Housing licence ruling criticised

A business leader has criticised a States decision not to allow 300 new housing licences a year in Guernsey.

Deputies rejected the plan in a move to stabilise the population at 60,000.

But the decision angered Peter Budwin, Confederation of Guernsey Industry director, who is concerned it implies the island is "closed for business".

"I don't know how we are going to look at diversifying the economy and how we are going to attract new businesses to the island," he told BBC News.

'Responsibility to locals'

"The big problem that I perceive is that our competitors are going to pick up on this and put a spin on this that Guernsey is closed for business."

He said licences would help bring more workers to the island, and the decision would make it difficult to implement business growth goals outlined in the island's business plan.

"I don't think we can function as efficiently as we could do with additional people," he said.

The States has said they have a responsibility to see that locals are considered first for jobs.

Guernsey has about 1,100 guest workers, mainly working in retail, farming and hospitality, who have been given housing licences in the island.