Interim Report - National Housing Strategy - GD 2021/0063 - Tynwald
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National Housing Strategy
Interim
Report
GD 2021/0063
Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 4
Integration of Policy, Law and Provision ...................................................................................................... 8
Housing Association................................................................................................................................. 10
Community Infrastructure Levy ................................................................................................................ 12
Scoping Work ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Appendix A - National Housing Strategy Working Group - Terms of Reference .............................................. 17
Appendix B Housing Workstreams ............................................................................................................ 21
Appendix D – Relevant Reports, Legislation and Documents ....................................................................... 28
1
Executive Summary
Housing is one of our most basic human needs. It matters to every single one of us. How we live in our
homes affects almost every area of our lives. The homes we live in affect our health, our wellbeing, our
climate and how we live and play a part in our communities.
If we adopt an approach of ‘Housing First’; that works on the basis that people are able to live healthy
and safe lives as part of their community, if their housing needs are addressed first and foremost.
We need a Housing Strategy for the Island. No single vision exists that covers every Island resident. We
need a strategy that looks after all our people; from cradle to grave, regardless of their circumstances as
housing is too important to be left to chance. We know what the vision is. We want homes that are
suitable, affordable and accessible for every person who lives on the Isle of Man.
In the words of Matthew Desmond, esteemed Professor of Sociology at Princeton University “We can
start with housing, the sturdiest of footholds for economic mobility. A national affordable housing
programme would be an anti-poverty effort, human capital investment, community improvement plan,
and public health initiative all rolled into one”1.
Housing on the Isle of Man weaves through all of the Programme for Government strategic objectives;
that we are an Island of Enterprise and Opportunity, a Responsible and Sustainable Island, an Inclusive
and Caring, and a Healthy and Safe Island. An action in the 2020/21 Year 4 edition of the Programme
for Government was to:
Develop an all-Island Housing Strategy, encompassing all elements of Housing work underway and
planned. Consider the strategic approach required and how this would be delivered
Tynwald has told us clearly that Government should look again at this important topic. They have told us
that they want to see greater cohesion in housing policy. They want to see clearer delineation between
policy, operational and regulatory functions.
We need to put housing at the forefront of the political agenda now as a social policy matter and work
cohesively; ensuring that affordable housing policy aligns with what is happening in the private housing
market for example.
No single area or body on the Island has responsibility for housing policy. That is an omission. We have
addressed this by creating a cross-Departmental policy board to own housing policy at the strategic
level; the National Housing Policy Board. All aspects of housing policy will now be owned centrally by
this Board rather than being divested in individual Departments.
However we need to get any changes right. We do not want to make rushed, piecemeal changes
without foreseeing unintended consequences or make mistaken reforms needing to be unpicked at a
later date. The Tynwald motion is bold and transformational. We are laying the foundations towards this
change. Like the transformation of our Health and Care services, this is the first step on a programme of
change. The scoping work has been conducted to inform a business case, which will be required to take
anything forward. Rather like the Health and Care transformation programme, the time to scope is
essential to identify all that is needed to progress what will be a major shift in policy thinking and
delivery. There are already many different workstreams which touch upon housing, from planning
1
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. M Desmond. 2017
2
agreements to social security rent allowance, from maintenance to climate change, all of which are
already underway across the public service.
This interim report sets out the research and scoping work undertaken, with the input of a number of
Departments over the last 12 months, which have been some of the most challenging in the Island’s
history due to the continuing impact of the pandemic on our communities and services. It will not be
enough for some Members. The declaratory motion in June last year came without funding or resource
attached. The scale of the motion is huge as housing is a complex social policy area requiring data,
funding and resource to progress.
Under the Board, a working group of all areas of Government with a service or policy interest in housing
has been created. This has been well received and important connections have been made. This is the
first time all of these areas of Government with an interest in housing policy have been brought
together. Officers were able to outline a multitude of existing projects and schemes that relate to
housing on a socio-economic level as well as providing clear indications on further work required to
realise those aspirations. Through the approach taken by the Housing Working Group what became
apparent is the strong correlation of strategies linking with the vision that ‘the Isle of Man has suitable,
affordable and accessible housing for all residents’. For example, for the first time Public Health
strategies in areas such as children’s healthy weight and tobacco prevention and control are being
considered alongside areas including future planning policy, first time buyers and the provision of social
housing.
If Tynwald is serious about transformation of housing policy then resourcing will need to be given, both
in terms of dedicated people and funding. This is too important to be able to be done ‘from the side of a
desk’.
Moving forward we will be continuing the centralisation of housing policy ownership into the new Board
structure. If there is continued political support after the election to a transformation of housing policy
then a full business case will be presented for resourcing the programme of work required which forms
the basis to adopt a Housing First approach .
Hon R Harmer MHK
Minister for Policy and Reform
3
Introduction
1. Housing policy is a fundamental social policy issue. Housing is a basic human need. Housing impacts
upon health, educational attainment, community and the environment. In one way or another it effects
every member of our society. There are many services that Government provides that impact housing
policy; including social care, taxation, benefits, planning, building control, environmental health, the
construction sector, access to transport and health care delivery.
