Housing affordability and mental health

Media release

Monday, 18 June 2007

Housing affordability – yet another challenge for mental health system users

The Mental Health Commission says people with mental illness and/or addictions are at growing risk as housing affordability issues cause greater hardship.

Despite steadily improving support services for those with mental illness and/or addictions, they were still more likely to be financially disadvantaged than other groups, making home ownership an increasingly forlorn hope, says Chair Commissioner Ruth Harrison.

The Commission last week made a submission to the parliamentary inquiry on housing affordability, being run by the commerce select committee.

Ruth Harrison said today that the key determinants of good health are income, employment and housing.

``People with mental illness and/or addictions are likely to be struggling on all fronts, making the road to well-being longer and much more challenging.

``The Government recognised in its New Zealand Housing Strategy that stable housing arrangements brought about an increased feeling of independence, and a sense of belonging and participation.

``These factors are very important to those who are on a pathway to recovery from mental illness and/or addictions.

``Many mental health services’ users are on a benefit and they are coming under huge financial pressure as rentals and the cost of finance continues to rise.

``In our submission to the select committee we support innovative and sustainable solutions to the housing challenge facing low-income groups.

``For instance, we suggest there is merit in having a minimum guaranteed ‘safety net’ level of support, which could be at least 25 to 30 per cent of home ownership costs.

``The housing affordability issue is complex, and is linked to the social security of our families and the stability of our society.

``While it raises enormous difficulties for all low-income New Zealand families, it really disadvantages those with mental health issues,’’ Ruth Harrison said.

ENDS

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