New housing minister Rob Callister will lead a national housing plan to address the Isle of Man's housing shortage.

The newly created ministerial role aims to bring together housing policy and delivery, which currently spans all eight government departments.

Mr Callister will work with the Council of Ministers to develop the plan and proposals for its delivery, covering areas including home ownership, the private rental market, housing legislation, housing supply, public sector housing, homelessness and supported housing.

The plan is intended to establish evidence-led and prioritised actions to address the island’s housing challenges. It will incorporate the existing Tynwald-approved commitment to build, provide or facilitate up to 1,000 affordable homes over a 10-year period, beginning in April 2025.

Commenting on social media, Mr Callister said: ‘The National Housing Plan will set out evidence-led, prioritised actions.

‘The plan will inform decisions on funding, site availability and construction capacity, and ensure housing developments help create thriving communities across the island.

‘It will also reflect the important roles of local authorities and the private sector in the housing system, making sure the Isle of Man remains open to innovative approaches to meeting residents’ housing needs.’

According to the minister, housing delivery is influenced by a range of factors, including mortgage interest rates, construction costs and changing housing needs.

The creation of the portfolio is intended to provide a more co-ordinated approach to what has been described as a longstanding challenge for the Isle of Man.

Chief Minister Chris Thomas said housing had been a central priority in his bid for the role and that establishing a dedicated ministerial position was an important part of his plans.