"The Government continues to push policies that will hurt the poor, with Housing Minister Phil Twyford all but admitting today that tenants will pay higher rents as a result of his 'Healthy Homes' red tape”, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

In response to an oral question from Mr Seymour, Twyford admitted that landlords aren’t making excessive profits.

"If that is the case, it means they can’t absorb the additional costs of his proposed ‘Healthy Homes Standards’ and must pass them on in the form of higher rents.

"NZIER’s analysis of the new standards says landlords 'may face costs up to around $10,000' and that these are more likely to be passed on in the main cities where rental supply is tight.

"Twyford also admitted that low income tenants have been hurt by rent increases, but was ‘unapologetic’ about the additional red tape and costs.

"Poorer Kiwis Auckland and Wellington who are already struggling are going to be suckerpunched by even higher rents.

"This Government is systematically attacking the people who voted for it. Politicians who misunderstand economics are kneecapping their own constituency.

"A higher minimum wage and the removal of 90-day trials will kill jobs and wage growth. Regressive petrol taxes are hitting the poorest hardest. Bullying Partnership Schools back into the state sector will provide fewer opportunities for Māori and Pasifika.

"If Phil Twyford wants to create a renters market he must reform the vandalous Resource Management Act. That would free up land, create a building boom, and bring down housing costs."

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