**Forward Guernsey Urges P&R to Accelerate Review of Relocation Grants Amid Rental Price Concerns**
**GUERNSEY** – Pressure group Forward Guernsey has called on the Policy & Resources Committee (P&R) to expedite its review of the island’s relocation grants, warning that the current allowance system is exacerbating pressure on Guernsey’s already stretched rental market.
The group highlighted concerns that while relocation grants are intended to attract essential talent to the island, they may inadvertently be contributing to rising rental costs and reducing housing affordability for existing residents.
“We believe a thorough and swift review of these grants is crucial,” stated a spokesperson for Forward Guernsey. “The current allowance structure is clearly putting additional pressure on rental prices, making it harder for local residents, especially those on lower and middle incomes, to find affordable housing. P&R needs to act with urgency to ensure these grants serve their intended purpose without creating unintended negative consequences for our community.”
Guernsey has faced a persistent housing crisis in recent years, characterised by high demand, limited supply, and rapidly increasing rental prices. Forward Guernsey’s intervention suggests that the current structure of relocation grants might be contributing to this by increasing competition for available rental properties, particularly at the mid-to-lower end of the market.
P&R, as the island’s leading committee, is responsible for strategic policy direction and financial management. While they have acknowledged the broader housing challenges, Forward Guernsey is urging them to prioritise this specific aspect of the issue. The group is advocating for a re-evaluation of the grant amounts, eligibility criteria, or potential mechanisms to mitigate their impact on the rental sector.
The call for a faster review underscores the urgency felt by some segments of the community regarding housing affordability. It remains to be seen how quickly P&R will respond to the plea and what adjustments, if any, will be proposed for the relocation grant system.
