10 October 2008

Retirement Villages Code Discriminatory

The new Retirement Villages Code of Practice is wrong to discriminate against elderly residents who are liable for refurbishment costs if they bought their homes before 25 September 2006, says New Zealand First’s housing spokesperson Pita Paraone.

Mr Paraone’s comments follow this week’s announcement by the Government of a replacement Code of Practice.

“A High Court Judge recommended that all residents should be protected for fair wear and tear refurbishment costs, and it is despicable that not all residents, regardless of when they moved in, will be covered by the new code,” said Mr Paraone.

“We have a duty to protect our seniors in their retirement, many of whom may be vulnerable to some unscrupulous retirement village operators. They have a right to know that their retirement savings will not be swallowed up by unjustified costs.

“Many residents would have sunk their life savings into their retirement homes thinking that they would be safe and comfortable in their twilight years. This Code of Practice will not work if changes are not made to ensure that all residents are protected,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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