CoMin finds Graih figures ‘unsettling’ says Thomas

A senior politician says the Council of Ministers finds figures on homelessness ‘unsettling’, but insists government is taking steps to address the issue.

Manx charity Graih revealed 59 people used its night shelter in the last year, with more than 500 bed spaces taken up.

The facility was opened in January 2019 to run as a year-long trial, with Graih now seeking £250,000 in funding to ensure the shelter can stay open.

Housing Matters, another local charity which works to prevent homelessness, has reported a rising number of people using its services in the last year.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas says ‘action on these issues is important, but government needs to make sure it’s doing the right thing’.

Mr Thomas says a landlord registration bill is included in this year’s legislative programme and social security is working with the charities to ensure vulnerable tenants have access to benefits.