States rents may rise by 20 %
Tuesday 21st February 2012, 3:00PM GMT.
Housing Minister Andrew Green believes that the Housing ministry should be scrapped
STATES rents could rise by 20 per cent under dramatic plans to reform social housing.
The plans – being drawn up by Housing Minister Andrew Green – also include breaking up the Housing department, scrapping the job of Housing Minister and putting homes into a separate States-owned organisation.
Deputy Green will take the plans to his ministerial colleagues next month and, if they are approved by the States in the autumn, they could take effect next year.
He says that putting all States housing into a separate organisation would let it borrow money instead of having to bid for funds in the capital programme, which will allow it to be more flexible and to provide its own maintenance funding.
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Oh my goodness I cannot believe I am reading this, were we not reading in the paper last week about the disgusting state of the majority of states housing, and the apology from him saying this should not have happened. Well is has happened and to now say they want to put rents up by 20%. Do these people not understand that people are barely surviving now. A friend of mine lives in a states building, well it is awful, the damp, mould that comes in the winter is appaling, she decorates, has dehumidifiers, but no sooner has she done that the damp is coming through again. But when she contacts them, they could not careless.
Come on Jersey States this is crazy, they know some people are living in Poverty and kids are going to school without food etc!! and now to do this is well UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!
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Agree this is crazy !!
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Good job too.
Why should one group of people be benefiting while the rest of use have to pay market rents.You can imagine the benefits they also claim.
Too many privilaged groups here.
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So Plange your getting screwed by the millionaire land lords who own most of the private stock so that means everyone else should done over as well
What a pleasant individual you are.
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So Plagne are you actually aware that there are genuine people out there struggling to survive, maybe you’re not put yourself in their shoes, you are selfish and obviously don’t care how the other half live.. you may live in a big house and have no money worries….
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I agree with ‘Plagne’ – How many people in states rented accommodation also claim benefits/ income support? They are a drain to our society – and so many are also immigrants!
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I think you should think before you speak!
I own my own house but have family in states houses not everyone is ripping people off.
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You can’t put my rent up by 20%, I’ve just bought a new Merc and booked 2 weeks in Barbados. Add 20% to my rent and it will only be 30% cheaper than renting privately.
I’ve worked long and hard to impregnant my girlfriend with 3 lovely kids ( I think they are lovely I never see em )and get the best subsidised housing money can’t buy. This is disgraceful, target those idiots who work and pay tax.
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I live in states housing have two children. Both myself and my husband work over 40 hours a week we also pay tax and get no income support! So DO NOT judge all states tenants the same!
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and your the type of tenants that this is aimed at. You should be renting in the Private Sector freeing up your property for people on the long waiting list.
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Well said Boss – we were lucky to get into States housing when redundancy made us homeless from our private rental. We now work and pay taxes like everyone else! We dont have holidays or a fancy car, we just manage to feed ourselves and pay the bills. States rents are not all the same despite what people seem to think, but yes they are cheaper than mainstream housing. I know we are lucky in our situation but its not fair to tar all states tennants with the bludger brush !
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I am in total agreement with you Boss. Me and my fiance both work 40+ hrs per week and have 3 teenagers. We get no help at all from the states, We pay FULL rent and if this idiot of a minister puts the rent up 20%, we will certainly not be able to survive. The new heating system the housing dept have installed last year is so expensive to run that we do not have any heating as we can not afford the extra on the electricity. Now i read that the electricity is going up 2.9% in may so add this to 20% rent increase, i guess we will all be homeless as our wages do not cover the enourmous increase. We have had no wage rises between us for 3 years !!! The only winners is the ones on benefits, because the rent increase does not effect them as Social Security pay their rents, no wonder the working class now have to work till 65/ 67.
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Whys the hell should you get any help??
Where is your pride?
Your choice to have 3 children so pay your own way.
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Please explain why I should subsidise your living arrangements?
Its people like you who are having a laugh, why aren’t you renting in the private sector?
There is no defence for your case. Disgusting.
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How about giving the gaff a lick of paint yourselves now and again?
I know its not yours but bloody hell most of them are shitholes from the outside.
Be a bit house proud eh? I rented in the private sector and done a bit of painting and maintenance myself.
They need to stop rent rebate and get the CICRA to control private sector rents to a reasonable level.
Win win, States tenants who can afford it can move out, the money saved (the housing component of Income support) can be used to do up the houses which have fallen in disrepair.
Then tenants get it written in to keep the place decent, just like in the Private sector. I had to decorate my place before I moved out and it was thoroughly checked by the letting agent before returning my full deposit.
Rent rebate is an indirect tax to all of us tax payers, we are paying to line the greedy bastard landlords in the private sector.
Nothing is ever done, why not??????
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You shouldn’t be in the public sector you are the reason why it is over crowned. I know, why don’t you move out at help Jersey people by giving people who REALLY need housing not people like you, who take advantage of the system.
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too easy for too long, good news. people who can afford to rent in the private sector SHOULD NOT be in social or states housing.
