The chair of Douglas Council's Housing Committee says it's 'imperative' that properties are turned around as soon as possible to allow those on the list to move in.

At its public meeting, the local authority confirmed it had reallocated 41 properties last month and had received 17 back from tenants - which it said is 'significantly' high. 

The council also says it has changed its operations from giving a house to a new tenant as is, to now investing in a maintenance program so homes won't need refurbishing for five to 10 years. 

Councillor Peter Washington says the committee looks at the trend over the last 12 months but 'cannot predict' how many houses are added to the vacant list. 

Douglas Council has the largest stock of social housing on the Island with over 1,000 properties. 

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Councillor Washington.