11. RUSSELL FAIRBROTHER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Housing
What reports has he received on the success of the Government’s policy of income-related rents for State house tenants?
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Housing) Link to this
The Labour-led Government introduced income-related rents in November 2000. Income-related rents for State houses have been a major success, lifting tens of thousands of families out of poverty, slashing hospital admissions for diseases that breed in overcrowded houses, and giving kids a better chance to succeed at school.
Russell Fairbrother Link to this
What other reports has the Minister seen expressing support for income-related rents?
Income-related rents have been such a success that even National, which has spent 20 years opposing them, appears now to have flip-flopped and may adopt this core Labour policy, according to its leader, Mr Key; although, of course, we are yet to hear whether National’s housing spokesperson or, indeed, National’s caucus, agrees, or has even been consulted. I suppose imitation is the highest form of flattery.
Pita ParaoneTēnā koe, Madam Speaker. Is the Minister concerned at the increasing percentage of refugee and immigrant families now occupying State housing, notwithstanding New Zealand’s obligations to the United Nations; if not, why not, and can he assure the House that New Zealanders in need are not going without housing as a result?
Housing New Zealand Corporation operates a needs-based programme for appointment to housing vacancies as they come up. All people living in them must be New Zealand residents or citizens.
Lynne PillayWhat reports has the Minister seen about support for increased provision of social housing in west Auckland?
Confused reports! The local MP for the Hobsonville area is vehemently opposed to social housing being built at the former Hobsonville airbase. He has expressed that view in local media as well as at public meetings in west Auckland. It seems that social housing is OK in other people’s electorates, but not in Mr Key’s.