Douglas to spend £12m on capital council housing

Council Leader David Christian says the council housing budget remains healthy

Douglas Council will spend £12m of rate-payers' money on public sector housing over the next 12 months.

In his budget speech of 2011 council leader David Christian said the housing budget would not be "stifled by the economic downturn".

The investment is in addition to more than £17m of redevelopment work currently being undertaken in Pulrose.

Douglas rates have been increased by half a percent to 387 pence.

Mr Christian added: "The council will also commit £2m to deliver lighting improvements and a completely overhauled system of town centre information which will contribute to creating an environment that will attract shoppers, visitors, businesses and in-bound investment."

In his pre-budget speech Mr Christian said there would be painful decisions in this year's annual report, and he anticipated "vigorous debate" as a result.