Bennett: Why we are reforming social housing
Why we are reforming social housing
Alastair
New Zealand’s social housing system is not working well enough for those most in need.
Currently, just under 5000 people are on the register for social housing. They are waiting because available stock is not in the right area, is not of the right size or configuration, or because – without the right support around them – families can end up stuck in the state housing system for too long, locking others out of the opportunity. That’s simply not good enough.
So we want to make changes in five key areas to deliver better social housing for families in need:
1. We’ll support more New Zealanders in need with housing that meets their needs, and increase the number of social housing places.
2. We’ll help more social housing tenants to independence to make sure that available housing is being provided to those who are most in need.
3. We’ll ensure that properties used for social housing are the right size, the right configuration, and are in the right place.
4. We’ll increase affordable housing supply, particularly in Auckland, by redeveloping suitable land for affordable private housing.
5. We’ll encourage more diverse ownership of social housing by inviting iwi and community housing providers to purchase some state homes, helping them grow and increasing the supply of social housing. These homes will have to remain as social houses and existing tenants will continue to be housed for the duration of their need.
While Labour and the Greens are focused on playing politics, we’re focused on getting the best results for tenants and delivering value for hardworking New Zealand taxpayers.
You can read more about our changes here.
Hon Paula Bennett