Minister announces social housing eligibility change

Deputy Sam Mézec has lowered the age people without children qualify for social housing

Jersey's Minister for Housing has announced changes to make it easier for younger people without children to qualify for social housing.

Deputy Sam Mézec said the age would be lowered from 35 to 30 with effect from Wednesday.

It is planned to lower the age further to 25 later in the year.

The change in eligibility is in accordance with the roadmap for improving access to social housing in Jersey, published last year.

The maximum annual income thresholds for applicants who require a one-bed home will be increased to £38,818 for single applicants and to £52,462 for joint applicants.

Mr Mézec said: "Hopefully it means that younger people will be able to change their housing situations and not have to cope in the private sector, which for many of them will be unaffordable.

"This opens up another opportunity for them to help live their lives and deal better with affordability."

He added: "If we can say to all parts of our community if you need that helping hand then social housing will be available for you not just people who tick this box or tick that box."