The Department of Infrastructure has said there have been ten exemptions granted to public sector housing rules since 2023.
Access to public sector housing on the Isle of Man is subject to a requirement for 10 years of residency.
However, this condition can be waived in extraordinary circumstances.
Exemptions
In response to a Tynwald written question from Juan Watterson MHK asking for details about waivers, the DoI gave the following details:
- Seven exemptions were granted to help victims fleeing domestic abuse.
- Two were granted because of health and mobility issues so that residents could move into accommodation to allow them to carry on living independently.
- One was granted for health reasons and issues around parental rights.
Waivers Granted
Another case concerning an individual who is currently homeless has had residential discretion approved to be allowed to apply to the housing waiting list.
They will now be considered along with other applications on the waiting list for potential future allocation of suitable properties for their needs as and when they become available, and in accordance with the all-Island allocation policy.
In the case of the waivers granted:
- Three had been living in the island for more than nine years.
- Three of the tenants were over state pension age.
- One of the tenants cited in Dr Haywood’s answer has since moved out, while another has died.
Housing Eligibility Waivers
Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood said: “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.”
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