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Over 70 tenants in Andium accommodation have so far received grants for carpets following the adoption of a proposition earlier this year.
Progress has also been made on an ongoing review of flooring in social housing, a backbencher’s written question has revealed.
Reform Jersey's Deputy Rob Ward spent several months campaigning for the provision of carpets in social housing after it was found that 114 of the worst-off islanders were in debt for loans to pay for flooring.
Social Security Minister Elaine Millar explained at the time that Andium provides homes on an unfurnished basis to save tenants from paying a security deposit to replace or renew damaged goods.
However, local charities raised concerns that hard-hit families were living on concrete and carpet gripper – and vulnerable people were being drawn further into debt.
In June, Deputy Ward lodged a proposition, which the States Assembly supported, that meant tenants moving into Andium accommodation between July and December received non-repayable grants – as opposed to loans – to pay for carpets in new rentals.
Pictured: Deputy Rob Ward previously said that Andium tenants were being drawn "further and further into debt" by loan payments to furnish their homes.
A related proposal to terminate outstanding loan payments for carpets was rejected – but Deputy Millar agreed to work with social housing providers to review their policy relating to the provision of flooring as standard in all properties and reuse carpets after cleaning.
In a response to Deputy Ward's written question this week, Deputy Millar has now revealed that 72 Andium tenants have benefited from the proposition and received grants to support the cost of carpets so far.
She continued: "Officers have met with or spoken to all social housing providers to inform the ongoing review of flooring in social housing properties.
"Further discussions are currently taking place with the providers prior to the finalisation of the review."
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