2. At its June 2020 sitting Tynwald resolved as follows:
“That Tynwald is of the opinion that the Isle of Man Government should
a) integrate all housing policy, law and provision, building on the positive inter-Departmental initiatives
arising from the Programme for Government;
b) promote and assist the formation and extension of one or more approved housing associations or
similar;
c) review the Section 13 regulations under the Town and Planning Act 1999, which provide for
agreements for affordable housing, with consideration to be given to introducing a site specific
Community Infrastructure Levy; and
d) report back to Tynwald in respect of these matters by October 2020.”
3. In October 2020, the Minister for Policy and Reform wrote to Tynwald Members to advise that a political
board had been formed to develop the Terms of Reference for the establishment of a National Housing
Programme, which will undertake the work outlined in the Tynwald resolution. Membership of the Board
comprises:
Hon R Harmer MHK, Minister for Policy and Reform
Hon T Baker MHK, Minister for Infrastructure
Mrs M Maska MLC, Member for Infrastructure with responsibility for Public Estates and Housing
Mr L Hooper MHK, Member for Cabinet Office
Mrs K Sharpe MLC, Member for Department of Health and Social Care with responsibility for
Children and Families
4. At the January 2020 sitting of Tynwald, following debate, Tynwald resolved as follows:
“That Tynwald is of the opinion that the all-Island review of housing should examine:
(1) The sufficiency of the existing first time buyer option, with particular consideration of:
the ease of access to the option for those who satisfy the residency criteria as currently
defined in the Shared Equity Purchase Assistance scheme;
eligibility thresholds;
payment terms; and
increased flexibility in paying off loans; and
(2) The feasibility of a second time purchase offering.”
5. The Board agreed that this work would be included in the development of a National Housing Strategy.
The Terms of Reference for development of a National Housing Strategy (Appendix A) were laid before
Tynwald in January 2021.
4
6. The examination of the existing First Time buyer scheme, was completed in June 2021 and the
outcomes shared with Tynwald members in July 2021.
7. The Board agreed that the key objective is the development of an Island wide National Housing
Strategy. In its early discussions the Board agreed a clear vision for housing on the Isle of Man, as
follows:
The Isle of Man has suitable, affordable and accessible housing for all residents
8. This vision supports and aligns with the seven policy principles for affordable housing which the
Department for Infrastructure (DOI) laid before Tynwald in March 20202:
Principle 1 – Government will continue to support and facilitate the provision of affordable housing for
the wider benefit of all across the island.
Principle 2 – Housing providers and stakeholders will work collaboratively to encourage the delivery of
good quality affordable homes and services which meet the changing needs of the Island’s population.
Principle 3 – The subsidy for affordable housing will be appropriately targeted to those with the least
means and most in physical, social and financial need.
Principle 4 – The changing needs of the individual should be at the heart of affordable housing
services.
Principle 5 – There is a continued commitment to cost effective, efficient and sustainable housing
design capable of delivering good quality energy efficient homes.
Principle 6 – Affordable housing development and refurbishment should support a mix of types of
home to help deliver diverse and sustainable local communities.
Principle 7 – There should be an appropriate legislative and regulatory framework to underpin the
affordable housing sector and support the principles of social provision.
9. The vision also supports the policy concept of ‘Housing First’; that people are able to live healthy and
safe lives as part of their community, if their housing needs are addressed first and foremost. An
example of a Housing First approach for the Isle of Man is illustrated below. This approach has been
adopted in its infancy with the Expressions of Interest for Night Stop and Supported Living
Accommodation that have sought input from potential suppliers. This will be progressing to develop a
service delivery model and service access pathway to help the most vulnerable in our society.
22
https://www.tynwald.org.im/business/opqp/sittings/20182021/2020-GD-0007.pdf
5
10. The Board have been very clear that the size and scope of the change envisaged by the Tynwald
resolution last year is of a very large scale. The Board took an early view on the breadth of the work
required by listing just some of the areas within the scope of the strategy3.
3
Local Authority and Rating Reform have been agreed to be out of scope of the strategy
6
11. The Board considered the work necessary for each part of the Tynwald resolution, as detailed in the
Terms of Reference, which is shown below:
Tynwald is of the National Housing Programme will; Actions and Activities to
include
opinion that Isle of Man
Government should;
Integrate all housing policy, All housing policy, law and provision will be reviewed to formulate the
National Housing Strategy.
law and provision, building
on the positive inter- A National Housing Strategy will consider housing in its broadest form,
and will not be limited to affordable housing. Established work
Departmental initiatives
streams in Government that relate to housing policy will be reviewed
arising from the Programme with the development of corporate policies on all housing matters, for
an aligned approach to housing by all Government Departments,
for Government
Boards and Offices.
