The first report of the Tynwald Youth Select Committee was debated in Tynwald on 17^th March 2026.

The Committee’s inaugural inquiry, ‘Young People and Housing’, focused on the difficulties faced by young people on the Isle of Man in finding “a suitable and affordable place to call home”. These challenges were identified by the Committee as a significant contributor to the Island’s high rate of graduate attrition.

Following a period of extensive evidence-gathering, the Committee produced a report which addressed a range of housing issues and made six recommendations.

All six of these were approved by Tynwald with no dissent. During the debate, Members of Tynwald commended the Committee for their hard work and dedication in producing the report and stressed the importance of lived experiences informing decisions that affect young people.

Youth Select Committee 2024. L-R:- Alex Cowley (Chair), Riona Zaman, David Cowin, Aedan Clarke, Kyra Campbell & Zara Milanova

Formed in September 2023, the Youth Select Committee brings together young people aged 15–24 to scrutinise issues that matter to them. The second iteration of the Committee is currently undertaking work to explore what educational and developmental opportunities are available to young people on the Island after leaving secondary or higher education.

Speaker of the House, Mr Juan Watterson, who moved the Report, said: “I would commend these young people for dedicating their time and energy to a subject close to their hearts, and for the excellent report that has been produced. I would also personally and behalf of the committee thank our staff who have supported them and have assisted in a Tynwald objective of giving our young people a more prominent voice in Manx politics.”

The full text of the Youth Select Committee’s recommendations as approved by Tynwald is:

Recommendation 1

That Tynwald is of the opinion that there should be a review of the income thresholds for first-time buyers’ schemes on the Island, and alternative types of first-time buyers’ accommodation should be considered by the Department of Infrastructure.

Recommendation 2

That Tynwald is of the opinion that the percentage of affordable housing required to be built in new developments should be reviewed by the Cabinet Office when creating a new Strategic Plan. When required, commuted sums should be solely ring fenced for the development of further affordable housing on the Island.

Recommendation 3

That Tynwald is of the opinion that the making and implementation of regulations made under the Landlord Registration (Private Housing) Act should be prioritised by the Department of Infrastructure. The Department should report back to the Court on the progression of these regulations by the end of 2026.

Recommendation 4

That Tynwald is of the opinion that there should be uniform minimum housing standards across social housing on the Island, akin to those for private rental accommodation as laid out in the Landlord Registration (Private Housing) Act 2021.

Recommendation 5

That Tynwald is of the opinion that the Department of Infrastructure in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care, should ensure that greater quantities of suitable social housing are made available for care leavers and vulnerable young adults who may otherwise be unable to access private rental accommodation.

Recommendation 6

That Tynwald is of the opinion that the Department of Infrastructure should, in consultation with Local Authorities, review social housing income thresholds to be more inclusive of single and childless young residents, and consider the creation of more suitable housing for these demographics.

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For further information contact:

Robyn Hughes
Engagement Services Executive
Telephone: 01624 685500
Email: enquiries@tynwald.org.im