States housing and help with accomodation should be reserved for people who need it the most, like the elderly, people with disabilities and so on, not given to 20 year olds who decide having a baby is a good idea and then cannot afford to support it!!
Bring in a States Of Jersey Universal store credit card that has a limit of £X pw to purchase essential items, instead of crediting a bank account only for the CASH to end up in a pub or in the pocket of some back street booze shop.
Again, Jersey is too scared to offend anyone or any minority, therefore being forced to keep them and WE cover the costs!
Sounds like Andrew Green is working for his salary, something that other members should aspire to…
Help the elderly. An old woman having no heating in winter is sickening whilst £26k p.a is given to young idiots with open legs.
Thoughts?????
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Hear hear, anybody that can afford an Audi or a X5 like i have seen on some of estates. People working in finance and other good jobs earning very good money, but still live in social housing….. how does this happen.
Are these people not means tested????
I stupidly thought social housing was for the needy.
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I agree, i see so many cars on driveways on housing esates that belong to the residents, not visitors. They are all much better than mine. Boats and all! is this means tested at all??!
How fair is it that you have free cash to buy a boat or a 3rd car for your family, when i pay private and have to save hard to buy what i want.
Not everyone is like this, some are genuinly needy, but if you can afford fags and booze, then you can afford to pay more to states.
You dont really have an argument anyway because if there was no states housing you’d be screwed anyway, so be grateful the not taking it away.
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I knew while reading this sorry story there would be some ignorant comments like yours! If I was a father of any unfortunate girl you refer to, I wouldn’t be happy with you at all. It is obvious Mr Green hasn’t a clue how to go about looking after the housing task, why hand all the rent to States treasure department when it should be used for refurbishment. People are struggling in private and social housing, by putting up rents private landlords will use that as an excuse to put theirs up.
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Couldn’t agree more, Well said!
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100% agreed
give our points on cards NOT CASH IN THE BANK
HELP THE NEEDY (elderly disablity) NOT THE LAZY (20 year olds having kids so they don’t have to work)
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You are very rude !
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I am not suprised nor disappointed I believe a lot of States Tenants are getting cheap properties compared to us in the private sector
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no yours are over priced thanks to the implementation of rent rebate all those years ago , this is where the rot began , imho.
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Here here!
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just a way of fudging the issue.
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Oh for goodness sake, post something positive just for once? What exactly is Mr Green fudging?
Please elaborate how you would do better given the current situation, these people can only work with what they are given.
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Thank God Some One Listing At Last Im Not Saying Charge Them Market Rent But You Only Need To LOOK In Any States Rentals Car Park Most Have Nice Cars & Few Even Have Places In France To Tell Its Not Right . . Well Done Mr Green
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HENRY5
No point looking at all the civil servants and states workers that have free parking then. Just increase parking charges to the public ( recently done ) and now of course its the turn of those that rent States property.
If you want to be fair then charge everyone who takes their car to work and park on publicly owned land, even States workers.
Davey
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Theres me thinking the states were supposed to be keeping inflation down, well thought out as this will mean bigger I.S. payouts to cover the rental component!!!
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Okay…While I understand a lot of the resentment towards people who live in states housing…What I don’t get is why you feel the need to rattle your cups against the bars.
I live in states housing. Before that I was privately renting a place that was not fit for human habitation and went to the states to get a better place to live at almost the same cost.
Before you tar all people that live in States housing as grubbing leeches, you might actually realise that there are a large majority of us that work and pay out the same as you (if privately renting).
I don’t know if any of you seem to realise but finding a suitable flat for a family with a single income is pretty damned hard.
And as an FYI alot of people in states housing ARE those elderly people you seem to hold so dear.
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if yo can’t afford everyday life DONT HAVE KIDS WHO COST EVEN MORE WE DIDN’T DUE TO HIS
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My kids will pay tax to pay your pension when you get old. And i defy anyone to say they are paying their tax for their own pension now. Basic economics states you are paying for your parents/grandparents.
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Really Sarah?
Tax?
Nope, ss contributions go towards pension. Income tax pays for Income support if you want to check these facts out.
Your kids will be working then? 100% sure about that? paying contributions?
Sorry you are talking drivel, check your facts before posting on here.
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I didn’t mention not being able to afford to live…I live quite comfortably on the money that I earn. Even after paying social/tax etc etc.
I said it was hard to find a SUITABLE flat for a small family. When I moved into states housing I was paying pretty much what I was paying for private accommodation. I went to the states because the company I rented the original flat would not fix an a giant hole in the external wall which was causing damp in my (then a newborn) daughters room. Despite my lease stating that everything external was their responsibility and repeated requests I was basically given the finger. The States had the flats available so I went to them…I would have gone elsewhere if there was something I liked available.
So…I’m in the same boat as most people on this island…except I have kids (How dare I bring forth the next generation?!). I don’t see how this really makes any difference…Sure I get a tax relief on being married and having kids but so does ANYONE who has kids and is married.
