A call for urgent action on homelessness legislation has emerged from the Isle of Man, with politician Kirstie Morphet urging for the law to be expedited. The proposed legislation aims to grant all residents a legal right to housing, responding to what Morphet describes as an “urgent situation.” She is advocating for the implementation of the Isle of Man Homelessness Strategy, which was approved by Tynwald in December 2023, to be moved forward from its current timeline of 2029.
Morphet has introduced a motion for the January session of Tynwald, asserting that the timeline does not adequately reflect the pressing need for housing reform. Her motion states that Tynwald should prioritize the legislation ensuring every individual meeting specified residency criteria has a legal right to housing. She proposes that this legislation be developed and presented to the legislative branches by June 2027.
Drawing from her experiences as a former social worker, Morphet highlights the challenges posed by the lack of statutory responsibility in addressing homelessness. “Housing is a basic need, and without stability, it is extremely difficult for individuals to move forward positively in their lives,” she stated. The current legislative plan is under the purview of the Department of Infrastructure, but Morphet believes the urgency of the situation necessitates a revised approach.
Collective Action Needed
Morphet argues that having a statutory framework would foster collaborative efforts among various agencies. “Recognising that homelessness prevention cannot rest solely on one agency is vital,” she explained. This framework would enhance clarity and accountability, establishing a foundation for sustainable solutions.
The urgency of this issue is underscored by the closure of the island’s only overnight shelter in 2022. During the period from July 2023 to June 2024, Manx Care provided accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness on 9,137 nights. The government recently launched a consultation process to address critical issues, including the prioritization of groups for temporary accommodation and the responsibilities of housing authorities.
Chair of the housing board, David Ashford MHK, noted the importance of tailoring any new legislation to meet the specific needs of the community. “We are using legislation in the UK as a starting point for discussion,” he stated, indicating a willingness to adapt existing frameworks to local conditions.
The consultation, which began on December 18, 2023, aims to gather input on various aspects of the proposed legislation. It will examine duty of care for vulnerable populations and clarify the legal responsibilities of supporting organizations. The consultation period will close on February 25, 2024, with feedback expected to be presented to ministers by the end of March.
Morphet encourages public participation in the consultation, particularly from those with lived experiences of homelessness. “It is crucial that people’s voices are heard and represented as this legislation is developed,” she emphasized.
With the pressing need for change in the housing landscape, the call for fast-tracked legislation reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the Isle of Man.