Data to be collated from varied sources to provide a basis for evidence
based housing policy development (i.e. research into the Island’s
housing market, private house condition survey, levels of mortgage
interest taxation relief, third sector sources).
Identifying any gaps in data, policy and or legislation to be addressed.
Work undertaken should include the consideration of a new Housing
Act, with an outcome of an all-encompassing and effective single Act
to be worked towards.
A review of the responsibility for overarching housing policy and the
delivery of operations, within the Isle of Man Government will be
undertaken.
The development of the National Housing Strategy will be carried out
within a governance structure that will, in itself, see the gradual
transition of responsibilities and resources to come together.
Concluding with the development of a Transfer of Functions Order, to
provide high level strategy, legislation and policy co-ordination owned
by the Cabinet Office.
Definition between policy, provision, operations and regulations to be
created by this review.
7
Promote and assist the This work will see the investigation and identification of potential
model(s) of housing delivery suitable for the Isle of Man. The
formation and extension of
feasibility of the formation of one of more housing associations (or
one or more housing similar) on the Island will be explored. Work will be undertaken to
understand the costs, benefits and risks that such any
associations or similar
recommendation would bring.
The aim being to separate the functions of policy and delivery, as
found to be appropriate to for the Isle of Man.
The recommended solution will be integrated into the National
Housing Strategy, with implementation considered and timescales
committed to.
Review the S13 regulations Work with the Planning Policy team in the Cabinet Office to review the
S13 regulations under the Town and Country Planning Act 1999, will
under the Town and
take place, reporting separately on this matter by July 2021.
Country Planning Act 1999,
A review of how the planning policy framework supports the provision
which provide agreements
of affordable housing appropriate to the needs of the Isle of Man,
for affordable housing with integrating as appropriate to the development of a National Housing
Strategy.
consideration to be given to
introducing site specific The integration of these policies with current, and or future legislation.
To include a review the S13 regulations under the Town and Country
community infrastructure
Planning Act 1999, which provide agreements for affordable housing
levy, with consideration to be given to introducing site specific community
infrastructure levy.
Integration of Policy, Law and Provision
12. The Tynwald resolution from June 2020 calls “...that Isle of Man Government should ...integrate all
housing policy, law and provision.”
13. Housing policy does not belong to a single Department. Different Departments have different
responsibilities. DOI is responsible for the provision of affordable housing. The Department of
Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has responsibilities around the enforcement of standards of
housing for habitation. The Department for Enterprise (DfE) has an important role in liaising with the
private sector. The Cabinet Office has responsibility for both public health and planning policy. In
addition the Climate Change Transformation Programme which sits within Cabinet Office has a clear link
to housing policy as efforts to reduce the Island’s carbon emissions are progressed. Improving the
energy efficiency of the Island’s housing stock and the use of greener heating sources will be intrinsic
to achieving the carbon reduction targets agreed by Tynwald.
14. All of the Departments own policy in their respective areas of operation and some perform regulatory
functions. Some Members have highlighted this potential conflict and have called for clearer separation
between policy, operational and regulatory functions.
15. There is political support for ensuring appropriate separation of both the functional & operational
delivery of any service from policy, strategy, legislation and regulation. This has been embodied most
boldly by the changes following the review of Health and Care Services by Sir Jonathan Michael and the
8
creation of Manx Care as a new politically independent Statutory Board, charged with providing the
delivery of Health and Care services.
Figure 1 Isle of Man Government – Departmental responsibilities re Housing
DEFA
Policy & Regulator: Cabinet Office
DfE
Environmental Health Policy - Planning Policy and
Policy: Locate, Construction
Regulator - Planning & Public Health
Building Control
DOI
Policy - Affordable Housing
DHSC Treasury
Regulator- private rental
Policy - Social Care Policy - Social Security
Provider - Affordable
Housing
Local Authorities
Providers - Affordable
Housing
16. The lack of clear ownership for overall housing policy has meant that some issues have fallen between
Departments and progress has been difficult. An example is the absence of any statutory obligation
regarding homeless persons, despite Tynwald resolutions calling for this to be addressed. With clear
policy direction, primary legislation can be drafted to remedy this lacuna and address who is responsible
for assisting homeless persons. During the 2020 lockdown, when there was a clear goal of the
preservation of life and Departmental boundaries were ‘collapsed’, a clear pathway and programme for
persons of no fixed abode during the lockdown period was put in place.
17. The Board agree one body should have overall responsibility for the entire ambit of housing policy. This
wide overview of housing policy would cover the Island’s entire housing stock; public, private provided,
rental or private ownership. The Board have agreed that ownership of housing policy should sit, not
with an individual Department, but with the Board itself. The Board will be the locus for housing policy,
based on data and evidence, steering the required legislation and supporting service development.
18. Having housing policy owned centrally by the Board will remove potential conflicts from the
Departments in the performance of regulatory functions or the delivery of required services to meet
housing need. The National Housing Board will be renamed the National Housing Policy Board. The
Board will be a committee of the Council of Ministers, supported by the Cabinet Office.