Besides, having kids is not about the money. There were times in the past that I had to go without to make sure my kid had everything she needed…
Like stated on other posts…Jersey is ruled by greed. A reign that really needs to be ended.
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Does this mean that those who rely on benefits, will then be given more hand outs to compensate for their rent increase?
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yes
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I knew the comments would go like this
Boo hoo people in states housing get it cheaper than us in private, they dont work, have fancy cars blah blah blah
Well if life was that rosy then wouldn’t it all be wonderful?
Well guess what its not. We DO work whilst we live in housing but we also live in damp, mould ridden properties with landlords that dont care.
The irony is we got moved out of private housing because the flat wasn’t fit for human habitation…into a place that needs the plaster replaced on a yearly basis. Yes because states tennants get it soooo good.
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And what do you think the private sector will do ,put their rents up by 20%, causing more people to claim more income support.
The real issue is the greedy landlords.If you sorted them out less people would need social housing.
Thats the route of the housing problem Mr Green.Funny you never mentioned this in your manifesto.
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My husband and I downsized to a one bedroomed flat in housing the building it`self is old we still have singleglaze metal windows and no heating, we use oilfired raidiaters and we did all this to save money,we have both been on a pay freeze and now this I dont know where we will find the extra money.
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In my opinion, which is my own, social housing should not be a lifetime model. Yet here we have how many families who feel that not working or only working enough ours to not effect their benefits. They live with nucleoli days and cars, as mentioned elsewhere, why so many struggle whilst working and paying tax to the hilt.
surely it’s time the states and other nations started a proper means test. Random drop bus to see what states tenants have, if ou can’t afford private rents, and they can be horrendous but some have no choice, then why do you need the Audi or BMW?
I for one am sick to death of the welfare parade claiming that everyone is against them, after all wethe working are paying for their life of ease.
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This only goes to prove that all our politicians are nothing less than psychopaths – any excuse to avoid responsibility and borrow more money and then spend it on buying votes at the next election.
The Island simply can’t afford to have them kick the can down the road for someone else to worry about, who will only continue borrowing more money knowing they won’t be around when it come time to pay the piper. But who cares? Worse comes to worst, they can just raise the rents on those who can least afford it. However, States Tenants should be held more accountable (like kicking them out) for way in which some of them treat their accommodation – which often accounts for the high cost of public maintenance.
On the other hand, how many States Members on £42k are living in States Housing? I know of at least two who can afford to pay the going price in the exploitive privateering sector… a sector our psychopathic States Members allowed to develop.
States rental should be for the elderly on low fixed incomes and should definitely be means tested for all others who really need of it. We should not be providing homes for young single, often immiture people with kids. Instead we should only provide housing for those couples who are willing to take responsibility for having and supporting their children in a proper family environment. If you are not willing to sacrifice your selfish wants for the sake of the children you have irresponsibly produced, then you’re on your own Jack! Had enough…
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Well said I agree.
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I agree, we need an end of the produce baby and get housing and welfare for life.
There has been a huge increase in the numbers of benefit tokens being pushed around town in prams, unfortunately our government seems to have the followed the UK in it’s welfare for all plan.
This is unaffordable, there should for a start be a limit to the amount of welfare claimed, the UK is attempting to limit this to £26,000 per year (which in Jersey’s case would equate at a guess to 5 tax payers needed to pay for one family of non workers!)
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Putting aside the rents rise for a moment.
One worrying comment is the implication that housing will be borrowing money based on the housing stock, outside the normal capital funds. So in effect the housing committee will borrow money without direct States approval? That sounds very worrying, where would the oversight be?
With regards to the rents rise, unfortunately there is a belief that only bludgers live in States houses, I am sure a lot do however there also a lot of people who are unable to pay private landlord rates and it is for them that social housing does and should exist. Those that can afford to, shouldn’t be using the social safety net. In addition the housing might want to look at why a large number of houses with two or more bedrooms are ocupied by people only requiring one.
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I find it amazing that some think that high rents in the private sector is ok and that states rent should follow that example. Who’s needs are being met, the speculator or those that think homes are a basic requirement of life in this technological age.
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what Planet are YOU on??!!
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For the un-educated on here let me explain. For ALL States Tenants their rent will rise by 20% – period. For those who are housed in a States home and are on Income Support,you won’t see any increase as this extra 20% will be covered by increased Income Support (depen ding on your circumstances) so the none earners, really low or low income households you will be protected. This is aimed at those who are living in States accomodation who are paying FULL rent (believed to be 30% of current tenants) who can well afford to be renting in the Private Sector. It will push their rent up 20% and will hopefully make them think they could get a ‘better quality home’ renting private and force them out allowing the long housing waiting list to move. So don’t worry folks, it will not effect people on low or no incomes!!
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Sounds great! This will only hurt the people in the middle, not the ones on income support or the high earners the middle person, the person who is trying to do the right thing by working but cause they work they don’t get income support there wages are low but to high for support. This is the reason why living in jersey you are better off on income support!
