Jersey's Andium Homes announces rent freeze for 2021

Many tenants would have seen their rents rise by 2.5% in January. Credit: ITV Channel TV

A one-off rent freeze has been confirmed in Jersey for islanders living in Andium Homes' social housing.

Under the government's formula for calculating rent increases for social housing, many islanders would have seen their rents rise by 2.5% from 1 January. However, they will now be deferred for 2021.

The decision has been reached after an agreement between the company's board, Treasury Minister Deputy Susie Pinel and the island's Minister for Children and Housing, Senator Sam Mézec.

Senator Mézec said it was a struggle to get the Treasury to agree to the freeze.

He says many islanders have faced difficulties because of the pandemic - and warned a "difficult winter" may be on the horizon.

Senator Mézec also said he is working towards social housing rent reform and introducing a system to stabilise rents.