Housing Bill Progresses

A bill attempting to free up land for house building made progress in Parliament today.

The second reading of the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Bill was completed by 63 to 57 with National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in favour.

Housing Minister Nick Smith said the bill was a critical part of the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing especially in the Auckland areas which had become ``ridiculously’’ bogged down.

Labour’s Phil Twyford said it had become much more difficult for first time buyers to purchase homes and the bill was timid and would fail to help solve the problem.

The House rose at 6pm after debate on the housing bill was interrupted.

Earlier the Inquiries Bill completed its third reading on a voice vote.

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