Government only part way there on housing affordability

The OECD’s April economic survey indicates that the Government must do more if New Zealand is once again going to make home ownership affordable, according to former MP and Kiwi Party finance spokesperson Gordon Copeland.

“The OECD point out that regulatory restraints on the supply of land and a different way of charging for infrastructure development must also be addressed if the goal of home ownership is to become a reality for kiwi families”, said Copeland.

“Both of these issues feature in the Kiwi Party’s housing policy but have yet to be addressed by the National led Government.

“National’s Phil Heatley worked with me to initiate the Commerce Committee Inquiry into Home Affordability in 2008 when he was in the opposition", continued Copeland, "but has done nothing to address these issues now that as the Minister of Housing he is in a position to do so. That’s inexcusable and the OECD is right to bring these issues to his attention.

“That’s assuming of course that National are sincere in wanting to bring home ownership back within the reach of young families. If so, after two and a half years in office, Minister, it is time to act!

“The Kiwi Party also believes that the increase in GST from 12.5% to 15% on the cost of buying a section and building a house is very unhelpful for those seeking to get a foothold on the property ladder, which is why we would refund 50% of that GST to couples in that situation”, concluded Copeland.

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