Housing minister says social housing sales should stop

The housing minister wants to end the sales of social rented housing.

It was used to fund refurbishments but fewer sales during the economic downturn has made it difficult.

Deputy Andrew Green said the sales were never meant to be a long-term solution and should stop once the department was in a better financial position.

There is a backlog of £46m in the refurbishment programme and it is likely to increase by £6m a year unless action is taken.

Deputy Green said work was being carried out to try to resolve the housing department's funding problems.

More details will be released in a government White Paper and other areas such as a fair rent policy will also be revealed.

That could redefine who is eligible for social housing and whether more islanders should be considered in future.