5 May 2005

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Coalition strategy on housing good; Progressive wants more

The coalition government's housing strategy of initiatives, released today, contains excellent steps to help Kiwis into their first homes and the Progressive Party is campaigning in this year's election to do even more for low income families, says MP Matt Robson.

"There are a number of very good programmes that the Progressive Party is proud that our government is implementing, not least of which is Kiwibank's expanding work to help people into their own homes.

"In September's election, the Progressive Party's policy strengthens the Labour-Progressive strategy released today.

"Where we want more progress is for those who can't afford to save and therefore won't benefit from savings schemes, as welcome as savings schemes are," the Progressive MP said.

Details on the Progressive Party's 2005 housing policy, which proposes that families be able to capitalise Family Support to create a deposit for their own home, can be found at:

http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1361

Housing Minister Hon. Steve Maharey announced today that Budget 2005 includes a modest package of home ownership initiatives, including an already signalled expansion of the existing Mortgage Insurance Scheme and the exploration of innovative home ownership programmes including deposit assistance linked to a work-based savings scheme, education programmes to support sound decision-making and sustainable home ownership.

ENDS

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