A Douglas councillor has said he appreciates income thresholds being increased for public sector housing - but working families need a ‘realistic prospect’ of being offered a home.

The revisions to the Public Sector Housing (General Needs) Allocations Policy were agreed by Tynwald in July to update income thresholds to better reflect current earnings and housing costs.

Under the new thresholds, a joint applicant with three dependent children can earn up to £63,900 a year and remain eligible to apply for public-sector housing. This is an increase of £13,400 on the previous income limit of £50,500.

The leader of Douglas City Council, Devon Watson, has welcomed the move, but said he would like the new government to be ‘more supportive’ of schemes and push through more funding.

‘I think these new MHKs have all got a sincere commitment to providing housing, as it was the number one thing that was mentioned on the doorstep,’ Mr Watson said.

‘We also need a decent homelessness pathway, support with adults with learning difficulties, a decent first-time buyer scheme and help with people downsizing.

‘Ultimately, what I'd like to see from MHKs going forward is giving local authorities the ability to borrow more, to build a lot more, and give us support in terms of using public assets for use of social housing.’

Mr Watson described the income threshold increase as a ‘fantastic step forward’.

‘This is something that we've done with the last administration, but now we need to be able to spend this money,’ he added.

‘We need to have local authorities and those who actually provide housing, whether it be ourselves, charities, or other housing associations, actually have a seat at the table and be listened to.’