Review of Andium Housing Gateway eligibility criteria

WQ.159/2026

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING
BY DEPUTY H. JEUNE OF ST. JOHN, ST. LAWRENCE AND TRINITY QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2026
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 2026

Question

"In relation to the Minister's proposed review of the Andium Housing Gateway eligibility criteria, will he advise –

1. the evidence, data or monitoring that has prompted his review of the criteria for applicants aged 18 to 25, and the intended timeframe for the review;
2. how many 18 to 25-year-olds have approached the Gateway since the current criteria came into effect and of those how many –
   1. were referred on to other agencies or services, including those placed on the Partnership Pathway, including which agencies;
   2. were provided with accommodation, including the timeframe;
   3. were offered accommodation but did not take up the offer, including the reasons for any such refusal (if held);
3. whether the eligibility criteria reflect that Income Support is not available until 25 years of age, the corresponding impact on access to housing, and whether the review will consider alternative options for young adults who cannot directly access Income Support;
4. whether, in his assessment, there is sufficient accommodation stock available for this age group and, if not, what plans exist to address any shortfall; and
5. what specific provisions, if any, exist to support young adults returning to Jersey in accessing housing through the Gateway?"

Answer

1. A review of the eligibility criteria set by the Minister for Housing for applicants aged 18 to 25 is underway and has been informed by operational analysis of Affordable Housing Gateway applications from this age group since the reduction in the minimum age for access to social housing took effect on 4th February 2026.

As with any significant policy change, it is appropriate to review the policy's early operation

and consider whether any adjustments are required.

The review is expected to conclude by early October 2026. It will consider whether there are opportunities to clarify or strengthen the policy, guidance and assistance available to this age group.

2. Since the reduction in the minimum age for access to social housing took effect, the Affordable Housing Gateway has received 60 applications from individuals aged 18 to 25 under the revised eligibility criteria. The following figures are correct as of 16th September 2026:

8 applicants were referred to the Partnership Pathway, operated by Andium Homes,

through organisations providing accommodation and support to young people, including

the Shelter Trust's Strathmore 16-25 Project and JAYF, where they were homeless or at

risk of homelessness.

A further 10 applicants were signposted to other organisations and sources of support. They

did not meet the eligibility criteria or were unable to demonstrate that they met the

affordability and tenancy-readiness requirements. None were assessed as being homeless or

at risk of homelessness.

2. No applicants have yet been accommodated under the revised arrangements. However, 5 applicants are currently registered on the Gateway and will be made an offer when a

suitable property becomes available.

3. Fewer than 5 applicants were offered accommodation but did not take it up. The recorded reasons relate to applicants choosing not to proceed.

Not all applications progressed to registration on the Gateway. Some applicants subsequently secured alternative accommodation in the private rented sector, did not respond to requests for information or chose not to proceed with an application.

3. Yes. The eligibility criteria for applicants aged 18 to 25 were developed in recognition that Income Support is not generally available to young adults unless they meet specific qualifying conditions, such as having responsibility for a child, being a care leaver, having previously lived independently for at least a year, being unable to remain in the family home or experiencing homelessness.

The criteria include an assessment of affordability and an applicant's ability to sustain a

tenancy. This reflects the fact that some young adults may have more limited access to financial support and helps ensure that applicants are able to successfully manage a tenancy where social housing is the appropriate option.

Where a young adult is homeless or at risk of homelessness, the Gateway can support them to access alternative housing options and support. As part of the wider review, consideration will

be given to whether there are opportunities to clarify or strengthen the current policy, guidance

and support arrangements for applicants aged 18 to 25.

The review is limited to the Gateway, and it is not proposed to consider changes to Income

Support or consider other support measures.

4. The housing needs of 18 to 25-year-olds are diverse and cannot be measured solely by reference to the availability of any single type of accommodation. Depending on their circumstances,

young adults may require supported accommodation, move-on accommodation, social housing, private rented accommodation or, in some instances, be eligible and ready for assisted home ownership schemes.

Whilst I am satisfied that Jersey has a strong programme of social housing developments and assisted home ownership schemes, the availability of homes is only part of the picture. Affordability, readiness for independent living and access to appropriate advice and support are also important factors in helping young adults access and sustain suitable accommodation.

The current review will help inform our understanding of the housing circumstances of younger Islanders and ensure that housing policy and operational support reflect their needs.

5. Young adults returning to Jersey are assessed through the Affordable Housing Gateway in accordance with the published eligibility criteria.

Applicants are generally required to have lived in Jersey for at least three months before

applying through the Gateway, although exceptional circumstances may be considered.

There are no separate eligibility criteria for young adults returning to Jersey. However, returning applicants aged 18 to 24 can access the same support available to all young adults through the Gateway, including affordability and tenancy-readiness assessments, one-to-one support from a specialist officer and referrals to appropriate support services.