Lockdown has put hundreds of Douglas council tenants behind on their rent.

According to the local authority, between 8% and 10% of those living in council homes are in arrears.

Councillor Claire Wells, who has responsibility for housing, says rent for many families has not been a priority during the coronavirus crisis, instead it’s about putting food on the table.

’I think the first thing they worry about, which rightly so, is how they’re going to feed their children or themselves.

’That’s more important than the rent going out.

’If people are not getting income at the moment because wherever they work is not paying them for whatever reason then they won’t be paying the rent.’

Douglas Council is the largest public sector housing provider with almost 2,300 homes, double the capacity of the Department of Infrastructure.

During the pandemic, Mrs Wells says all tenants in need of assistance have been contacted by the council which is offering payment plans.

She expects this type of support to increase as the year goes on and people return to work.

’The effects of the situation we are in at the moment are going to be with us for a long time,’ she said.

The council has also made the decision to cancel the rent retrieval process and will not be pursuing legal action against those tenants who have outstanding rent.

â?¢ Meanwhile, Douglas town hall’s finance department’s payments counter will be open longer until the end of June.

It’s to make it easier for Douglas ratepayers to settle their rate bills on or before the discount date of June 30.

The counter is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.

From July 1, normal opening hours will resume.