28 March 2018
An independent review to plan for Jersey’s future housing needs has been launched.
Housing Minister, Deputy Ann Pryke, has announced the review, which will examine the island’s future housing needs in order to help make decisions about the number and type of new homes that will be required over the next planning period.
The major review will take into consideration demographic changes, such as an ageing population, and the need for a sustainable level of inward migration to support the local economy. It will also look at issues such as housing affordability, vacant homes and under-occupation, as well as the housing needs of groups like key workers and people with disabilities.
The review, The Objective Assessment of Housing Need Report (OAHNR), will provide a comprehensive evidence-base of the type and number of homes required to meet Jersey’s future housing needs, which will inform preparation of the next Island Plan, 2021-2030.
The review will be carried out by Dr Michael Bullock and Chris Broughton of Arc4 consultants, an independent organisation with wide experience of carrying out similar work in the UK. They have been in Jersey this week, holding meetings with key stakeholders.
Deputy Pryke said: “We are successfully on track to deliver more than 1,000 affordable homes by 2020. However, as we approach the next Island Plan it is extremely important that we undertake a full examination of Jersey’s future housing needs to help us make decisions about the number and type of new homes that will be required over the next planning period.
“There are a number of challenges – providing enough new homes for first-time buyers; providing opportunities for people to downsize; and supporting access to housing for our workforce so vital to the economy and the delivery of world class public services.”
Dr Michael Bullock said: “Over the last week we have been meeting with stakeholders, including States Members, and have been delighted by the level of engagement with the process so far. There is considerable recognition of the housing issues facing the island, including migration trends and demographic changes. We will produce a review that is independent, comprehensive and robust, and which will support the States in making decisions about Jersey’s future housing requirements.”
The review will be completed by June 2018. Once it has been considered and approved by the new Council of Ministers, it will be used to determine future housing requirements as part of the land use policies in the Island Plan 2021-2030.
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