This Is Guernsey

THE island’s population rose by 800 in the year to the end of March.

Figures released yesterday by the Social Security Department show that the total number of people was 61,811, an increase of 782 over the preceding 12 months.

Deputy Chief Minister Stuart Falla said it was an obvious concern that the number had risen by so much in such a short time.

‘However, it’s important to understand that the process by which the population is calculated has been made more accurate.

‘Therefore, the higher number recorded at the end of March may be a reflection of this change of methodology,’ he said.

The Housing Department also released its figures for the corresponding period.

They show that 137 more were living in self-contained accommodation under licence than there had been a year earlier.

Of these, there were 67 more living in the island under essential-employment-related licences.

Deputy Housing minister Mark Dorey said the figures predated the States April population debate.

There was a smaller number of essential licences granted for the period compared to the previous 12 months with 319 as opposed to 341.

Nearly 80% of the essential licences issued were for periods of less than 15 years – typically five – which meant that holders would not become qualified residents as a result of their jobs.

‘It’s difficult to draw conclusions from comparing one 12-month period with another,’ said Deputy Dorey.

‘Nevertheless, there is sufficient evidence to counter the commonly held view that population growth is simply a result of more housing licences being issued,’ he said.

‘It means that other factors such as returning islanders plus the natural increase of births over deaths are playing their part in increasing the size of the population.

‘The total number of all housing licences issued in the year to 31 March was less than in 2006 and the total number living in the island under licence was roughly the same in March of both 2006 and last year,’ said Deputy Dorey.