22 October 2004

Salvation Army welcomes home ownership move

The Salvation Army is applauding government steps to boost home ownership but says there is no single quick fix solution.

Major Campbell Roberts, national director of The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, said a mix of policies was needed to help low and middle income families into their own homes.

His comments follow news that the Government is looking at ways to help families into their own homes as part of next year’s Budget.

“It isn’t a matter of pulling one big lever to get people into home ownership. We need the right mix of policies to assist people. This means considering individual family circumstances and having available a range of mechanisms that will enable home ownership to be achieved.” Major Roberts said home ownership was a vital factor in helping people out of the poverty cycle.

“Research shows that people are best helped out of poverty through the creation of assets.”

Major Roberts urged the Government to consult closely with agencies such as The Salvation Army who are at the coalface in dealing with housing problems in lower income groups.

ENDS

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