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I think its a bit of myth that people who pay the full States rent can afford to pay private rent. I know of two, working,families who live in states accomodation and can just about pay the full rent as it is. I believe (could be wrong) that the level of rent is means tested but perhaps this should go further, with those on good incomes pay even more than the proposed 20% increase to be more in line with private rent (as they should be encouraged to move into private rent if they can afford it, social housing should be kept for those in the greatest need).
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example = i live on a large estate that was built up of first time buyers and social renting just over six years ago, there is also private renting my neighbour tom (mortgage of £1300mth)has nice car on drive wife and two kids there’s me (dick from trust £1180mth)nice car(hp) 3 kids and wife then there’s harry (private £1400mth)single couple clap out banger all our houses are the same you may see there is a slight difference in what we pay (tom,dick,harry)but the reason is tom had a deposit to buy where us (dick and harry)sadly haven’t had (golden spoon)so dont judge us all because all of us tom,dick,harry all work, pay tax(less tax for tom as he gets tax relief on interest) social etc etc once again if it weren’t from the greedy island then (dick and harry would be able to afford to save a deposit and buy !
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And thats how it should be.
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“And that’s how it should be”? (Sarah)
Explain your ignorant comment. If the States had kept their 10% mortgage deposit scheme, there would be a lot more families affording their own homes instead of having to rent off greedy landlords or people who try and make a killing out of buy to let schemes.
The backbone to all the hard physical work undertaken in Jersey is from those in social housing, without them Jersey would be in a mess.
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Smokescreen – the majority of folk living in these premises have their rent paid by income support. This is just a means of moving money from one budget to another. Seriously doubt most tenants will be affected. Feel sorry for those working hard to save to get out of social housing though…
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Nice to see a Minister trying to make a difference! Why shouldn’t those who can afford to pay more, do so? Those on low incomes will be protected. Also, has anyone noticed the number of properties currently being refurbished? Clos Gosset is starting to look excellent from what I’ve seen! It is obvious that the Housing are going to need some more money, so why shouldn’t the tenants who benefit from the homes pay a little more? After all, with better insulation etc, the homes will be cheaper to run. Well done Minister and keep at it.
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You know does not matter whether you live in social housing or the private sector, they are all unfit for human living, you just have to stop breeding and look after number one like I have and stay single. I have saved enough money now to buy a house in a nice part of the UK and looking forward to a new life away from this backward island of ours. As a jersey born man i,ve had enough of this class crap that rots the place. Good luck everyone as soon this place will return to just sea birds once more. Adios!
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I can’t see any problem with this, 20% ain’t that much, and if they are struggling that bad then they should do what I do and live at home with their parents.
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Gino Risoli – if you are to be believed every descision made by our electorate is flawed. You disagree and court the popular vote in the misguided hope that come the next election people will remember Gino the people’s champion and put an X against your name.
It’s become tiresome to see you comment on every story this newspaper prints. You offer no alternative, nor do you show any sign of understanding the issue beyond adopting a contrary view. Come on surprise us, offer an alternative, tell us what you would do. Otherwise it’s just some wannabe politician with high aspirations and limited ability.
PS – I strongly suggest you spell check before posting, the number of obvious spelling mistakes on your posts indicates an individual who bypassed the educational system completely.
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Ha Ha Quality comment
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Et Voila…! how to end a political career at a stroke….watch this space….textbook Gerald Ratner moment.
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when was the last time a housing minister had the guts to put up these rents ? they haven’t been put up in line with RPI as the agreements provide for many years – the rents lag way behind private sector rents (in the housing department, all 1-bed / 2-bed / 3-bed units are rented the same per month … whether you live at Le Squez or Albert Place. The whole system needs turning over by someone with integrity – not someone looking to hang on to their pension or maybe, grab an extra “grade” on the pay scale
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I believe the States need to set a standard rent rate in the private sector first, a one bedroom flat should have a limit as would any other size and type of property.
These buildings should be inspected before getting permission to advertise for tenants!
Once these properties have been assessed by an independent board (other than estate agents ) the rents can only be increased by the cost of living. This will deter substandard accommodation having extortionate rents and huge annual increases.
If Housing go ahead and increase the social rents by 20% the private sector will only rub their hands and do likewise.
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… and as for the quality of the accommodation, where do you think the lion’s share of the QE (quantitive easing) budget has been spent …
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Are the states aware that Jersey is in a recession… no they don’t cos they are living it up with their large salaries and bonus… think of those who are struggling, another way to ascertain money for something that has been mucked up by the states .. good cover up… be honest
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About time an audit/review was completed.
I know that the “Report a Benefit Cheat” raised over £500k back, which, although a good effort, seems a very small sum in comparison to what is paid out.
I still cannot understand why people who are not financialy stable think it is a good idea to breed! All that happens is you become a burden, or drain on funds as the UK Ministers would say!!!
