A Government proposal to gift barbecues to state housing tenants is being slammed as unfair and short-sighted by ACT Housing spokesman Dr Muriel Newman.

"The idea that gifting barbecues to state house tenants will cut the soaring bill for damage to state houses is utter nonsense.

"This Government's housing policy will create a cruel gap between families. Some low-income families will be lucky enough to get into a state house and be subsidised by taxpayers so they only pay 25 per cent of their income in rent, while others will miss out. Mr Gosche's idea of throwing even more taxpayers money at those lucky enough to be in a state house shows just unfair his policies are.

"I agree with Mr Gosche that Housing New Zealand is a poor landlord. His Government's plan to increase the number of state houses will only make the situation worse.

"If Mr Gosche is serious about cutting the damage bill, he should get out and visit the community projects like the Fanau Centre in Porirua and the Rangatira Trust in Otara - both schemes that his Government does not support - that are restoring pride in their communities and the pride that people take in their homes. He should also be encouraging people into home ownership by supporting the home buy scheme rather than scrapping it," said Muriel Newman.

ENDS

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