9Figure 2 - Revised Housing Policy Structure
DfE
DEFA Cabinet
Office
National
Housing
Policy
Board
Treasury DoI
DHSC &
Manx
Care
Housing Association
19. The Tynwald motion requires Government to “promote and assist the formation and extension of one or
more approved housing associations or similar”. Housing associations are not-for-profit organisations
that own, let and manage affordable-rental housing, which is generally cheaper than privately rented
housing and usually provides a long-term tenancy. On the Isle of Man there are a small number of
sheltered housing associations specialising in housing for older persons; these include the Royal British
Legion, Kirk Michael Community Housing Association and the Manx Housing Trust.
20. The Board agrees that there is merit in considering housing associations as delivery mechanisms for
housing authorities. With clear central ownership of housing policy, there is scope for delivery to be at a
greater arm’s length. Operational housing delivery can be facilitated in various ways including
Government Departments, Third Sector, Agency, Housing Association, Local Authorities and the
legislation in place allows for this to happen; either through a Department, Third Sector, Housing
Association - none of which are mutually exclusive.
21. The key issues are resource, appropriate skills and ability in the market and funding. The role of the
Board can be that of a joint commissioning body, ensuring both the appropriate housing services and
supply to meet the Island’s needs. Regulation can be picked up independently and could fall within the
remit of the Isle of Man Regulatory Authority, which is currently out for consultation4.
4
https://consult.gov.im/cabinet-office/establishment-of-a-regulatory-authority/
1022. In terms of Housing Associations, these are not new housing company models - they have been in
existence since the late 1800’s in the United Kingdom and are now common place. In large urban areas
such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester there was a move towards creating a bespoke Housing
Association model for the delivery of their Local Authority housing from the mid-1980’s onwards in
order to attract sufficient funding opportunities and services to meet growing needs in those urban
centres.
23. One example of a large scale Housing Association in action in the United Kingdom in an urban
environment is River Clyde Homes5 which was formed in 2007 when Inverclyde Council moved their
housing stock into the newly formed Housing Association. River Clyde Homes is a not for profit
organisation, community owned i.e. it is not owned by the Council although they have representation
on the Board and remain a key player in the structure. The new Housing Association has its own
company and staffing structure, with the appropriate funding and governance in place to enable it to
deliver investment in the stock and facilitate increased housing supply.
24. A contrasting example of a Housing Association in a small Crown Dependency can be found in Jersey.
Jersey has formed a company limited by guarantee, Andium Homes6, to deliver social housing provision
on the Island. In the Company’s accounts the Government is described as the ultimate parent of the
company. Andium, as well as providing housing for rental has undertaken a significant amount of
property development of affordable homes.
25. It should be noted that this was a relatively straightforward transition as all the public sector housing
was already vested in a single national housing provider, the States of Jersey, and therefore this new
arrangement is more akin to an arm’s length management arrangement.
26. There are many different examples of Housing Associations in the United Kingdom and other
jurisdictions. It is also important to highlight that not all social housing is provided through this route.
There are still Councils who directly provide a housing service.
27. There is legal provision in Manx Law for Housing Association development. If the provision of public
sector housing is to be through a different vehicle consideration is required on whether the vires for
such a body exists or whether new legislation is required. Section 5(1) of The Housing Miscellaneous
Provisions Act 1976 states
“The Department or a local authority may, for the purposes of this Part, promote the formation or
extension of, or, subject to the provisions of this Part, assist, approved housing associations.”
28. Section5(2) of the Act states that the Department, with Treasury concurrence, or a local authority for
the assistance of an approved housing association may:
“(a) make grants or loans to the association;
(b) subscribe for any share or loan capital of the association;
(c) guarantee, or join in guaranteeing, the payment of the principal of, and interest on, any money
borrowed by the association (including money borrowed by the issue of loan capital) or of interest on any
share capital issued by the association,”
29. Section 6 (1) of the 1976 Act provides that “…the Department or a local authority may make
arrangements with an approved housing association for the purpose of enabling the association to
provide housing accommodation or to alter, enlarge, repair or improve houses or buildings which, or an
5
https://www.riverclydehomes.org.uk/
6
https://www.andiumhomes.je/
11estate or interest in which, the Department or the local authority have acquired with a view to the
provision or improvement of housing accommodation.”
30. The Act states that “housing associations” means a society, body of trustees or company established
for the purpose of, or amongst whose objects or powers are included those of, constructing, improving
or managing, or facilitating or encouraging the construction or improvement, of houses. There are
conditions which require to be applied with the Housing Association be to an approved association.
31. Formation of an approved housing association that would include stock belonging to authorities other
than the Department of Infrastructure would need to be done with the support and buy-in of other
authorities.
32. As this could only be done on a voluntary basis, one possible approach is the creation of a company
limited by guarantee. This need not only have one guarantor. Initially the DOI could be the guarantor,
however as authorities either move in existing stock or undertake new developments in their areas
guarantors could expand to encourage participation. In this model it would be expected that any profits
would be retained to enable new developments and improvements in existing infrastructure. However,
there could be annual payments to authorities, including DOI, who participate in the Authority if there
were profits and the constitution permitted such payments.
