Isle of Man Guide

The Department is seeking Tynwald’s approval to release £5.3 million from the Housing Reserve Fund to support First-Time Buyers. With other funds added, this will provide support for approximately 70 First-Time Buyers buying ‘approved’ properties in new schemes and 160 ‘open market’ properties between the end of October 2005 and April 2007.

Minister John Rimington MHK welcomed the proposal.

“This demonstrates Government’s strong commitment to supporting young people in buying their first house. I congratulate Richard Senior, Director of Estates and Housing, all his team and political Member Mrs Anne Craine MHK for the tremendous hard work they all make in progressing these Housing Schemes. Likewise we should recognise that some of these new ‘approved’ properties are being provided by the Private Sector and I would like to thank Hartford Homes and Heritage Homes for working so well with the Department to help provide these much needed homes.”

The Department is also seeking Tynwald approval for the release of £256,000 for pre-contract costs to progress the proposed housing refurbishment/replacement at Clagh Vane, Ballasalla. The funding will enable the design team to progress with tenant consultation and prepare option appraisals with regard to refurbishment, or demolition and rebuild, of the 69 older houses on the estate.

Minister John Rimington MHK commented

“This is a long-awaited development and reaffirms Government’s continuing support for Public Sector Housing and improving the living standards of its tenants. There is £5.17 million included in the Department’s Capital programme for this development. This £256,000 will allow appropriate surveys to be undertaken and for consultation with the tenants of these properties. Only after the properties have been professionally assessed and the views of the tenants taken on board, will the Department come to a decision whether to demolish and rebuild or undertake a major refurbishment scheme.”

7th October 2005

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