Local MP calls for housing solutions

Manukau East Electorate MP Ross Robertson says he is being inundated by people seeking help with their accommodation needs.

“The time it’s taking to either get into a Housing New Zealand property or transfer to a larger HNZ home is becoming increasingly more difficult.

“We have families living in sheds, we have families living in homes severely overcrowded with up to ten people living in a two-bedroom unit,” said Ross Robertson.

Figures show that since 1 January 2009 to 1 April 2010 there have been only 65 newly acquired properties in the Otara, Papatoetoe, Otahuhu areas in the 16 month period. *

“As at 31 May 2010 there were 482 applicants on the waiting list waiting with A (severe housing need) or B (significant housing need) priority. The need is great but the numbers of properties doesn’t seem to be matching that need,” he said.

“The cost to New Zealand and the local community is large, with flow on effects such as children missing schooling due to ill health, increases to domestic violence, disorderly behaviour as the stress of larger numbers of people living in such cramped conditions takes it toll.

“We are seeing a growing demand in the numbers of desperate people out there who are starting to feel the effects of the recession on the economy. Not enough has been done to create jobs, stem the growing number of unemployed people in Manukau and help people feel safe and secure in their homes,” said Ross Robertson.

ENDS

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