Community Infrastructure Levy
33. At the November 2020 sitting of Tynwald, when the Area Plan for the East was approved, Tynwald
resolved that it “requires a proposal for a Community Infrastructure Levy to be introduced by April
2021”. At the February 2021 sitting of Tynwald the Minister for Policy and Reform gave a statement on
the development and roadmap for the development of a Community Infrastructure Levy. This
statement superseded the report to Tynwald as envisaged in the strategy’s Terms of Reference.
34. The research undertaken to prepare and bring forward the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Regulations identified that in order to set appropriate “charges” for development, an assessment was
needed into general “development viability”.
35. Unlike on the Island, viability testing forms a core part of the English planning system and is intrinsically
linked to both the development of local plans, and CIL. Early work on the CIL Regulations in Cabinet
Office quickly pointed to the need to seek specialist assistance to undertake viability assessments that
incorporate all of our planning policies. Such work is vital to determining what charges would be
appropriate and still ensure a reasonable rate of return for developers.
36. A business case for funding for viability testing to take place is being completed. If supported, an
Expression of Interest will be published to gauge consultancy interest before moving to appoint through
the tender process. To continue the momentum on the CIL project, viability testing should be
undertaken before the end of 2021 with worked up draft Regulations, and draft Charging Schedule
ready for publication soon after.
Scoping Work
37. The Tynwald resolution is complex, transformational, wide ranging and requiring significant additional
social policy, legislative and operational work, all of which will have long lasting implications for the
Island.
1238. The work involved requires detailed analysis of data, legislation, funding, and structure and will require
suitably qualified resources from several Government Departments to achieve delivery. Prior to
submitting a business case for Treasury funding for the work, scoping and mapping all existing
initiatives underway was agreed as a priority before being able to submit a robust business case for the
required resourcing. This is especially true given the wide remit and the complex nature of the cross-
government housing related initiatives.
39. The scoping activity has been designed to form the basis of the research, planning and delivery of a
proposed National Housing Strategy Programme. It does not provide a gap analysis of housing – either
services or provision, nor is it able to identify housing need on the Island; these matters are to be
addressed as part of the delivery outcomes of the strategy itself.
40. Noting the transformation element of the Tynwald resolution, without doubt financial and staffing
resourcing is required to ensure the envisaged change is delivered. This could be delivered by a
separate distinct transformation programme similar to those established for Health and Care or Climate
Change, as whilst Housing may be considered smaller in scale it is significant in social policy terms and
has implications for the Island in years to come albeit on a smaller scale. The Tynwald motion is clear
that it will take a long term journey to deliver the necessary change.
41. In February 2021 a part-time project management resource was able to be allocated to the project.
This enabled a working group of officers from relevant Departments to be formed. A time bound
scoping approach for the officer group was agreed by the National Housing Strategy Programme Board.
42. The initial scoping activity focussed on internal (IOM Government Departmental) activity. It is expected
that the business case will include input from other key stakeholders within the housing sector. These
will include private housing development companies, third sector charity organisations and the Local
Authorities.
Stage one - Discovery
43. The first stage in the scoping approach set out to engage with the key stakeholders across government.
This initial discovery focussed on identifying all cross government housing related activity. This included
work in progress, planned activity as well as aspirational initiatives that Departments and key
stakeholders believed should form part of the strategic direction.
44. The membership of the working group was broad and was the first known attempt at trying to bring all
relevant parties with a broad issue in housing related matters together. Membership included
Public Health, Cabinet Office
Planning Policy, Cabinet Office
Climate Change Transformation, Cabinet Office
Public Estates and Housing, DOI
Environmental Health, DEFA
Children and Families, DHSC (now Manx Care)
Social Security, Treasury
Department for Enterprise
45. To date, 27 distinct initiatives, activities and related strategies have been identified and the Officer
Working Group along with other key stakeholders were asked to provide as much detail as possible to
assist with future planning.
13Stage two - Review
46. Each initiative was reviewed and summarised to provide a standardised view (Appendix B). The
responses have been grouped into the following order:
1) Business as Usual (BAU) and Work in Progress (WIP) - These are activities that form the
core business of each department and are currently in flight.
2) Planned - These initiatives have yet to be delivered but have been factored into the
departmental plans.
3) Aspirational - These are the initiatives that the departments believe should be delivered
but have yet to be funded or resourced. Essentially, these are the activities that informed
the gap analysis and where the wider strategic effort should focus on during the next
phase.
47. This scoping work has identified that there are some 16 initiatives which are either already in progress
or underway. These vary considerable in priority and size of the initiative. However, significantly this is
the first time that a cross-Government listing has been compiled. Further details are provided in
Appendix B as to how these initiatives are linked to housing legislation or policy, along with what
existing initiatives these are linked to, whether they are short, medium or long terms aspirations and
whether legislative reform and funding is required. The table also highlights areas where cross
departmental collaboration is taking place. These initiatives are:
1) Active Travel
2) Climate Change action plan – commitment to net zero by 2050.
