'Unfair' housing rules defended

The law is to prevent islanders being priced out of the housing market

Jersey's housing qualification laws have been defended by a States deputy and a parish constable.

St Clement Constable Len Norman and St Mary Deputy Daniel Wimberley were responding to claims they are unfair to people wanting to move to Jersey.

Currently anyone born outside Jersey must have lived in the island for 11 years before they are eligible to buy.

Mr Norman and Mr Wimberley said it was "right" and "acceptable" for the States to favour people born in Jersey.

The rules were introduced in the 1960s after house prices began rising steeply when people emigrated to the island.

The accusation that the rules are "unfair" were made on BBC Radio Jersey's Talkback programme at the weekend.

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