Responsibility for 20 public sector homes in Peel has been transferred from the government to Peel town commissioners.

The change, which came into effect yesterday, means the commissioners will now have responsibility for all public sector homes in the town.

The properties, in Carmane Close and Derby Drive, were originally administered by the Department of Infrastructure while a further 334 homes were the responsibility of the local authority.

Peel MHK, Ray Harmer, said the move was in the interests of the tenants.

Peel commissioners’ chairman Christine Moughtin said it would provide a single point of contact for Peel housing services.

The scheme will be for a two-year trial period, to be extended, if successful.