Tuesday, 20 May 2014

Consultation opens on social housing proposal

Christchurch City Council’s public consultation on the restructuring of its social housing service opens tomorrow.

The Council is currently re-evaluating how it provides its social housing service, considering options that would allow it greater flexibility in the future ownership, management and development of its social housing portfolio.

The Council’s preferred option is aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of the portfolio, while also acting as a catalyst for the provision of additional social and affordable housing units in the city.

Housing Committee Chair Glenn Livingstone says the consultation is an opportunity for residents to have their voices heard and influence the Council’s final decision.

“The Council is the second-largest landlord in New Zealand, with a proud history in providing social housing dating back to 1938.

“The decision we make later this year will have a bearing on many people in our community, potentially for many years to come.

“This consultation is a chance for the Christchurch community to step forward and be part of the decision-making process,” he says.

Public consultation on the Council’s proposal opens on Wednesday, 21 May, and closes at 5pm Thursday, 26 June 2014. Public hearings for those submitters who wish to be heard will be held during July 2014.

Key components of the Council’s proposal:

• Establish as a limited liability company an entity, in which the Council will have an interest of up to 49 per cent, that will be eligible for registration as a community housing provider under the provisions of the Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters (Community Housing Provider) Regulations 2014

• Initially subscribe for all the shares in the new company and appoint the first board of directors

• Lease to the entity an appropriate mix of social housing assets

• Gift or sell to the entity certain assets from the Council’s social housing portfolio

• Transfer the ownership or control of some of the Council’s social housing portfolio to either an entity in which the Council has an interest of up to 49 per cent, or to a third party

• Enter into arrangements with the Council’s City Housing partners and others for the redevelopment of some of the land currently used for social housing.

Submissions on the Council’s proposal can be made a number of ways:

• Through the Council’s website: www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay
• By email: housingsubmission@ccc.govt.nz
(Please make sure your full name and address is included with your submission)
• In writing to:

Freepost 178 (no stamp required)
Social Housing Proposal
Christchurch City Council
PO Box 73016
Christchurch 8154

The Council will be holding the following community drop-in sessions for people to speak to staff and make submissions:

Further information about the Council’s social housing proposal and the consultation process will be available online from tomorrow: www.ccc.govt.nz/socialhousing

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