3) Climate Change Bill
4) Community Safety
5) Delivery of Recommendations from Tynwald Select Committee reports in relation to a National
Housing strategy - including the Care of Vulnerable Young People
6) Health and Social Care Transformation – Care Pathways and Service Review
7) Integrated Community Care - Frailty Pathways and Services
8) Land Management Strategy
9) Local Area Coordination (LAC)
10) Emergency Housing & Manx Housing First
11) Public Health-Children’s weight management strategy (Planning and Design to provide space for
a more active lifestyle)
12) Public Mental Health Overview including Suicide Prevention Overview report
13) Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness Evidence and recommendations report produced by
Integrated Care Project Subgroup
14) Residential Design Guidance 2019 Review
15) Shared Equity Purchase Assistance Scheme Review (First Time Buyer Schemes (amendments))
16) Tobacco prevention and control
48. The review also identified the following planned or aspirational initiatives across Government that relate
to housing policy.
1) Emergency Housing Provision
2) Extra Care
3) Jurby Initiative
4) Making Every Contact Count (MECC)
145) Mid-Rental Housing
6) Property Services (amendment) Act
7) Rent Deposit Scheme
8) Replacement primary Housing legislation
9) Review of public sector Local Authority housing allowances
10) Review of rent charge setting for Public Sector Housing
11) Zero Carbon in Public Sector Housing
49. Positive feedback has been received from officers on the working group for providing the first
opportunity for cross-Government officers with an interest in varying aspects of housing policy the
chance to come together and establish policy linkages and connections.
50. Similar to Climate Change work and Health Transformation work, the Housing Strategy work will require
sufficient resource and funding to progress. The next stage is the development of a full business case
to Treasury to identify and secure necessary resourcing to progress the strategy development work
51. A roadmap to the next stages of development of a National Housing Strategy has been developed and
is set out on the following page.
15Roadmap
16Appendix A - National Housing Strategy Working Group -
Terms of Reference
Objective
The ultimate outcome is the delivery a National Housing Strategy meeting the criteria of
‘The Isle of Man has suitable, affordable and accessible housing for all residents’
Areas within the Scope
There are many areas which will require to be covered when developing a National Housing
Strategy and these are set out below. This seeks to connect existing pieces of work whilst
exploring new areas required for a joined up strategy to be delivered.
Private home ownership
Private rental market
Affordable housing – including Public Sector housing,
Supported housing provision
Emergency housing provision
Housing provision with regards to nursing care, social care, home care and the role
of extra care in elderly housing
Investigate the role of equity release in funding care provision
The role of a Housing Association as a model for delivery
Sheltered accommodation
Potential need, scope and scale for key worker housing
Interaction with any Development Agency and work being undertaken in relation to
the use of brownfield sites
Community Infrastructure levy
The following areas are out with the scope of the project:
Local Authority reform
Rates reform
This work will seek to connect existing pieces of work whilst exploring new areas required for
a joined up strategy to be delivered.
Work Required
The proposed work of the Group has been matched to the Tynwald motion
17Tynwald is of the opinion National Housing Programme will; Actions and
Activities to include
that Isle of Man Government
should;
Integrate all housing policy, law All housing policy, law and provision will be reviewed to
formulate the National Housing Strategy.
and provision, building on the
positive inter-Departmental A National Housing Strategy will consider housing in its
broadest form, and will not be limited to affordable housing.
initiatives arising from the
Established work streams in Government that relate to housing
Programme for Government policy will be reviewed with the development of corporate
policies on all housing matters, for an aligned approach to
housing by all Government Departments, Boards and Offices.
Data to be collated from varied sources to provide a basis for
evidence based housing policy development (i.e. Research into
the Island’s housing market, Private House Condition Survey,
levels of mortgage interest taxation relief, third sector
sources).
Identifying any gaps in data, policy and or legislation to be
addressed.
Work undertaken should include the consideration of a new
Housing Act, with an outcome of an all-encompassing and
effective single Act to be worked towards.
A review of the responsibility for overarching housing policy
and the delivery of operations, within the Isle of Man
Government will be undertaken.
The development of the National Housing Strategy will be
carried out within a governance structure (see below) that will,
in itself, see the gradual transition of responsibilities and
resources to come together.
Concluding with the development of a Transfer Of Functions
Order, to provide high level strategy, legislation and policy co-
ordination owned by the Cabinet Office.
Definition between policy, provision, operations and
regulations to be created by this review.
18Promote and assist the This work will see the investigation and identification of
potential model(s) of housing delivery suitable for the Isle of
formation and extension of one
Man. The feasibility of the formation of one of more housing
or more housing associations or associations (or similar) on the Island will be explored. Work
will be undertaken to understand the costs, benefits and risks
similar
that such any recommendation would bring.
