Alliance denounces rent spike in Christchurch council housing

Tuesday 1 July 2008

The Alliance Party is supporting the Council of Social Services in its High Court legal challenge to stop massive rent increases for council housing in Christchurch. Alliance Party Housing Spokesperson and Wigram candidate Tom Dowie says the Minister of Local Government should be stepping in and demanding that the Christchurch City Council hold off with the rent rises until the High Court has made a determination.

"This 24% rent hike is outrageous and will result in hardship at a time of rising living costs."

Mr Dowie says affordable housing for those on low and fixed incomes is a basic requirement in a civilized society. "Most people using this housing can go nowhere cheaper if they find it too expensive."

He says it is the role of the Government to ensure unelected officials within local bodies are acting in the interest of local residents, as housing policy in this case seemed to be being fronted by bureaucrats rather than elected councillors. Mr Dowie says the Alliance in Government would ensure that local government has an obligation to protect local citizens right to healthy affordable housing.

ENDS

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