Common Strategic Policy 2026 – 2030 (P.75/2026): fifth amendment. Affordable and secure housing

2026  P.75 Amd.(5)

COMMON STRATEGIC POLICY 2026-2030 (P.75/2026): FIFTH AMENDMENT

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After the words "report accompanying this Proposition" insert the words –

", except that, on page 13 of the report, after action 6.4 there should be inserted the following action –

"6.5 Improve housing affordability and security for Islanders, through measures

including  the  reduction  of  rental  stress,  an  increase  in  availability  of affordable rented homes, the prevention of homelessness and the return of long-term empty homes to use"".

DEPUTY L.V. FELTHAM OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL

Note:  After this amendment, the proposition would read as follows –

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion

in accordance with Article 18(2)(e) of the States of Jersey Law 2005, to approve the statement of the Common Strategic Policy of the Council of Ministers as set out in the report accompanying this Proposition, except that, on page 13 of the report, after action 6.4 there should be inserted the following action –

"6.5 Improve housing affordability and security for Islanders, through measures

including  the  reduction  of  rental  stress,  an  increase  in  availability  of affordable rented homes, the prevention of homelessness and the return of long-term empty homes to use".

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P.75/2026 Amd.(5)

REPORT

Purpose

The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that the Government's housing priority includes improving affordability and security for Islanders who rent, alongside its commitments to housing development and assisted purchase.

Background

Priority 6 of the proposed Common Strategic Policy includes the provision of more homes and assisted purchase schemes. However, its actions do not expressly address rental stress, homelessness prevention or bringing long-term empty homes back into use.

Increasing housing supply is important, but this does not in itself establish that the homes  provided  will  meet  the  needs  of  those  experiencing  difficulty  accessing accommodation. Consideration must also be given to the cost, tenure and suitability of those homes.

For Islanders who rent, the prospect of purchasing a property may be some way off or may not be a realistic option. They should nevertheless be able to access a suitable home, afford their rent and have reasonable security in their accommodation.

The  amendment  also  recognises  the  importance  of  preventing  homelessness. Government services should be able to work together to assist households before difficulties result in the loss of their home. Bringing suitable empty properties back into use would make better use of the housing already available on the Island.

Conclusion

This amendment would give a clearer direction to the Government's housing work. It asks  the  Assembly  to  recognise that  successful  housing policy must  improve  the circumstances of Islanders who need a home, including those who depend on rented accommodation.

Financial and staffing implications

Implementation may require policy resources, investment in affordable housing and funding for support services. The amendment does not specify individual schemes or spending  allocations.  Ministers  would  need  to  identify  the  costs  and  staffing requirements of the measures they propose.

Children's Rights Impact Assessment

A Children's Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) has been prepared in relation to this proposition and is available to read on the States Assembly website.

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P.75/2026 Amd.(5)