Target rogue landlords

My door-knocking has shown me that some people in Douglas live in unacceptable conditions.

A small number of landlords are exploiting tenants who have nowhere else to go. They undercut responsible landlords and damage trust.

I will call for tougher action against landlords who exploit vulnerable people for profit.

Fairer access for local people

It is not fair that local buyers can find themselves outbid by off-Island purchasers or investors.

I will push for reform that gives local resident first-time buyers a fairer chance. This includes ensuring affordable homes are offered first to people with a clear local connection.

I would also support trialling rent-to-buy schemes, to help those who struggle to raise a deposit.

Affordable homes, not loopholes

Most new developments are expected to provide a number of affordable homes.

Sometimes, developers instead pay the Government a contribution (known as a “commuted sum”). That money is then meant to fund building other affordable housing.

We need clear public reporting on how much has been paid, where it went and what homes it helped deliver.

Use what we already have

It is shameful to see so many vacant properties across Douglas.

I will support development that makes better use of empty public land, brownfield sites and abandoned buildings.

Government should also help bring empty homes back into use. This could be achieved by charging rates where properties are left vacant for years without good reason.

My priorities:

• A fairer chance for local buyers to own their home.

• Fewer cliff edges in first-time buyer support schemes.

• Tougher action against rogue landlords and better protection for tenants.

• Clear reporting on commuted sums and the homes they help deliver.

• Better use of brownfield sites.

• More long-term empty homes brought back into use.

• Close monitoring of the Westmoreland Village delivery