People aren't using rent appeal facility says Minister

Five people appealed to a government tribunal over high rents last year - and, of those, only one had their rent reduced.

The figures were revealed in the House of Keys this week by the Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas.

He faced questions from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper who wanted to know what the government would do to control high rents, particularly in poorly-maintained flats.

Mr Thomas said the Island already has a rent and rating appeal commission set up under 70-year-old laws but claimed few people use it: