Press Release - Social Housing Policy

Alderney's social housing policy to be changed

Eligibility rules for social housing on Alderney are to be changed pending a review of allocation policies.

Currently, the Alderney Housing Association (AHA) rules allow anyone who has lived on Alderney for five years at any time, not necessarily consecutively, to be considered for social housing.

Policy & Finance Committee were given examples of how people who have left the island to work on the UK mainland could return after a long period of absence to take priority over islanders already on the housing waiting list.

Alderney's social housing is intended to support islanders who cannot afford open market housing, especially younger people in lower-paid occupations or those returning after training, education or a short contract off-island.

P&F recommended a change of eligibility to "anyone who has been resident in Alderney for the last five years or has lived in Alderney for 15 years consecutively at any time." Time away from the island for education or service in the armed forces will be counted as "residence".

The Committee also called for a full review of allocation policies for social housing with AHA which will be brought to the States of Alderney for a decision.

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