Guernsey's housing law is extended to 2013

Guernsey's current housing law has been extended by a further two years until 31 December 2013.

The decision was made just before a consultation on the future management of the population ends on 30 April.

The outcome of that consultation was not expected to come into force before the law expired at the end of 2011.

Currently anyone can live open market, which covers about 9% of properties, but permits or residency rights are required to live elsewhere.

'Open door'

Housing Minister Dave Jones said there was no alternative as without the law there would be no population controls.

He said: "Without this extension everything just falls and there will be an open door policy."

In the meeting, members also agreed to a proposed correction to an anomaly in the Child Protection Law and noted a report that found the £2bn of States investments were safe and secure.

Deputies appointed Simon Milsted and Stuart Le Maitre as non-executive directors of Guernsey Post, which followed the retirement of Jeff Kitts and the creation of a sixth position.

Following the resignation of Deputy Sam Maindonald from the Home Department Alderney States Representative Boyd Kelly was elected to serve in her place until May 2012.

Guernsey's Lieutenant Governor was also welcomed to his first meeting of the States of Deliberation.

Air Marshal Peter Walker, who took up office on 15 April, was officially greeted by the Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland.