Engagement hub

We asked for views on a package of proposed changes to public sector housing policy, including:

• Updating income threshold eligibility to better reflect current economic conditions, including the introduction of annual CPI‑linked uplifts
   
• Amending the points schedule to place greater emphasis on housing need; and
   
• Introducing some discretion in relation to residential qualification (3 months immediately before allocation of any property, 3 years within a Local Authority area to qualify for that area) and reflecting within policy the existing legislative 10 years residential discretion

The consultation received 320 responses including responses from five Local Authorities.

Across all consultation responses, several themes emerged consistently:

• Protecting housing for Manx residents and long-term contributors
   
• Ensuring fairness between different household types
   
• Maintaining social housing as a safety net rather than a default housing option
   
• Promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in decision-making

The consultation demonstrated broad support for modernising the allocations policy, particularly updating income thresholds and making housing need the primary factor in allocation decisions. However, respondents strongly emphasised that any expansion of eligibility or use of discretion must be accompanied by transparent governance, clear guidance and robust safeguards to maintain public confidence in the fairness of the social housing system.

This consultation sought views on the proposed Data Asset Register and Data Asset Registrar framework.

It asked for feedback on the information to be recorded, the classification model, safeguards and access arrangements, provisional registration, third party protection, fees, implementation challenges and supporting regulations.

A summary of responses can be found in the document below.

Respondents were broadly supportive of the proposed framework, but highlighted that further detail, practical guidance, clear classification criteria, transparency on costs and implementation planning will be needed before the Register becomes operational.

The Department has reviewed the responses received, including the separate response from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The feedback will be used to inform the final regulations, supporting guidance, fee approach and implementation planning for the Data Asset Register and Data Asset Registrar.

The Cabinet Office sought views on legislation to a Bill provide a legal basis for Public Health on the Island. This Bill included provisions relating to the appointment and functions of a Chief Public Health Officer, a general public health duty for public bodies and amendments to the Public Health Act 1990.

The consultation ran from 22 January 2026 to 20 February 2026 and received 49 responses.

Overall:

There was qualified support for the appointment of a Chief Public Health Officer:

• A significant number of respondents were of the view that this position should be held by a medical professional or someone with medical experience

There was strong support for the proposed Public Health functions and duties:

• Some comments did express concerns as how the functions will be delivered, and if some proposed functions (e.g. commissioning) were suitable

There was strong support for the proposed general public health duty:

• A small number of comments expressed either support, or opposition, for assessments to support this duty
   
• Additional comments noted the duty supported integrated public services and suggested the duty should apply Island-wide.

There was strong support for Public Health to have the powers to establish advisory bodies:

• A small number of comments did express concerns as to the resource impact of such bodies, and whether or not this power was required

There was strong support for the proposed definition of public bodies in relation to the general public health duty:

• Some comments did suggest this term could be narrowed or unlinked from the definition in the Freedom of Information Act 2015

There was strong support for the proposed amendments to the Public Health Act 1990:

• A small number of comments did highlight concerns over the suitability of extending statutory nuisance provisions or controls on vermin
   
• One comment suggested a broader review of that Act is required

The Cabinet Office is grateful to all those who responded to the consultation. Public Health will now:

• Take into consideration the feedback from this consultation
   
• Engage with local authorities on the proposed public health duty
   
• Seek further feedback on the issues raised by this consultation
   
• Having regard to recent amendments to the National Health Service Act 2001, consult on provisions relating to consent requirements for public health activities

Once these actions have been undertaken the intention is to promote a revised Bill for consideration in 2027.