Deputy: End Parish Link For First-Time Buyer Homes

Thursday, 16 May 2019 11:39

Jersey's newest States Member is calling for fewer restrictions on people trying to get on the property ladder.

St Helier Deputy Inna Gardiner wants to end the current system where people with links to a parish get priority for first-time buyer homes there.

She says all families who are eligible to buy a property should be treated equally:

..."any criteria which puts a barrier/condition based on place of birth and/or links to a specific parish has no place in the 21st Century, when we are working to create an inclusive community where every family is valued equally."

Deputy Gardiner thinks the change would promote better social integration.

It would not apply to sheltered accommodation.

..."because we all know that for these developments, a connection to the parish where the residents have lived all their lives is important."

If approved by the States Assembly, the Housing Minister would have to draw up new allocation rules for the Affordable Housing Gateway by the end of the year.

More from Jersey News

Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.
Jersey's next government urged to create laws preventing exploitation of workers

Charities in Jersey are urging politicians to prioritise drawing up laws to abolish modern-day slavery.
Philip Ozouf sentenced to 120 hours community service

Deputy Philip Ozouf has been sentenced to 120 hours community service and ordered to pay £5,000 for immigration offences.