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WQ.361/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2023
Question
“Will the Minister advise the level of subsidy, both as a percentage and in real terms, that he intends to use in the assessment of “affordable” homes as outlined on page 75 and 76 of the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027; and will he further advise whether, in light of current inflation in the housing market, he considers that there should be larger subsidies for social housing, and if not, why not?”
Answer
It is the Minister for the Environment who will be ultimately responsible for establishing the final agreed level of subsidy to be offered on developments outlined in the Government Plan, through the determination of planning applications. Such applications will be judged in light of all material considerations and the prevailing market and affordability conditions at that time.
In terms of my position as Minister for Housing and Communities, I will provide advice and guidance to support the evaluation of affordable housing contributions on these sites, with a focus on ensuring that the schemes and levels of subsidy – or assistance – will have an adequate impact on improving affordability for prospective purchasers. The Government Plan provides a minimum percentage of the number of homes only.
In terms of the level of subsidy offered for social housing in light of inflation, the first focus must be on those on the lowest incomes, and our income support system provides financial assistance for housing costs which is already uncapped for social housing. In terms of the social rents policy specifically, I have already committed to undertake a review of this as part of the development of my long-term housing strategy, as set out in my Roadmap for Improved Access to Social Housing, published earlier this summer.