The latest official figures reveal that the size of the resident population grew by 500 in 2005 to stand at 88,200, up from 87,700.
Economic Development Minister Philip Ozouf revealed that he was today meeting Housing Minister Terry Le Main and Environment Minister Freddie Cohen to discuss how to accommodate any further increases in the population.
Senator Ozouf said it appeared that new residents establishing finance businesses – including hedge funds – and others in e-commerce had contributed to the growth in the population.
The Senator said that the figures confirmed indications of a pick-up in the economy but the States had to be aware of the consequences of any actions taken that would lead to further increases in the size of the resident population.
But doubt has been cast on whether or not the Island’s public services will be able to cope if the population continues to increase at such a high rate, especially as over 350 of the new permanent residents are aged 15 or under.
