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18-year-olds to have access to Jersey social housing

People in Jersey will have access to social rented housing from the age of 18.

Jersey's Housing Minister says he is 'opening the door' to more people who need affordable rented accommodation.

Currently, childless Entitled status islanders must to over the age of 25 to apply for social housing.

That threshold was reduced from 30 in September 2024 and has been gradually lowered from the age of 50 since April 2022.

In January 2026 it will be cut to 18.

A new 'general needs' category of prospective tenants will also be introduced.

Band 4 will cater to people who do not fit the existing requirements for social housing, but are interested in living in one of the properties for their own reasons.

Deputy Sam Mézec says there is a growing supply of new homes to meet demand.

"Now is the time to further improve opportunities for those looking for affordable, good-quality homes, particularly for younger islanders who may not see a future in Jersey.

"This next phase of the roadmap reflects our commitment to respond to evolving housing needs and make social housing more inclusive.

"Introducing a general needs band will open the door to more islanders, ensuring that younger adults and households who do not meet existing priority criteria can benefit from the stability and affordability of social housing."

Housing Minister Sam Mezec

It comes as Andium Homes and other social housing providers have delivered 1,000 new homes.

In another change, Entitled status residents will only have to lived in Jersey for three months instead of six and restrictions on hardship cases will be removed so that those granted Entitled status on hardship grounds can be housed immediately.

Deputy Mezec says income thresholds will be reviewed annually to make sure they reflect the cost of living, and 'long-standing' applications will be reviewed quarterly.

The Housing Minister has stressed that those facing homelessness or urgent housing needs will remain the highest priority for rented social housing.

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