Social housing desperately needed in capital

The Wellington City Council must ensure the central city doesn’t become a place where only the wealthy can afford to live by ensuring the amount of social housing isn’t reduced by the redevelopment of Arlington Apartments, Labour’s MP for Wellington Central Grant Robertson says.

“The redevelopment will create modern, flexible housing. The Council can hold its head high over the way it has handled the upgrade of its social housing following a $270 million funding agreement with the former Labour government.

“The Council is looking at a range of options for the site including working with other social housing providers and building a mixed development with some affordable housing available for purchase.

“However, there is still a huge need for social housing in the central city and the Council must ensure any loss of bed numbers is minimised.

“Many of the residents need to live in the city to be close to work opportunities, health services and social networks.

“Arlington Apartments residents need to know there will be no change in their circumstances for at least a year. I will personally be making sure they are included in all discussions about the future of the complex and will continue to push for quality social housing in the central city.

“While the Council does a great job with its social housing, Housing New Zealand is falling well behind in the capital.

“Two years after it was evacuated, the Gordon Wilson block on The Terrace lies empty, leaving a shortage of 130 beds. Other Housing New Zealand properties in the central city are being run down.

“The Government is failing in its responsibilities to provide social housing in Wellington and is letting down the capital’s most vulnerable citizens,” Grant Robertson says.

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