In these times of economic uncertainty, I wonder how they will push people who live unemployed in states houses into jobs that do not appear to be there.
As I have mentioned earlier, the earning potential in Jersey is significantly decreased given our lack of immigration control.
I welcome people from all over the world to enjoy this great island, but in the interests of preserving it, something needs to change.
It comes to something when you walk into a shop and are the only person who is communicating in English.
I am sure the majority of the population will agree with me, but are either hiding behind their Political correctness or fear of offending.
We are full. In any strong, functioning economy the unemployment register can be broken down 50/50. 50% of people are out of work genuinely, whilst the other 50% is a representation of “excess people”.
I am open to discuss and appreciate people challenging my views to further my understanding of how this works.
Dave.
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I can not believe what I have just read!!!
Do you THE STATES not understand that SOME people are barely living.
Look into states tenants and remove the people who should not be in states houses and leave the rest alone!!!.
My sister is married has four children one with special needs, works fulltime while her husband looks after the child with special needs as she can earn more money than him.
They live in appaling conditions in one of your states houses the house is damp freezing cold as the heating is rubbish and old.
They CAN NOT afford 20% rent increase I think its about time you took your heads out your bottoms and thought about what your doing.
Stop putting taxes,rents etc up the only people suffering are the people of Jersey.
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Maybe your sister should have stopped at two children as she obviously cannot afford any more. I have had to stop at two as I can’t afford more , but why should I still have to pay for your sister to have more?
About time the system became fair for the people who work against the lazy idiots ho dont.
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I cannot believe that you just don’t understand this. The proposals will have no net impact on the most poor, ie those who need, rather than want, social housing. It is aimed at those who can afford to be elsewhere but know a good deal when they live in one. Why do you not get this? It really isn’t difficult.
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I came here with nothing, worked hard, saved hard, spent years in crap private rent land, bought a house, had 2 children and now struggle myself but I always make ends meet. Why? because I have PRIDE. I have never had a handout from anyone, I stopped at 2 children because I knew any more would be too expensive. I take responsibility for MYSELF, it is nobody elses job.
This island is full of people fiddling the system. States rent should be a temporary measure. You are not entitled to anything.
I’m sick of supporting workshy, layabouts who think they deserve the earth.
You want better houses get off your backside and work to earn better money and get out of there. You didnt help me when I was being ripped off in bedsit land because I wasnt local.
Some people are shameless.
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i live in states housing, am a single mum of two teenage kids and work full time…our estate was refurbished, and not done very well, before this i lived for 9 years with rain pouring in through my windows, rotten doors, mould everywhere and in the 9 years of having to live like this housing did nothing but turn up with a tube of mastic!! and now, with our nice new refurbished houses, nothing has changed, rain still comes in, mould still appears, the workmenship was appalling and nothing was checked, we sent in check lists time and time again to housing as asked by them of what still needed rectifying and to date none of this has been completed, its been five years now since the refurbishment finished….the housing minister needs to come up to our estate, Clos du Roncier by the way and see excactly what the tax payers of jersey have paid for as what was done was a total waste of time and money…
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How about doing some maintenance yourself Surprised…not?
Your kids are teenager, get them painting or sealing with a tube of mastic, I did this as an apprentice when I was 15, so why can’t they.
A bit of being house proud comes too mind, not running to the states every time something goes wrong.
Me, me bloody me.
You states lot need to wake up.
I fix things which go wrong in my house, I have to.
Cold, poor heating?
Welcome to the real world guys, we wear jumpers in bed as our heating is rubbish and so is our insulation. Cant afford the heating costs etc so just stick with it and make do.
Do the same.
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29 What is Happening To Jersey – “I can not believe what I have just read!!!
Do you THE STATES not understand that SOME people are barely living.
Look into states tenants and remove the people who should not be in states houses and leave the rest alone!!!.
My sister is married has four children one with special needs, works fulltime while her husband looks after the child with special needs as she can earn more money than him.
They live in appaling conditions in one of your states houses the house is damp freezing cold as the heating is rubbish and old.
They CAN NOT afford 20% rent increase I think its about time you took your heads out your bottoms and thought about what your doing.
Stop putting taxes,rents etc up the only people suffering are the people of Jersey”.
Seems the problem is your sister had more children than she can afford, why continue to have kids if you can’t adequately house the ones you’ve got. It’s this mentality that is bringing the island to it’s knees. What is happening to Jersey is people like your sister are spitting out kids they can’t afford and moaning about the subsidised housing they have netted as a result – GO PRIVTE!
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i think social housing should be used to get people back on their feet again if they hit hard times. not as a lifestyle, forever, like many do. We are lucky we have states housing, so you cant really complain that its going up in rent, as you have somewhere to live that is cheaper that private sector.
Better means testing is needed in all benefit handouts, and housing – at least 50% of those who live in states prob wouldnt qualify. GET THE SCROUNGERS OUT, and help the needy.
