External board directors sought for new Housing Agency

The unpaid roles will oversee its delivery and set the strategic direction

Government is looking to hire external board directors for its new Housing Agency.

It's being established within the Department of Infrastructure.

The purpose of the agency is said to be to accelerate the construction of affordable homes and to improve access to housing.

It will take over the DOI's social housing and affordable housing schemes.

Income from them will be ringfenced to help support future projects, while funding will also come from developers in lieu of building affordable homes themselves.

It will only manage government-owned social housing and will not manage local authority stock.

Initially it was meant to be an arms-length association, but those plans were shelved in favour of a new government-led agency.

It's after the minister, Michelle Haywood, raised concerns about the recommendations in the Altair report, saying they lacked clarity on key operational issues such as accommodation costs, office location and access to central government services.

The DOI is now advertising for unpaid external advisory board members for the Housing Agency.

They'll help shape its strategic direction and ensure it aligns with government priorities.

Dr Haywood says housing remains a key issue for the Island and the directors will ensure government delivers on its policies.

Staff already employed in the DOI will run the agency so there'll be no extra cost to the taxpayer.

The positions for the board members will be advertised on the Public Service Careers website.