Guernsey's housing licence system criticised

Mr Coates has described the licence system as a "lottery"

Economic progress in Guernsey is being hindered by the island's system of housing licenses, according to a businessman.

Derek Coates, who owns Blue Island Airways and a health supplement website, claimed the matter is one of the biggest issues facing the island.

Housing licences, needed to work in Guernsey, are currently for a fixed period, usually five years.

In November, Housing Minister Dave Jones defended the system.

Mr Jones was responding to the Hunt report into Guernsey's banking industry, which suggested the licence system might need to change.

He said his department was already on the case, but he did not foresee changes being necessary.

But Mr Coates said the current process is a lottery which makes it harder for businesses to grow.

When housing licences expire, they are not normally renewed.