There are no plans to set up regional local authority housing management boards, even though a trial of shared waiting lists was a success.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer revealed earlier this year that a trial of southern local authorities sharing their housing lists was a hit and the idea was to roll out similar shared lists in other regions.

The shared lists give those waiting for a local authority house more options over a wider area.

In the House of Keys, Rob Callister (Onchan) asked Mr Harmer if his department supported the introduction of regional housing boards.

The Minister said: ’At the moment, there are no plans.

’It is something that may be considered in the future, but I do think it is really important that regional authorities work together for the best outcome for the local community, for the tenants and for the island.’

He added: ’The department supports a regional approach to housing delivery by way of partnership between local authority housing providers.

’An excellent example of how this can deliver positive results is the success of a combined housing waiting list in the south of the island, which is working well for those authorities signed up to the scheme.’

Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey) asked, if regional management boards were ever introduced, it could see the DoI transferring its housing stock into those boards.

Mr Harmer replied: ’That would be something that I think would be the right approach. But, as I say, it is a big if at this point.’

Braddan and Garff (Laxey, Lonan and Maughold) are considering merging their lists. Onchan was approached to be part of the same initiative but the district commissioners declined.