Support for young people and families
MY PRIORITY
41% of people in their early twenties are leaving the island. Many say it is too hard to see their future here.
That should worry all of us.
When young people leave because staying feels too difficult, it affects everyone. It affects our workforce, local businesses, public services, and the Island’s long-term future.
As our population ages, we need more people building their lives here, working here, raising families here, and paying into the system.
But these are problems we can do something about.
Housing options are limited. Rent is expensive. Buying a first home can feel out of reach. For young families, the cost and stress of childcare can make it harder to work, progress, and build a stable life.
Modern family life has also changed. Many parents today do not have the same support networks previous generations relied on, while trying to balance work, childcare and rising costs at the same time.
The Isle of Man should be a place where people can start out, settle down, and choose to stay.
That means better housing options, stronger support for families, clearer routes into good careers, and more reasons for young people to see their future here.
We need:
The right mix of homes
We need more smaller starter homes suited to single people, couples and those trying to take their first step into independent living.Better standards in rented housing
Minimum standards for private renting should be implemented to protect tenants, improve safety and make sure homes are fit to live in.Fairer routes into home ownership
People who can afford monthly repayments should not be locked out of home ownership simply because they cannot rely on family help for a large deposit.Support for families
A review on support for younger children before Childcare Credit begins is needed, alongside better wraparound and holiday childcare for working families.Better routes into careers
Young people need more apprenticeships, skills training and “earn while you learn” options, linked to the jobs and sectors the Island needs for the future.A stronger reason to come home
Young people should be able to leave the Island, study, gain experience and still see a realistic future for themselves back here.
I will call for:
A housing mix review
The Housing and Communities Board should set out and deliver the types of homes the Island actually needs, including smaller starter homes, apartments, accessible homes, family homes and social housing.Minimum rental housing standards
Enforceable minimum standards for private renting must be introduced, with a clear timetable so landlords and tenants prepare for change.Practical first-time buyer support
A holistic review of support for first-time buyers, including options for people who can afford repayments but are blocked by large deposits.A better childcare deal for working families
Clearer understanding of childcare costs, child benefit and family support, with clear options for helping parents stay in work without being financially punished.A returners loan credit scheme
Government should explore a targeted student loan credit or repayment support scheme for graduates who return to the Isle of Man, work here and build their future here.More “earn while you learn” routes
More apprenticeships, trainee roles and paid skills routes are needed, linked to the jobs the Island needs, including construction, care, digital, clean energy, finance, hospitality and the creative industries.