Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer has issued a come-and-join us message to Onchan Commissioners over their reluctance to sign up to shared housing lists.

Most local authorities in the island have signed up to the concept of shared regional housing lists, to broaden options for those waiting for public sector accommodation.

But a notable absentee is Onchan Commissioners.

Mr Harmer told the House of Keys on Tuesday that three authorities were not technically part of a shared list.

’Onchan is not participating in the shared housing waiting list, whereas Peel operates the department’s stock in Peel as well as their own and have joint allocation,’ he said.

’Douglas Council, the largest housing authority with over 2,000 properties in the east, operates its own standalone list.’

He added: ’We will continue to work with Onchan. I believe that cometh the hour they will come on board.

’I would urge Onchan not to "let down" its constituents and actually participate in the list.’

Onchan MHK Rob Callister (pictured) defended the local authority - arguing that Douglas was not criticised for its position - and sought assurances that, by participating in a shared list, a local authority was not committing to merging into a regional housing authority further down the line.

Mr Harmer said: ’Onchan will not be forced into a regional housing authority, so they can sign up today.’

The issue was raised initially by Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey), who suggested greater pressure should be brought on Onchan Commissioners.

He argued: ’If the department (of Infrastructure) is determined that shared waiting lists are beneficial for the island and should be rolled out everywhere, why is the department not simply making that a matter of policy and saying this is the right thing to do?

’Why is the department deferring to Onchan in this respect?’

Mr Harmer said the DoI wanted a collaborative approach.