Our housing control laws 'need updating'
EXISTING housing control laws leave the island open for business, but it is time for a new model to be introduced, the principal officer in charge of the system has said.
Esther Ingrouille, who was speaking at this month's Chamber of Commerce lunch, said the current system – in place since after the Second World War – had done its duty to the island, but it was time for it to be updated.
However, until the new system was implemented, the existing one was serving its purpose.
'I think the perception is that the licence is not serving the island. But housing control laws were designed in a different time. This is a 20th century solution to 21st century problems, they are approaching their use-by date and it is ready for the scrap heap.'
Since the new population management regime had been debated in the States, she said, there had been a 'glimpse into the future' which allowed business and individuals to see just what it would look like. But until that system was fully implemented – it is currently slated to come into force at the beginning of 2017 – the existing one would have to suffice.
