This Is Guernsey

By Mark Oliphant

SHORT-TERM workers could in future be issued with housing licences by the Commerce and Employment Department. Housing minister Dave Jones has suggested his department could relinquish responsibility for allocating those of between three months and three years.

He believes Commerce and Employment is in the best position to decide whether those licences - predominantly outside the finance sector - should be granted.

He said that this was his personal view and had not been discussed fully within his department.

‘I believe the changes to the machinery of government have increased the scope for co-operation and I think the idea that I have floated is the sort of corporate thinking that can help deliver the end product more efficiently,’ said Deputy Jones.

He said that Housing currently checked with Commerce and Employment to see if applications were valid. Changes would improve the decision-making process.

‘I still wish to keep the number of people coming into the island at a minimum but I do not want to interfere with the progression of business that can contribute to the economy.

‘The Commerce and Employment Department has the mandate to encourage business and encourage the economic well-being of the island as a whole.’

Deputy Jones said that Commerce and Employment should take control of short-term licences because it was particularly relevant for the sectors of the economy that it was trying to develop.

‘It is trying to encourage the growth of both finance- and non-finance-related businesses. In particular, it is looking at diversifying the island’s economy.’

Commerce and Employment minister Stuart Falla said: ‘The topic of housing licences and their issuing needs to be reconsidered in light of changes in the machinery of government and the allocation of responsibility.

‘Clearly, housing licences and maybe work permits are an important element in any strategy for the economy. I therefore look forward to discussing this and other matters with the Housing Department.’

Article posted on 9th August, 2004 - 12.00am