Open market to stay, but under new rules

GUERNSEY'S housing open market will continue to exist, but under stricter States control, if deputies accept proposals published today.

The long-awaited population report confirms the open market will be retained but changes will be made to limit multiple occupancy properties.

And, in a controversial move, the Population Policy Group also wants to limit to five years the amount of time someone can live in a multi-occupancy open market house. After that, they will have to leave the island.

Rules will apply only to new residents and after a date yet to be decided. Current open market tenants will not be forced to leave.

Chief Minister Peter Harwood, pictured, said the proposals aimed to clarify and give 'certainty' to the rules.

• You'll find details of the report in today's Guernsey Press