Rip-off rents are affecting mental health
TO THE estate agents who commented on the front page of the Guernsey Press (Tuesday 17 March) that rents are not high in Guernsey, I suggest you read medical officer of health Dr Stephen Bridgman's latest report.
Quote: 'The number of islanders stressed and worried about housing conditions and affordability has increased from 8% in 2008 to 13% in 2013'.
Unfortunately, Dr Bridgman's report did not make front-page headlines.
So what are our overpaid deputies doing to alleviate this major problem? My guess is nothing.
Dr Bridgman has called for cross-government action to help improve the levels of mental health and wellbeing among islanders.
I don't believe Guernsey deputies have the commitment or care enough to support the recommendations.
My wife and I are lucky to have a decent and fair landlord. Sadly, these are few and far between.
The rip-off landlords are not just in the private sector, they also include the States Housing Authority and the Guernsey Housing Association. Then, of course, you've got Social Security funding these extortionate rents for people on benefits.
I wonder how many deputies have properties they rent out.
Is it any wonder many local people are leaving the island because of the housing situation? Is it any wonder there are so many suffering with stress-related illness?
PAT FERBRACHE,
Longstore,
St Peter Port.
