16 January 2026
The Minister for Housing has today published an update on progress made in supporting
Islanders who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless: R-3-2026.pdf.
In his report, Deputy Sam Mézec outlines actions taken by the Government to deliver
the Jersey Homelessness Strategy, and he identifies areas of focus for the coming years.
The report highlights major steps in creating a more co-ordinated and responsive approach to
homelessness, including the following key achievements:
- Understanding homelessness: The publication of a formal definition of
homelessness has been published to inform policy and service delivery.
- Better evidence: Regular data collection and reporting now provide a
more accurate picture of homelessness in Jersey.
- Housing Advice Service: A dedicated Housing Advice Service offers a single point of
contact for Islanders seeking housing support.
- Accommodation and support: More accommodation and support options have been
introduced to provide a safety net for those in urgent need.
- Increasing housing supply: The delivery of over 1,000 new homes, and ongoing supply
of more than 500 homes by Andium Homes and other social housing providers.
- Widening eligibility: Changes to the Affordable Housing Gateway, ensuring priority
for homelessness applications, including the recently announced policy
change reducing the age of eligibility for social housing from 25 to 18.
- Improving protections for tenants: The new Residential Tenancy Law will improve
security of tenure, ensure fair grounds for possession and notice periods, and introduce
rent stabilisation, helping to prevent eviction, a leading cause of homelessness.
Looking ahead, the Minister also sets out priorities for the next phase of policy development.
This will focus on preventing homelessness, early intervention and strengthening collaboration
between government agencies, homelessness charities and social housing providers.
Deputy Sam Mézec said: “Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a joined-up approach
across Government and the community. Every Islander deserves a safe and secure home, and
this report shows that we are making real progress – improving our understanding of
homelessness, expanding accommodation and support options, and improving co-ordination
through the work of the Homelessness Cluster.”
The report also outlines work undertaken during this political term to lay strong foundations for
advancing homelessness legislation, which remains the Minister’s long-term goal.
Deputy Mézec added: “Legislation offers clear benefits, and it remains an important goal
for government. Our focus now is on ensuring that services are robust, responsive and well-co-ordinated so that legislation can be effective and deliver a lasting impact."
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