There is clear proof today from the Council of Christian
Social Services that the Government's housing policies are
hurting most low-income New Zealanders, says National's
Housing spokesperson, David Carter.
"The Poverty Indicator
Project, which surveys foodbank applicants, shows that
income-related rents have done nothing to help the bulk of
needy New Zealanders - those in private rental
accommodation.
The report's findings that 'the majority of
those (foodbank applicants) renting do so in the private
market' and that 'a significant proportion of respondents
are spending more than 50% of their income towards meeting
their housing costs' makes a mockery of the Government's
policies on housing.
It also makes a mockery of Charles
Waldegrave's statement this month that the income-related
rents policy has 'moved many families out of poverty'
because it shows that many state house tenants who have
received rent reductions are still needing foodbank
services.
"Put simply, this Government is failing to
deliver fairly on housing, and low-income New Zealanders are
suffering as a result," David Carter said.
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