Guernsey business concerns over population proposals

Tourism businesses expressed concern at plans for restrictions on short term housing licenses at a public meeting.

A number of concerns were raised at the meeting on managing Guernsey's population on Monday.

More than 130 people were at the event, which outlined proposals for the island's new population policy.

Deputy Chief Executive of the States, Nigel Lewis, said they would take industry concerns seriously.

The report, "The guiding principles for the development of a population regime", makes 45 recommendations.

Other proposals included changes to residence permits, a new employment permit and a reduction in the number of properties available to people without local housing rights.

Currently, anyone from outside Guernsey wanting to live and work must obtain a housing licence, or make use of higher-priced open market housing.

If approved, major changes would be made to the island's population law including introducing new residency permits.

This would allow anyone who has lived continuously in local market property for eight years to live in Guernsey indefinitely.

Politicians will meet at the end of June to debate the proposals.