The aim being to separate the functions of policy and delivery,
as found to be appropriate to for the Isle of Man.
The recommended solution will be integrated into the National
Housing Strategy, with implementation considered and
timescales committed to.
Review the S13 regulations Work with the Planning Policy team in the Cabinet Office to
review the S13 regulations under the Town and Country
under the Town and Country
Planning Action 1999, will take place, reporting separately on
Planning Act 1999, which this matter by July 2021.
provide agreements for
A review of how the planning policy framework supports the
affordable housing with provision of affordable housing appropriate to the needs of the
Isle of Man, integrating as appropriate to the development of a
consideration to be given to
National Housing Strategy.
introducing site specific
The integration of these policies with current, and or future
community infrastructure levy,
legislation. To include a review the S13 regulations under the
Town and Country Planning Act 1999, which provide
agreements for affordable housing with consideration to be
given to introducing site specific community infrastructure levy.
The National Housing Programme will also undertake work to respond to immediate housing
needs on the Isle of Man. The programme will develop an approach and accelerate delivery
of solutions to the following immediate Housing Needs;
Emergency Night Shelter Accommodation
The procurement of a suitable option for those requiring an ‘Emergency Night
Shelter’, incorporating the relevant recommendations of the Select Committee on
Vulnerable Young People.
Manx Housing First Support Service
The development and delivery of an option for supported short term housing, to
enable those with no fixed abode, or with substandard accommodation to obtain
sustainable and suitable housing.
Governance
The National Housing Working Group (‘The Working Group’) will report to the National
Housing Project Board which will be chaired by the Minister for Policy and Reform.
This Board will meet monthly and report on the same basis to The Social Policy and
Children’s Committee.
19The National Housing Programme Working Group membership shall comprise
representatives from:
The Cabinet Office
Change and Reform
Planning Policy Team,
Public Health
Treasury
Social Security Division
Relevant Treasury funding team
Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
Environmental Health team
Department of Health and Social Care
Social Care Division
The Department of Infrastructure
Public Estates and Housing Division
Attorney General’s Chambers
Department for Enterprise (key worker housing and housing finance)
Task and finish groups will be formed to undertake the relevant workstreams.
A project manager, subject to funding, will be appointed to co-ordinate the project.
External Input
Input from the third sector, stakeholders and Local Authorities will be sought as appropriate
to join the Task and Finish groups where they have expertise and experience in relevant
topics.
It is expected that external consultation will be required on the proposed strategy before
implementation.
Timescale
A high level National Housing Strategy will be delivered to Tynwald by June 2021. This will
include a costed programme of work to enable the strategy to be moved forward and work
commence on delivery.
.
20Appendix B Housing Workstreams
Key Initiative/ Strategy/ Responsible Current Status - Existing Reference Material Legislation Funding -
Activity Departments WIP, BAU, Planned, Required/ Secured /
Aspirational Underway - Source
Primary / Identified
Secondary
Work in Progress
CabO DOI, Public
Public Estates and
Emergency Housing & Manx Estates and
Housing produced Manx Housing First Model - TBC TBC
Housing First Housing, Social
Manx Housing First
Care
model
Integrated Community
Care- Frailty Pathways and
Services Public Work in Progress
Manx Care Act TBC Yes
Health/DHSC
establishing an integrated
frailty service and pathway
21Health and Social Care
Transformation – Care Legislation
Pathways and Service DHSC, Public Required -
Review Health, Health Children and
and Care young people
Care pathways and service Transformation Work in Progress with continuing
reviews for Children and young TBC
Programme, care needs, and
people with continuing care DESC and DOI, Autism both
needs, Autism, and Stroke. Public Estates and require
Incorporate adequate and Housing development of
equitable provision for safe and legislation
adapted housing
Local Area Coordination
(LAC)
Business case and financial Work in Progress www.lacnetwork.org
Yes (for 1 x
process agreed for Consultancy Public Health Not Required
LAC)
to support the development of www.inclusiveneighbourhoods.co.uk
LAC. Project is early stages of
initial meetings
Public Mental Health
Overview including Suicide Public Mental Health Overview
Prevention Overview report including Suicide Prevention:
presented to DHSC Executive Work in Progress Interventions to create mentally
Public Health Not Required No
Leadership team in March healthy places and communities
2019.
Initial work has commenced on
the Suicide Prevention elements
22Reducing Social Isolation
and Loneliness Evidence and
recommendations report
produced by Integrated Care Social Isolation and Loneliness Legislation
Work in Progress
Project Subgroup. Report Public Health Report - required for safe No
agreed by the Integrated Care housing for rental
Delivery and Strategy Group. properties
To go to Community Health and
Wellbeing Silver Sub Group.