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29 what is happening to Jersey?…it is simply being asset stripped by imported experts in the field…and you are right those at the bottom are really struggling….there is already a massive amount of unpaid back rent, all this will do is cause grief to those who have enough to worry about already and cause that unpaid back rent figure to climb even higher…and it sets the public against the establishment…with the increasing belief that the Govt has become the enemy of the people.
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It became the enemy of the people when they told the GST protest people “Tough!”
What would probably help a great deal with the debts?
Reducing every States members wages to 25k per annum…or 30k (if you can believe that average wage horse pucky)
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Pay peanuts you get monkeys!!
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No. 29. You are absolutely right, some people need help, others a kick up…..
What I am beginning to realise is that the State of Jersey do not want lower class people occupying the island.
With an average house price of £500,000 and an average salary of £30,000 I think it is safe to say a very high % of Jersey is now below average!!
The States dreamt of a rich, booming offshore financial juristiction in which they could invite J-CAT and 11(k) eligable professionals to spend £millions on over inflated property.
Whilst many locals have seen their house go up in value from £50k to £500k, the next generation, aka, me, are going to spend the next 10-20 years of our lifes paying for all these mistakes and oversight through greed.
My honest opinion is that the entire Jersey Government should be completely changed with a new system put in place that does not just follow the complete mess that is the UK systems.
Jersey is too small to bed 100k people. We should start with 50,000 and have scope through sensible immigration to increase to 60k.
Thank you states of jersey, I will enjoy my extra 2 years of work, that is if any of us make it to 67 in the first place.
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fully agree. lets force the bludgers in states housing to clear off back to dublin, glasgow, liverpool and madeira and that will sort out the population, crime and teenage loutishness
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You know in the old days, governments that didn’t work…were generally ousted.
Governments are there to work for US…not the other way around. They are supposed to take care of the people they govern. They are supposed to listen and find the best solution that benefits people.
These days it feels like the Middle Ages with the States members lording it up while the rest of us peasants work to fix their mistakes.
The elections are a joke I get to choose from candidates that were chosen and forwarded by the same collection of numpties that are currently holding the whipping stick.
The States needs to be dissolved and a new form of government brought into place. Possibly an actual Channel Island – Coalition.
But back to my first sentence…In the old days…The heads would be rolling.
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The rich won’t give a damn, the poor will get more handouts, it the middle income earners that are just about keeping above the water will drown, Thanks so much Jersey, life enriching, my arse!
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May be if the one in needs could help the States to catch the one who milked the system for decades, may be they wouldn’t need to put the rent up.
(No comment on the States over spending)
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All in all a lot of interesting points however some of the comments are quite laughable. Blame everyone other than yourselves seems to be a running theme. If its that bad what are we doing about it? We are sitting at our computers commenting on a subject most of us dont really know about. Maybe I am lucky but its not something I rely on…I work and live within my means. Oh and yes i do dream of the nice house, car and family but until I am able to support these ideas I continue to save/survive. We do like to blame the states of jersey for everything but look around everyone is in the same boat and if you want things to change drastic changes need to be made. I am not saying this is the right way or the wrong way but if the intention is there let these people work as after all are we not the people who put them there?
I do think there is some truth in the income support themed moving of money and if this is the case hopefully this will not effect those who really need the help.
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30 Surprised Not – i live in states housing, am a single mum of two teenage kids and work full time…our estate was refurbished, and not done very well, before this i lived for 9 years with rain pouring in through my windows, rotten doors, mould everywhere and in the 9 years of having to live like this housing did nothing but turn up with a tube of mastic!!
“Having to live like this” – why could you not rent in the private sector, nobody made you live like anything you chose to. This mentality of sub standard housing that people are forcved to inhabit is rubbish, move and pay the market rate like the rest of us if you don’t like it.
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yeah move into private renting get turfed out every three years and find some where else to live with your two children… !!! yeah great idea !!! even though i can afford to live privately i cant afford to keep moving around every three years or so with my children my home is my home regardless if i own it or not in England you get the right to buy your council house here they just take take take i pay full rent which mine is £1180 mth this is half my flat wage(no i dont get income support) i do most of the maintenance work myself as i have to wait ages for the trust to sort anything out (no budget)i have to work loads of overtime for extra cash and get kicked up the a**e by tax i dont get to see my wife and kids much but why should i moan i have roof over my head right… i moan because i cant afford to save anything that i earn for a DEPOIST ! build affordable homes/depoist for people like myself not increase the rents so i have no chance !
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Ok so where do most of you want people to live?
Are you all that jealous of our substandard housing?
Heres something when your maintenece officer comes to visit your flat to look at the damp and tells you that if you were in the uk that you would have been refurshed several times by now, not waiting 3-4 months for a leaking roof to be fixed? Or botched jobs that aren’t finished to be done.
The reason most of us can not get out of social housing even though we are desperate to is because there aren’t the jobs out there that pay enough to live over here and private rent. No one is getting a payrise unless they are already rich it seems and with teh cost of living going up no, people can’t move.
