PCC to Consult on Future Ownership of Its Social Housing

At its meeting this week, Porirua City Council voted to consult with the public on the possible sale of its social housing.

Known as Moana Court , the 24 bedsits and two one-bedroom flats are located in Titahi Bay . Built in the 1970s, they are currently used for pensioner housing.

"There are two main concerns driving the Council's decision to consider the future ownership of Moana Court ," says Western Ward Councillor Ken Douglas.

"First, the Council is concerned that Moana Court residents deserve better social service support than they can get from a Council that is not set up with that expertise.

"Second, that the residents should be able to live in comfort and safety – but at around $25,000 each, the cost of upgrading the 26 flats to meet those standards is too high for the Council, especially at a time when we are having to consider making cuts to core Council services."
"The flats are getting old and were not designed to modern standards, making them less suitable for the elderly or people with mobility problems," he says.
"For example, the showers in these flats are positioned over baths, which makes it difficult for residents to have a shower easily and safely."

"There may be other agencies set up to deliver social housing and social service support who could take over ownership of the flats and get funding to pay for upgrade costs from sources the Council doesn't have access to," Councillor Douglas says.

"So, the Council wants to consult with the public to find out if city residents want the Council to remain a social housing provider or not."

A Statement of Proposal will be consulted upon as part of the Council's Draft Long Term Plan consultation process.

The Statement proposes to sell or lease Moana Court , with the proviso that the new owner or leasee is a social service provider and that the properties remain as social housing.

"We are very aware that the Moana Court flats are the homes of 26 people and recognise that this consultation will cause anxiety among many of them.

"I want to assure them and the wider community, that the residents' needs and concerns remain uppermost in the minds of Council decision-makers and staff, and that we have made a commitment to the residents that we will keep them well-informed of developments throughout the process."

ENDS

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