeless, with a total cost of £187,990.
DHSC Minister Claire Christian defended the move, stating it was necessary due to seasonal pressures on temporary housing.
“Individuals experiencing homelessness who were supported with accommodation in Department of Infrastructure properties during the TT period was a necessary response to seasonal pressures within the local accommodation sector,” Ms Christian explained.
“As part of this transition, individuals were asked to contribute to their rent where they were in receipt of income, whether through income support, employment, or pensions provisions.”
Agreements
She emphasised that the policy aligned with standard landlord-tenant agreements and did not affect personal allowances or disability benefits.
“These contributions do not affect personal allowances, Disability Living Allowance, or other benefits, ensuring that individuals retain access to necessary support,” she said.
However, Jason Moorhouse MHK questioned the timing and clarity of the policy, noting concerns that tenants were only informed of the rent requirement after moving in.
“There seems to have been some concern that the payment was requested once the individuals had moved into the houses,” Mr Moorhouse said.
In response, Ms Christian confirmed the licence agreement, finalised in May, included a “specific reference to licence fee, representing fee to be charged weekly over the term of the licence.”
Chris Thomas MHK raised broader concerns about funding and fairness, suggesting the Treasury should provide further clarity.
“These people are probably paid from the Treasury’s Housing and Communities Fund… and social security, which was mentioned, is also the responsibility of the Treasury,” he said.
He also highlighted inconsistencies, noting that “people who use respite facilities and get hugely expensive aspects paid for are now being charged for the accommodation”.
Rent
Ms Christian acknowledged the need for Treasury input, stating: “Further information around specifics of this would be needed to be directed to the Treasury Minister.”
When asked whether rent payments would help individuals transition to permanent housing, she said discussions were ongoing but lacked detail.
“My understanding is that Manx Care and the Department of Infrastructure are working with Treasury social security division to consider the process for reimbursement,” the minister said.
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