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STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES ON TUESDAY 4th OCTOBER 2022
Implementation of Empty Property Tax' (P.48/2022)
I must first point out that Deputy Tadier 's proposition asked the Minister for Housing and Communities to:
"initiate the necessary arrangements for the preparation of an options paper identifying potential mechanisms with a view to publication before the end of September 2022."
I can confirm that necessary arrangements have been initiated – I have delivered on that.
The wording with a view' to publication at the end of September does not infer an absolute deadline.
Nevertheless, in the interest of openness and transparency, I would like to update members on what's happening. But I'm going to be brief – I don't want to waste time, particularly as I've already shared my letter to Deputy Tadier with my fellow members.
I have been working with officers across various departments within government to draw up an effective options paper – one that I believe will bring tangible solutions.
I am meeting with the Comité des Connétable s this week. It is important that I work constructively with them in developing options, drawing on their wealth of parochial knowledge and securing their support to address the problem. The Constable of St Peter has already identified properties – and I thank him for his help.
It is vital we get this right. My objective is to bring vacant properties onto the market and I will present options that will do exactly that.
Many members will know how important this matter is to me. It is vital that we make the best use of homes we already have.
I would ask Deputy Tadier to work with me on this so that we can make much-needed progress in this area.
I look forward to bringing an options paper to the Assembly within the next two months.