This Is Guernsey

By Simon Tostevin

THERE are currently 81 empty States houses. But that figure does not include estates and properties that are awaiting redevelopment or sale.

Of the 81, deputy Housing minister Mark Dorey said 23 were awaiting assessment to establish what work was needed before they could be re-let, seven were awaiting receipt of tenders for work to be carried out and 51 were currently being worked on by contractors.

In addition, Deputy Dorey said there were currently 41 properties ready, 20 of which are in the process of being allocated to tenants, who will move in shortly.

In all, 122 properties are waiting for tenants to occupy them.

‘Whenever a property is vacated, we take the opportunity to see what works are necessary before it is offered to a new tenant.

‘Our housing stock is generally quite old and therefore it is commonplace for some upgrading work to be required.’

That number is currently more than Housing’s contractors can cope with. But Deputy Dorey said delaying re-letting was better than disrupting the tenant later.

Explaining the higher-than-normal number of vacant properties, he said tenancy reviews had contributed to a number of tenants moving to the private sector and some had chosen to leave ahead of their tenancies being reviewed.

‘A good number of these have bought properties, which demonstrates that they have an income that can support a mortgage. Others have moved to the private rented sector or to properties provided by the Guernsey Housing Association.

‘In 2006, 64 tenants moved to the private sector, but not all as a result of tenancy reviews. Of the 98 tenancy reviews completed in 2006, in less than half - 42 - was the decision made that the tenant was no longer eligible for States’ accommodation, of which only 16 actually left during that year.

‘In 36 cases, the tenant remained in their existing property, while a further 14 tenants were deemed suitable to move to smaller accommodation more appropriate to their needs.’

Up until the end of April, Mr Dorey said a further 50 tenancy reviews had been undertaken and 34 tenants advised they were no longer eligible to be housed by the States.

‘This seems a high number, but it has to be understood that tenancy reviews are being focused on those tenants whom the department has reason to believe have incomes substantially above the current thresholds for States accommodation.’

Article posted on 15th May, 2007 - 12.00am