Hon Jim Anderton

MP for Wigram
Progressive Leader

13 April 2008 Media Statement

Christchurch council should think again on rent increases

Christchurch City is behaving unconscionably with unfair rent rises for the city’s most vulnerable tenants, local Wigram MP Jim Anderton says.

Today he released his own background research on the issue and called on the council to think again, and at least take a fresh look at phasing in increases over two to three years. The Council should also design a safety net for those tenants who don’t qualify for an Accommodation Supplement from government agencies.

“There is no evidence the council gave adequate thought to phasing increases at a pace to which people could adjust. There simply isn’t enough evidence that the size of the rent increases is justified. And it doesn’t look like they are being applied fairly,” Jim Anderton said.

“A sudden, across-the-board increase in rents of 24 per cent is brutal. It should not happen unless every alternative is explored. But the council has given no indication it tried in any way to protect the tenants from the impact of such a significant rent increase.

“The increases will apply to some of the most vulnerable citizens of Christchurch. A fifth to a quarter of the tenants in council’s social housing have some kind of disability. People who already have mental disabilities are being placed under unconscionable stress.

“I call on the Christchurch City Council to be strong enough to care for its citizens. And I call on Christchurch residents to hold the councillors to account for their actions if they do not change their policy.”

ENDS

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