“The new States will make things better”

Monday 03 November 2014

The new States Chamber has a chance to make a real difference to Islanders’ lives according to Chief Minister Ian Gorst.

States Members are due to be sworn in today, and the poll-topping Senator – who is the only nominee for Chief Minister – says that the new “Class of 2014” could make a positive change for the Island.

He says that there is a real chance to create more affordable housing, a key issue in the recent election campaign, given recent decisions on rezoning and the £250 million housing loan scheme.

Senator Gorst said that the new States, and particularly the new Members, had the chance to make real changes over the next three and a half years.

He said: “I am very optimistic about it. They are all really positive about wanting to get involved and wanting to deliver, so I am optimistic.

“If you look at what people said during the election campaign about where their political allegiances were, or where they were on the political spectrum, a lot of those returned said they were centre, or centre-right.

“I am very positive, but we must use that mandate with care and take people with us and we have to build consensus.”

And he hinted that the deposit loan scheme could be making a return as part of a package of measures aimed to improve access to affordable homes.

Senator Gorst said: “We will see good progress now that we have that foundation. It is so fundamental.

“If people cannot feel that they have a home, they do not feel they have a future, and if they do not feel that they have a future they do not take a full role in the community in which they live.”