Jersey Housing Minister to be asked about empty homes

Jersey's Housing Minister will be asked if there are plans to use some of the thousands of empty homes in the island.

Politicians will also be finding out if there are financial incentives to help people convert the homes for use.

The latest census showed there were 3,103 private properties lying empty.

Meanwhile the number of people on the waiting list for social housing had more than doubled since 2006 and the supply of new rental homes had slowed down.

St Brelade deputies John Young and Montfort Tadier want to know what the housing minister is doing to make sure homes do not stay vacant for long periods.

They will also ask in the States on Tuesday whether owners can get financial help to bring their properties up to a "lettable condition" and, if not, whether that would be reviewed.

There will also be a question about whether owners are having to pay the same amount in rates as if the home was rented out
(from BBC)