Local authorities in the north of the island are to share a public sector housing list.

It follows a successful trial and permanent introduction of a similar scheme by southern authorities earlier this year.

The idea of shared waiting lists is to give applicants on the housing waiting list access to properties over a wider area, as well as improve links with central government.

The shared northern list will include the local authority areas of Ramsey, Ballaugh, Jurby, Bride, Andreas, Lezayre, and Garff authority ward of Maughold, which combined to form the Northern Area Housing Working Group.

Michelle Quayle, Ramsey Commissioners’ lead member for housing and property, said: ’The northern authorities are pleased to see this initiative come to fruition, as it has been proven to deliver many benefits in other areas of the island.

’This is about working with the Department of Infrastructure to provide a housing service that better responds to supply and demand, more closely reflects the needs of applicants and, ultimately, provides tenants with homes in their preferred communities.’

Although the lists provider greater choice, applicants still have the option to narrow their preferences to specific locations.

The two social housing administrators in the north, Ramsey Commissioners and the Department of Infrastructure, will administer the application and allocation process.