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By Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper

Douglas Council was owed more than £190,000 in rent arrears in October.

 

Chair of the Housing Committee Devon Watson released the figures in response to a written question at the council’s public meeting on Wednesday (8 November).

 

He said there are a ‘significant’ number of tenants in arrears paying an additional amount to bring their balance down.

 

The amount of debt has increased each month since January this year – then it stood at £86,725, the lowest amount over the last three years.

 

In October 2021 the council was owed £159,344 in rent arrears; in the same month in 2022 it was owed £161,428.

 

Councillor Watson said: “Although these tenants are in arrears we are comfortable that the arrears will be cleared in time.

 

“The additional payments are based upon the affordability and are reviewed by officers when required.

 

“Due to a higher number of people now paying by direct debit (which they do monthly and therefore over 52 weeks), there is a catch-up period that resolves every January (as direct debit payers continue to pay through the two non-pay weeks).”

 

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