Essential Workers Housing Options

Overview

In their first Action Plan the Housing and Communities Board committed to further developing an ‘essential worker’ housing policy. Following discussions with relevant government departments and key stakeholders, a range of actions have been drawn up to support essential workers in finding accommodation, both temporary and permanent.

Essential workers have been defined by the Housing and Communities Board, for the purpose of housing provision, as all those employed in Health and Care, Education, Emergency Services, and Prison and Probation Services. This recognises the pivotal role those working in these sectors play in delivering services which all Island residents depend upon, and acknowledges difficulties that many will have when attempting to secure long-term accommodation, particularly those who have recently relocated to the Island.

Why your views matter

The Department of Infrastructure currently provides financial assistance to eligible regular first time buyers via Shared Equity Schemes. This is done by providing an equity loan, up to a maximum of 30% of the property purchase price. In return, the Department takes an equivalent share in the value of the property purchased.

The Shared Equity Schemes have eligibility criteria that apply, including maximum income thresholds, restrictions against current and previous property ownership and a minimum Island residency requirement of at least 5 years. This consultation will ask for your views about whether those persons working in critical and essential areas of our economy should have different eligibility criteria to allow them earlier or easier access to the same type of loan assistance available to regular first time buyers purchasing a home on the open market.

Responding to this consultation

You can respond to this consultation online by clicking on the 'Online Survey' link below. Alternatively you can download a paper version of this consultation in the 'Related' section below and email it to Juan.Bellando2@gov.im or post it to:

FAO Juan Bellando
Cabinet Office,
3rd Floor, Central Government Offices,
Bucks Road,
Douglas,
IM1 3PN