COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN CHRISTCHURCH
TE KAUNIHERA KAUPAPA ORANGA KI OTAUTAHI
Media Release:
19 June 2008
Judicial Review of Council rent rise sought
A judicial review is being sought of Christchurch City Council’s 24% rise in social housing rents.
The Council of Social Services in Christchurch (COSS) says ongoing concerns about what it regards as a seriously flawed
process by Council has caused it to seek the review.
COSS Executive Officer Sharon Torstonson says a letter formally advising of the pending legal process was sent to
Council on Wednesday and proceedings are being finalised for filing in the High Court next week.
“We are extremely concerned that the process appears not to have complied with the Council’s own policies and has failed
to adhere to the procedural requirements of the Local Government Act 2002,” said Sharon Torstonson.
“There is an urgent need to have this clarified and the only sure way to do so is to have the court review it.
“In the meantime we think it would be prudent for the Council to postpone the rent increase and we are calling on it to
do that until the matter is resolved.”
The rent increase is due to take effect from 1 July.
ENDS