An MHK says she is disappointed at the short reply she received after asking Chief Minister Howard Quayle about increased demand on foodbanks and homelessness.

In a Tynwald question tabled for written answer, Daphne Caine (Garff) asked Mr Quayle ’how he plans to address the increased demand on the food bank and reported rising levels of homelessness’.

But, after Mr Quayle gave a response of fewer than 100 words, Mrs Caine said: ’I was disappointed in the brevity of the answer, because it doesn’t reflect the huge amount of work I have learned is going on to address the issues of increasing homelessness and food bank use.

’I think they are of serious concern to many on the island who would be reassured to know there is ongoing dialogue between charity workers and government officers and some improvements will hopefully result. ’Despite the fact that demand on the foodbank has increased since last year, Mr Quayle first referred Mrs Caine to a response he gave to a similar question 11 months ago.

He then told Mrs Caine: ’It is important to highlight again the excellent work done by those in the third and voluntary sector who support homeless people or who provide food parcels to individuals and families in need.

’Our role in government is to work with the third and voluntary sectors to try and identify the root causes of homelessness. The social policy and children’s committee of Council (of Ministers) has been set this task.’

He concluded: ’This is a complex issue with several facets which cannot easily be addressed in one "plan".’

The previous answer to which Mr Quayle referred Mrs Caine also stated the social policy and children’s committee was tasked with looking at the issue.

In his latest answer, Mr Quayle did not outline what progress, if any, the committee had made since last October.

Mrs Caine welcomed confirmation the committee was looking into the issue.

She added: ’I appreciate it’s not an easy issue to solve but I trust the chief minister will support that work and keep monitoring progress so that another year doesn’t go by where more people struggle in food and fuel poverty and so many - especially young people - become homeless.’

When Rob Callister (Onchan) raised the matter in the House of Keys last October, Mr Quayle’s reply did at least manage to top 200 words.

He also took a more conciliatory tone towards the questioner, stating that he shared Mr Callister’s concerns that people were forced to rely on a foodbank.

He pledged at that time: ’We must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families while making sure we support those who cannot.’

It was revealed recently that demand at the Isle of Man Foodbank had doubled this summer, with 80 parcels handed out in July and August, compared with 40 last year.

This week’s Isle of Man Examiner includes a full page feature about the Isle of Man Foodbank. It’s out now.