But hey. Gives all you middle class something to whine about doesn’t it.
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Welcome to the real world Sarah, we pay for our upkeep or go without.
We don’t go running to the States every time there is a water leak etc.
I agree with Maintain your house, have a bit of pride then, do some repairs yourself or get your husband, boyfriend, ex husband or your bloody teenage kids to do it ffs.
Beyond a joke.
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…….A friend of mine lives in a states building, well it is awful, the damp, mould that comes in the winter is appaling, she decorates, has dehumidifiers, but no sooner has she done that the damp is coming through again. But when she contacts them, they could not careless.
Eh? hang on there la! we’ve been living in dumps like that all our unqualified lives …..welcome to the real world matey!!!
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well said !
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I actually feel physically sick thinking that some of these people are my fellow human beings the lack of understanding shows the lack of insight to many problems that people face, perhaps some voluntary work would open many of your eyes to the real world, but there again why would you wont to step out side your comfort zone when living in your cosy little bubble where it is safe and warm and why spare a second thought for some youngster who may end up sleeping rough tonight because they simply cannot face going home to maybe another beating or do we allow domestic abuse to become part of the norm just so you dont have to contribute to helping a parent protect her self and maybe her children. Just remember many people in states accommodation are there through no fault of there own many are elderly, suffering from mental health problems, disabled or a victim of abuse or divorce or many other problems.
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Scouser how on earth could you have been so stupid as to live in dumps here in Jersey when you could have been living in far superior dumps back in Scouse land all these years. You must be kicking yourself. Why on earth did you do choose to stay here or were you forced to against your will by some evil landlord who locked you up and wouldn’t let you out. You poor thing.
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Well Karen,
I will answer for Scouser.
Unlike most of people on benefits or in States housing, we make choices and decisions in life in order to be self sufficient.(not talking about medical issues)
We prefer to work and live in a rubbish accommodation, rather than relying on the States to feed and shelter us.
We think twice about having kids and yes,we moan about the price of those accommodations, as unlike locals we do not have a choice.
Do you get that in social housing:
-50P electricity meters
-Share of the bathroom
-No pets , no kids, no friends , no smoking (inside and OUTSIDE)
-Deposit never to be seen again
-No lock on your door
-A microwave and a sink as a kitchen.
-No radiators
-Mattresses from the world war 2
And yes obviously damp, which is Jersey number 1 problem.
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I grew up in similar circumstances (as a teen no support or bank of mum and dad) and had all of these instances listed too states didn’t want to know, having residential qualifications doesn’t always mean you will get help. Have had to endure it like a lot of my immigrant mates probably why I am so dubious of many locals…
Many states tenants need a reality check and a conscience, that doesn’t condone many circumstancs many are in but benefit cheats, addicts and baby machines don’t get any sympathy from me.
Got ripped off recently by a private landlord tried to decorate etc but it’s very difficult maintaining rotten wooden window frames, skirting boards and damp walls with no money it’s also quite dangerous when the window panes are not protected by the window frames!!
Tight fisted greedy people and con artists that’s Jersey life enriching… Operation clean up please!!!!!
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Karen brilliant my thoughts exactly!! the most people moaning and whingeing are the ones living privately you choose to live there if its damp to expensive find some where else to live why aren’t you buying instead of renting do you like my comment!! you try telling me your turn down social housing if you where offered it… not all people who live in social housing are scroungers you’ll never stop people having kids that’s just stupid i wouldn’t tell you or anyone in that matter you could have kids or not (catch the drift)people are so quick to judge now days my mum told me as a kid got nothing nice to say dont say anything at all the island is just greedy with hungry people ever heard the saying money makes the world go round !
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I am fed up of States Housing tenants whinging about their conditions. Believe it or not people who have mortgages also have damp and mould and no one is coming to sort mine out for me. Instead of whinging about the disturbance caused when your properties are being done up, grab a pen and write a thank you note! As for the 20% increase you’ll only bd charged it if you can afford it and if you can maybe you shouldn’t be there! As for people with mortgages always being described as spoon fed or living off the bank of mum and dad is ridiculous. Maybe some people put in effort to make sure they achieved well in school, saved hard and didn’t have kids (although they may live to) because we can’t afford it and do not expect hand outs. Maybe if you were born living in states housing and you die in states housing you only have yourself to blame for not setting your goals high enough, and yes that’s coming from someone who has struggled to find the money for bread, lived without heating and lived in states accommodation myself.
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Years ago when the imported expert planning officer was extolling the virtues of his Island Development Committee I asked him why the States Housing had been built at the bottom of Pier Road shaded by the buildings on the opposite side and the Car Park built on the top of the hill (whilst Fort Regent was a coal store) causing motorists to walk further and be exposed to the south westerly gales when visiting the town. He replied that “It is Social Housing and those sort of tenants should not have the best views in the Island”. This has always made me ponder if the people not living in Social Housing must live in Anti-Social Housing.
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The scrapping of the current housing system and the increase of 20% across the board to help update and refurbish states housing is a very good idea.
