25 November 2016

Christchurch state housing sell-off could force families onto the street – union

The Government’s plan to sell 2,500 state homes in Christchurch risks putting working families out on the street, according to trade union representing nearly 3000 working people in Christchurch.

“The Government should be building more homes in Christchurch, not selling them,” said FIRST Union Southern Secretary Paul Watson.

“Every New Zealander deserves a warm, dry and safe home. But the Government’s plan to sell-off affordable state homes means housing will be put out of reach for more and more people in Christchurch.”

“If the new private landlords lift rents some families in state homes are going to be forced out onto the street, just like in the 1990s under the last National Government. Homelessness is already a problem in Christchurch as more and more working families struggle to make ends meet. Rent and mortgage payments are too high for many.”

“When I talk to our members about this, they don’t back the Government. I think Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett is going to face enormous opposition here in Christchurch,” said Watson.

FIRST Union is part of Housing Action Canterbury (HAC) alongside other local community groups taking action for affordable homes. The convenor and interim spokesperson is Rev Sheena Dickson who will speak at the launch of HAC on December 5.

ENDS

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