Social housing eligibility age lowered to 30

Thursday 14 March 2024

Jersey's Housing Minister has said he hopes to continue to widen the eligibility criteria for social housing after announcing changes to the age requirement and income thresholds in a bid to help younger islanders to access it.

The changes, announced by Deputy Sam Mézec, include lowering the age at which an applicant can access social housing from 35 to 30.

At the same time, the maximum annual income thresholds for those who require a one-bed home have been raised – to £38,818 for single applicants and £52,462 for joint applicants.

The figures previously stood at £32,300 and £40,700 respectively.

Both changes are in line with a roadmap for improving access to social housing in Jersey, published last July by former Housing Minister David Warr – which saw the criteria widened in September.

The age requirement is expected to be lowered again to 25 later in the year.

The changes are in line with a roadmap for for improving access to social housing in Jersey introduced by former Housing Minister David Warr.

Deputy Mézec said: “I am pleased to announce these changes to expand eligibility for social housing to more young people. A key aspect of resolving our housing crisis is to ensure that all Islanders who need it are supported into affordable housing."

He continued: "Until now, younger people without children have had no choice but to pay high rents in the private sector, and potentially live in rental stress, because they were excluded from accessing social housing."

Housing Minister Sam Mézec said he hoped the eligibility criteria could be widened further.

Deputy Warr described the changes as "good news".

He added: "Andium's build programme is really starting to come to fruition now which is fantastic."

Earlier this month, Jersey Association of Youth and Friendship chair Hilary Jeune said there was a "gap" in the provision of housing in Jersey for under-25s after the charity - which helps provide accommodation for Islanders between the ages of 18 and 25 - saw a spike in referrals.

Following this, Deputy Mézec said he would "definitely" be open to lowering the social housing age requirement even further as long as the supply was there.

He added: “Because of the brilliant work of Andium in developing more homes, we are now in a position to be able to offer social housing to more islanders, without overwhelming the waiting lists. As even more new homes are delivered, I am hopeful we can continue to widen the eligibility criteria, so social housing can be a tenure of choice across our community for all who need it.”