Public sheltered housing in the south could come under one roof with a proposal to join the administering boards.

The housing boards of Castletown and Malew Elderly Persons’ Housing Board and Marashen Crescent Housing Committee plan to merge and form a Southern Sheltered Housing Board.

The boards are working with the Department of Infrastructure to draft an order which, if approved, will eventually be recommended for approval to Tynwald.

Hayley Fargher, clerk to both boards and lead officer for the merger, said: ’The process is in the very early stages as we still have some due diligence to do and will be consulting on the draft order before finalising arrangements. However, I am really excited about how positively the proposal has been received and look forward to it becoming a reality.

’The benefits of one regionalised service are obvious both in terms of our existing and future tenants’ needs and well being and for the good governance and improved service which can be delivered from one joined up service.

’I am delighted that once again we are able to demonstrate that local authorities can and do work together for the wider benefit of society.’