Tighten eligibility for social housing

National will tighten eligibility for social housing and reform financial support to close the gap between private renters and those in state homes, Housing Minister Chris Bishop said on May 21.

Bishop said the changes would make the system fairer and ensure social housing is targeted at those who are most in need and help curb long-term dependence on the state.

“The system is also expensive and our stock is not being used efficiently. Over the past decade, total housing support spending has more than doubled to $5.5 billion, while the social housing waitlist has grown approximately six-fold.

“Social housing is a high-cost intervention and should be targeted to those who need it most. Modelling shows that if 10% more tenants exit after five years, around 6000 more vacancies could open up over a decade.”