13 May 2009 Media Statement
Council commitment to social housing provides more certainty

Dunedin South Labour MP Clare Curran today welcomed reports of the Dunedin City Council decision to retain $1 million within its social housing budget while it considers a wider social housing strategy.

“This decision provides some ongoing certainty for the almost 1000 tenants in Council housing across the city, most of whom are on fixed incomes and are vulnerable to rent increases and other cost of living increases,” Clare Curran said.

“This is important, particularly at this time, when New Zealand and Dunedin face a recession and economic hardship for an increasing number of families and individuals on fixed incomes.

“It’s heartening to know that our Council takes its role seriously in delivering social housing and I look forward to discussion around the social housing strategy for our city..

“The inability of tenants to pay rent increases emerged as an important issue last year while I was campaigning for the seat of Dunedin South. I have committed to the people of Dunedin South that I will continue to pay close attention to it.

“Many of these tenants are the most vulnerable members of our community.”

ENDS

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