Douglas Borough Council is inviting applications for an Independent Member to join its Housing Committee.

Housing Committee Chair Councillor Claire Wells (pictured) explained: ‘When the Housing Committee was restructured as an independent entity

in 2016, the first Independent Member, Ms Jenny Quaggan, was recruited, since then her insight and feedback have proved invaluable. Ms Quaggan has now stepped down but the Committee is keen for the role to continue in order to deliver a social housing service that best reflects the needs of its tenants.

‘Douglas is the Island’s largest housing authority with a housing stock of more than 2,300 properties and the Independent Member’s contributions to strengthening the committee’s decision-making process will be crucial at a time when the Council is advancing its housing maintenance and capital investment programmes.

‘In short, the Independent Member will ensure our tenants’ greater visibility and give them a “voice” in all that we do in support of the Council’s commitment to providing good quality affordable housing.’

The Housing Committee comprises five Councillors and one Independent Member, normally meeting 10 times a year. The position is voluntary but comes with a modest attendance allowance.

Candidates must be a current Douglas Borough Council social housing tenant.

The term of office will be until the end of April 2020, which may be extended to a further two years.

For an informal discussion on the role of an Independent Member of the Housing Committee, contact Sue Harrison, Director of Housing and Property, 696339, 

An information pack is available to download here or from Douglas Borough Council, Town Hall, P.O. Box 2, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AD.

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday May 4, 2018.