A major shortfall in social housing for single people has been laid bare with data revealing that just 73 allocations were made over three years.
This is despite nearly 600 individuals currently on waiting lists across the island.
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall told Keys that departmental data shows 462 single people are on the waiting list for general needs public sector housing, with a further 126 on the list for sheltered housing.
The figures, which cover 2023 to 2025, show allocations to single people from shared waiting lists stood at 19, 24 and 30 respectively.
However, Mr Crookall acknowledged the data is incomplete, stating: “Some local authorities do not share their data, so we do not hold a complete all Island data set.”
Disparity
Jason Moorhouse, who tabled the question, highlighted the disparity.
He said: “Has the minister any concerns that if we’ve got almost 600 people on the waiting list at the moment who fall into this category of single people, and in the last three years, only 73 from the same category have been given access to this type of accommodation.
“Isn’t there a major, major shortfall in availability?”
Responding, Mr Crookall said: “Yes, I absolutely have concerns.” He added: “There is an absolute shortage of housing. We’re all well aware of that, and there’s work going on to sort that out.”
Rob Callister questioned whether local authorities are legally required to provide data, asking what action is being taken “to bring those local authorities into line” with the minister saying he would check the legal position.
Julie Edge noted that during her time in the housing brief, “the majority of local authorities were collaborating” with voluntary monthly returns.
Mr Crookall said he would look into why that information is no longer being provided.
Mr Moorhouse also raised concerns about the points system, stating single accommodation typically requires 60 to 70 points, leaving many “trapped in the mid 40s level”.
The minister said the system is reviewed regularly to ensure it is “as fair as possible”.