This Is Guernsey

By James Varley

ALDERNEY looks set to ratify a plan to form a housing association.

Richard Willmott (pictured), chairman of the island’s Policy and Finance Committee, has urged his colleagues to back the formation of the Alderney Housing Association in January’s Billet.

In a letter to States members, Mr Willmott said: ‘A survey of all States housing stock has been undertaken in 2008 with the assistance of the Guernsey Housing Association and this has provided the basis for the States of Alderney to now come forward with proposals that seek to move the project onto the next stage.

‘It is clear that more can be achieved to modernise and create new housing under the umbrella of a housing association than is possible if the States was acting on its own.

‘What is now sought is States approval to set up the Alderney Housing Association and commence the detailed task of planning the optimal mix of modernisations, new build and rebuilds with the resources likely to be available.

‘Detailed financial plans will then be submitted to the States for its approval.’

Mr Willmott has previously said States-owned housing in the island was not fit for purpose.

‘Alderney has an ageing and mixed stock of States-owned housing. Much of it is badly in need of repair and not fit for purpose.

‘It also has difficulty in providing affordable homes for those who have grown up on the island and who wish to remain and for key workers.

‘It also has a mismatch between the quantity of smaller homes likely to be required in the future and those available.

‘There are also issues related to the high proportion of properties owned as second homes by non-residents.’

The States will decide whether to approve the formation of the association at its first meeting of 2009 on 14 January.

New members Peter Allen, John Beaman, Boyd Kelly and Geoffrey Sargent will be sworn in at the meeting and chairmen will be elected for three committees – Policy and Finance, General Services and Building and Development Control.

Mr Willmott is expected to retain his role as chairman of P and F, as is Bill Walden of the GSC.

A new BDCC chairman will be elected however, following Barbara Benfield’s decision not to stand at the recent election.

Members will also confirm Mr Willmott and Mr Walden as the island’s representatives in Guernsey after the pair stood unopposed in December’s plebiscite.

Article posted on 6th January, 2009 - 2.29pm