THE way essential housing licence applications are processed by the Housing Department will be faster, more transparent and user-friendly. The change follows work by a joint Housing and Commerce and Employment working party and an extensive period of consultation with business organisations.

The new system makes the criteria on which applications are determined clearer to applicants.

‘The States has endorsed the principle of assessing economic benefit on the basis of the primary and secondary benefits generated by businesses and Commerce and Employment views this new process for assessing licence applications as a further step towards joined-up, streamlined and transparent government,’ said director of strategy George Sauvage.

A new application form, which is central to the process, has been piloted with selected businesses.

It can be downloaded from the States’ website or submitted electronically.

‘We are aware that many businesses have experienced problems applying for essential licences, in many cases employing third-party professionals to assist, which is costly and time consuming,’ said Chamber president Mark Trenchard.

‘The consultation with Housing was positive and it is pleasing to report that the new process will deal with a lot of these problems.

‘It is set out in a clear format and clearly helps by asking specific questions and provides guidance to the employer in a logical manner. It is a big step forward.’

Guernsey International Business Association chairman Steve Le Page agreed it had been a useful dialogue and resulted in a system that was better for businesses.

‘We want it to be clear about what’s required when we’re applying, how the information should be presented and why the application has been approved or not. This new system should help in all these respects,’ he said.

The new system relates to applications for essential employment-related licences and does not apply to nine-month or three-year ones.

It is form-based rather than letter-based, which should be easier for employers. It covers all the areas on which Housing needs information.

‘This should mean an end to letters from employers who sometimes give us far too much or not enough information. It should also mean that there’ll be much less back-and-forth seeking extra information or clarification, which will speed up the process,’ said Housing chief officer Stephen Langford.

The new form and procedure will also be used by Commerce and Employment and the Guernsey Financial Services Commission when they provide comments to the department on applications.

Both currently issue their own forms to employers.

Mr Langford added: ‘The new system will work best if employers plan as far ahead as they can. Currently many employers leave it late to make application.’