I mean, yeah I’ll get stung a bit but at the end of the day…The money could mean they actually pull their fingers out, tear down some of the complete ratholes and listed monoliths of concrete…and build some new housing estates.
If they employed locally this would result in more jobs being open for day labourers…Maybe even some of the younger generation might enjoy the labouring and take on an apprenticeship to bolster our rapidly dwindling supply of “skilled” workers.
This may appear to be a complete 180 on some of my previous comments, but perhaps it might lead to a complete rethink on how the states is structured and funded. Maybe we’ll get a new(ish) government that actually works…without the need to go all El Ché about it.
On a lighter note….BRING BACK CAPITAL PUNISHMENT!
Lower the age of accountability or make the parents fully accountable for the actions of their children.
Possibly prisons that make the inmate work instead of getting 2 star hotel treatment.
Introduce a birth rate limit – License for conception and check of ability of wanna be parents to provide for said children. Maximum of two children.
Compulsory community service for those claiming job seekers allowance.
The construction of an….OAP farm on Sark or Herm or something. Move all the oldies out to a nice holiday resort where they can knit jumpers or something and sell them as an export. Added bonus, they get to watch their soaps with no excessive engine noise or ear shattering bass from kiddies with cars and finally on that note -
The outlawing of high performance vehicles on the islands…Take your mid-life crisis/ genital compensation devices to somewhere else. 250k on a car that can do 200MPH+ on Jersey with a 40MPH limit…What is the point?!
HUZZAH!
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Scouser how on earth could you have been so stupid as to live in dumps here in Jersey when you could have been living in far superior dumps back in Scouse land all these years. …..yeah blah blah blah
Reason?
‘Cos I’m a stockbroker now la’ and I’ve been trading FT-SE 100 futures and Oil EFT’s in the OTC market …….and now I have a nice house …..no thanks to Jersey though.
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Is it too much to expect that there should be an obligation for ALL Landlords,both States and private, to maintain properties so they are habitable to an agreed standard ?
If you live in substandard accomodation in the public sector, should I be less sympathetic to you than if you live in substandard accomodation in the private sector ?
I knew as soon as I saw this headline what to expect on this website and boy, you have excelled yourselves.
Governments live on the divide and rule principle and they can just sit back and smile on this one.
Until the day dawns – Adios Companeros
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Should CICRA not be looking at all these rent level etc?
No too busy troffing big lunches like the johnny big spuds they think they are.
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss, won’t get fooled again….
The Who.
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You are too busy arguing amongst yourselves that you can’t see the main cause of high rents that has been picked up by a couple of the more logical thinkers on here. Namely RENT REBATE! We are subsidising landlords and keeping rents at unsustainable levels. Why has this not been addressed? Cos most of States members are landlords.
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Totally agree, its an indirect tax.
No one cares, they moan about JT, Condor, JEC and others….
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Napoleon Bonaparte
“When a government is dependent upon bankers for money, they and not the leaders of the government control the situation, since the hand that gives is above the hand that takes. Money has no motherland; financiers are without patriotism and without decency; their sole object is gain.”
Warning from my pal Boney
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some may see their waterloo.
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Ahh a little like the smell of napalm in the morning….the distinct and healthy aroma of rebellious citizens caresses my nostrils…may be people are beginning to stir from their slumber and realize….both policing and Governance need consensus
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I grew up in States Housing and lived in a newer estate when married, but have now bought my own property – therefore, I feel I am well qualified to know the types of people who live in this type of accommodation. The tenants who moan the most tend to be the ones who dont work, claim benefits and who think they are owed something by someone somewhere. There are the hardworking people who look after their properties and their children but who never seem to get the break to get out of States Housing and move forward. There are also those who think that they are entitled to be housed and are, to be blunt, quite happy to be receive the handouts that they are given. There are also those who blatantly abuse the system that was put in place to help others. These are the ones who always seem to have a ‘bit extra’, have nice cars, have holidays, buy properties in France – oh yes, they really do exist! Have children who say that they live at home, but dont so that the parents stay in nice homes (the newer properties are lovely!)The States need to get their own house in order. Did you know that you can buy a foreign property and still live in States HOusing? It is disgusting that these people keep their 3 bedroom houses, with ‘children’ who are employed with their own incomes – and the JEP is full of people who live in crap plaes? Blame the States – the people who like the easy life are not going to move on unless forced too. Then, the people in States Housing will be those who need to be. Also, no one seems to have noticed that the rate increase would not be paid by the most needy as they would be absorbed by the income support system – who are the only ones who should be in these properties. If the Housing Department were more efficient on keeping tabs on who was living in their properties,there would not be a waiting list.
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Every year I get a form from the Housing Department which I have to fill in giving the names of everybody living in my home and how many bedrooms I have. I take it all States Tenants get this form to fill in too? They don’t do anything with the information though as in the big estate I live on there are 3 properties just around my house where there are just older couples living in 3 bedroom houses.
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