A fairer social housing model that reflects ability to pay, reduces pressure on working households and builds.
Housing is where economic policy becomes personal.
It shapes:
• whether people can afford to live here
• whether families can plan for the future
• whether businesses can recruit and retain staff
In Jersey, Andium Homes plays a vital role in providing secure, good-quality housing for thousands of Islanders.
But there is a growing question:
Is the way we set rents still working as intended?
The Problem
Andium rents are currently linked to 80% of market rents.
This was designed to:
• ensure financial sustainability
• support investment in housing stock
• and maintain a clear structure within the housing system
But over time, as market rents have risen, the consequences have become clearer:
• Rents have increased significantly, even for those on modest incomes
• Affordability pressures persist, particularly for working households
• The link to the private market has transmitted inflation directly into the social housing system
This creates a tension:
• a system designed to support Islanders but increasingly one influenced by the pressures it is meant to mitigate
A Clear Direction
We need to be clear about two things at once.
First: Andium Homes must remain financially strong and able to invest in housing.
Second: Rents should be fair, predictable, and aligned with Islanders’ ability to pay – not simply with market movements.
The current system does not always strike that balance.
And importantly, Jersey is not limited to a single model.
There are alternative approaches to setting social housing rents – used successfully in other jurisdictions – which are not directly tied to market rent.
These include models based on:
• income
• cost of provision
• or hybrid approaches
The key point is this: we have options – and we should examine them carefully.
The Housing Minister has recently set out the opportunity for the next Government to do this. I recommend we take this opportunity.
Three Practical Mechanisms
1. Revisit the Link to Market Rents
The 80% linkage has become a blunt instrument.
We should:
• review how rents are set
• consider alternative models that reflect income, affordability, and sustainability
• reduce the direct transmission of market volatility into social rents
This is not about choosing a model in advance.
It is about being willing to learn from what works elsewhere and apply it sensibly in Jersey.
2. Introduce Greater Stability and Predictability for Tenants
For many households, uncertainty is as difficult as cost.
We should:
• provide clearer forward guidance on rent changes
• smooth increases over time
• ensure that tenants can plan with confidence
This supports:
• financial stability for families
• and a more sustainable housing system overall
3. Align Housing Policy with the Wider Economy
Housing is not just a social issue.
It is an economic one.
If rents are too high:
• workers struggle to remain in the island
• recruitment becomes harder
• and pressure builds across public services and local businesses
A fairer rent model supports:
• workforce stability
• economic participation
• and long-term resilience
Housing policy should be aligned with these wider goals.
Further Measures
Alongside these core changes, we should also:
• Support continued investment in housing supply, including new developments
• Ensure Andium has access to appropriate long-term financing (linking to the Jersey Bank concept)
• Strengthen the relationship between housing policy and income support systems
• Improve transparency around how rents are set and adjusted
• Align housing strategy with the needs of younger Islanders and key workers
This is about building a system that works over the long term.
Closing
Andium Homes is a success story in many respects.
But no system should remain unchanged if it is no longer delivering as intended.
We are not starting from zero.
Other models exist – and they are working elsewhere.
If we continue as we are:
• affordability pressures will persist
• and the system will become harder to sustain
If we act:
• rents can become fairer and more predictable
• housing can better support the workforce
• and the island can become more stable and resilient
This is the kind of practical reform I will argue for – not rushing to solutions, but being open to better ones.
And I would genuinely welcome your view:
What would make housing feel more affordable and secure for you or your family?
Contact me on bernardplace2026.com or bernardplace2026@gmail.com
