Monday 01 March 2021
The British-Irish Council (BIC) Collaborative Spatial Planning (CSP) and Housing work sectors, hosted by the Northern Ireland Executive, held a joint Ministerial meeting last week via a virtual format. In this meeting, the States of Guernsey was represented by Deputy Victoria Oliver, President of the Development & Planning Authority.
The CSP and Housing work sectors are two groups which have historically proved to be constructive forums for evidence exchange and practical collaboration. The meeting offered opportunity to discuss work which had been undertaken recently as well as considering how these two work sectors can continue to enable BIC Member Administrations to work together on the key areas of planning and housing, particularly in the context of the impact of COVID-19.
Deputy Oliver commented:
"This Ministerial meeting focussed on the work of the Collaborative Spatial Planning and Housing work sectors of the British-Irish Council, which has great relevance for Guernsey.
"Political leaders at Ministerial level from all the BIC administrations were able to reflect on and endorse the valuable work, for example a joint publication on creating an inclusive future vision for our ageing populations and a review of innovative policy interventions to increase housing supply. Ministers also considered and endorsed the forward work plans for both the Collaborative Spatial Planning and Housing work sectors over the next three years.
"I was proud to represent Guernsey at this Ministerial meeting and I am looking forward to seeing the work that will be undertaken by these two important work sectors in the near future, which will relate closely to some key themes that our own government is already actively pursuing. The work already undertaken by the British-Irish Council and that which is proposed is practical and can offer some effective solutions which will assist Guernsey."
