States housing: Under fire for lack of play space

The investigation into childcare services also says the laws which prohibit housing equality, mean both children and adults living in substandard accommodation are often forced onto the streets.

The Bull report says Jersey's housing laws are not only restrictive, but are also responsible for the plight of many struggling to either pay huge rents or mortgages.

Residents in a number of social housing settings lamented the lack of safe play space for children.

Behavioural difficulties

They also a criticised the growing levels of disturbance on some estates because people are reluctant to get involved.

The Bull report says housing status is one of the triggers for anti-social behaviour and can cause emotional and behavioural difficulties in children.

Deputy Terry Le Main, housing president, said he understood the pressures on those living in the unqualified sector.

He was working on a housing and residential control policy which should improve matters.

But he said housing was not to blame.

He said: "There are lots of families that just allow their children to run riot, causing problems to the 95% that are good tenants."