Guernsey in 'real need' of more one bedroom social housing properties

The Guernsey Housing Association was set up in 2002 and has built nearly 1,000 social housing properties. Credit: ITV Channel TV

275 people are currently waiting for permanent accommodation in Guernsey.

The figure has been revealed in an ITV News investigation, which also found that 50 homes are either empty or under renovation and 72 are under-occupied.

Guernsey's Director of Housing, Lynne McLagan, says the island is in "real need" of more social housing properties.

The States Housing Department works with the Guernsey Housing Association to match people on the waiting list with the right sized home.

Emma David and her daughter Ivy had to move into emergency housing during the pandemic. They have now moved into a permanent social housing property after being on the waiting list for five months.

Emma David says the service was a "lifeline" for them. Credit: ITV Channel TV

During the pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of people needing social housing properties. The States and the Guernsey Housing Association are working to acquire more land and build more homes to meet the rising demand.

  • WATCH Marina Jenkins' report here...