19 April 2021
The report of the Housing Policy Development Board (HPDB) has been published, outlining the challenges facing the Island’s housing market and making a number of recommendations.
The advisory recommendations run across several ministerial portfolios. A number of the suggestions are already being implemented as part of the Government Plan (2021-2024) and have been incorporated into the draft bridging Island Plan.
The Board was established in March 2019 to examine the housing market, to develop recommendations to improve affordability, access, and the standard of housing in the Island. Altair consultants were appointed to support the work.
Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “I am pleased to publish the report of the Housing Policy Development Board. I am glad the Board has been able to bring together the views of ministers, States Members, and stakeholders to produce detailed recommendations.
“While the recommendations are not policy and do not commit the Council of Ministers to a particular course of action, the work of the Board provides a good foundation to inform our consideration of this important topic.
“While the Coronavirus pandemic delayed the Board in the completion of its work, I am particularly grateful that the Board members showed good judgement and diligence in re-examining their conclusions in light of the economic impact of the pandemic.”
A political oversight group is reviewing the HPDB’s recommendations.
Housing Minister, Deputy Russell Labey, added: “Our aim must be to make the purchase of a home in Jersey a more realistic prospect, and the rental of a home as safe, secure and as stress-free as possible.
“An impressive unanimity was achieved by the wide range of Board membership. As well as former Minister for Housing, Senator Sam Mézec, and ministers, it included two members of Scrutiny, an independent lay member and an independent Chair, Michael de la Haye OBE, who has personally briefed the Council of Ministers, Scrutiny and me on the findings of the report.
“I acknowledge the Board’s endeavours, am pleased to report that some of the resulting work is already set in motion and can assure that full consideration of the recommendations is very much under way.”
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