Tobacco prevention and
control
Tobacco Strategy - Ambition Legislation
for community areas, shopping Work in Progress Required
Public Health Yes
areas, school gates, parks, play Tobacco Act
areas (residential areas) and 2005 update
Public Sector Housing to
become smoke free by 2030
Public Health-Children’s
weight management
strategy (Planning and Public Health,
Work in Progress Yes (for soft
Design to provide space for Planning, DESC, Reform of the Planning System - Not required
drinks levy)
a more active lifestyle) DFE
Creating spaces for children
and young people to be active,
23promote active travel and
healthy living options.
Public Health,
Legislation
Active Travel DOI Highways Work in Progress Active Travel Strategy 2018-2021 – Yes
Required
division
Climate Change –
commitment to net zero by
2050. Current climate action
plan being delivered and new 5
Legislation
year plan and path to 2050 Cabinet Office, all
Required (Climate
developed. New Climate Government Work in Progress
Climate Action Plan January 2020 – Change Bill Yes
Change Bill will give all Departments and
nearing
Government departments and public bodies
completion)
public bodies a statutory duty
to contribute to cutting
emissions and increasing
natural carbon storage
Isle of Man
Isle of Man constabulary strategic
Constabulary,
Community Safety Work in Progress plan 2019-2023 - Not Required Yes
DHA, Public
Health, Housing
Public Health,
Residential Design DEFA, Planning Work in Progress Residential Design Guidance July
Not Required N/A
Guidance 2019 Review and Building 2019 DEFA
Control, Housing
24Isle of Man Government Action Plan
Land Management Strategy Legislation
CabO and DEFA Work in Progress for Achieving Net Zero Emissions by Yes
Climate Change Required
2050 (Version 2) –
Select Committee on DHSC, Manx
Work in Progress Council of Ministers’ response
Vulnerable Young People Care, DoI
Climate Change Bill Primary
Statutory duty for Government legislation in
Departments and public bodies DEFA and Cabinet Branches.
Work in progress Climate Change Bill – Yes
to deliver climate action. Bans Office Secondary
fossil fuel heating in new build legislation being
housing from 2025) drafted.
25Future Initiatives
Legislation Required/ Funding -
Responsible Current Status - WIP, Existing Reference
Underway - Primary Secured / Source
Departments BAU, Planned, Aspirational Material
Key Initiative/ Strategy/ Activity / Secondary Identified
Public Estates and
Planned TBC No
Jurby Initiative Housing
Planned activity and
some Aspirational
Project due to commence
as a pilot within DHSC, Public Health
Making Every Contact Count
Public Health hoping to extend to other Directorate MECC Not required Yes
(MECC)
areas including Housing. Project Plan
Aim for Housing staff to
be trained in Making Every
Contact Count
Planned Enabling older
people to live Extra Care Report
Extra Care Social Care independently in their September 2020 Legislation required No
community (14 v9.0
recommendations)
Planned activity with some Mid Rent Housing
Public Estates and
Mid-Rental Housing Aspirational Public Consultation Legislation required YES
Housing
Horizon Scanning Activity March 2021 –
Property Services Public Estates and Aspirational
Legislation required No
(amendment) Act Housing/AGC's Horizon Scanning Activity
26Aspirational
Tied to the successful
Public Estates and progression of the
Rent Deposit Scheme Legislation required No
Housing/AGC Landlord Registration Bill,
currently Horizon
Scanning Activity
Aspirational
Ministerial Policy
Public Estates and
Replacement Housing Act Major piece of work - Legislation required No
Housing/AGC
Further scoping activity
required
Aspirational
Tied into forward funding
Review of public sector LA Public Estates and model for the Public
Legislation required No
housing allowances Housing Housing sector
Likely to form part of
departmental forward plan
Review of rent charge setting
for Public Sector Housing Aspirational
DoI Legislation required No
Tied into legislative vires
Aspirational -
Zero Carbon in Public Sector Defa and climate
Likely link to climate Legislation required No
Housing change
change/design standards
27Appendix D – Relevant Reports, Legislation and Documents
1. Report of Select Committee on Accommodation for Vulnerable Young People Report
and Response of Council of Ministers
2. Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
3. Reform of the Planning System
4. Manx Care Act
5. All Island Strategy for Affordable Housing
6. Programme for Government (2020/21 Edition)
7. Extra Care Report (September 2020 v9.0)
8. Active Travel Strategy 2018 – 2021
9. Climate Action Plan – January 2020
10. Isle of Man Constabulary Strategic Plan 2019-2023
11. Residential Design Guidance July 2019
12. Isle of Man Government Action Plan for Achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Phase
1 Progress Report & Delivery Strategy Post COVID-19 Pandemic (Version 2)
13. Climate Change Bill 2020
14. National Biodiversity Strategy 2015-2025
15. Landlord Registration Bill 2020
16. Public Health Directorate Making Every Contact Count Project Plan
17. Mid Rent Housing Public Consultation March 2021
18. Public Mental Health Overview including Suicide Prevention: Interventions to create
mentally healthy places and communities
19. WESTERN WELLBEING PARTNERSHIP An overview of social isolation and loneliness,
including recommendations for the Isle of Man February 2020 Written by the
‘Reducing Social Isolation Workstream Group
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