Housing Corp. replies: What of the future?

Press, 15 July 1987, Page 17

Housing Corp. replies: What of the future?

In Residence

by

Sarah Sands

Guidelines on the Housing Corporation’s present policies, and possible future actions, are offered in the over-view and response section of “Women’s Views on Housing.” The corporation acknowledges that access to housing after a marriage or relationship breakdown is particularly stressful. It says that present policies may have to be revised to counter this problem.

“Schemes such as equity sharing and the various forms of co-opera-tive housing which are under investigation are considered suitable for the marriage breakdown situation.” Similarly, equity sharing is suggested as an option for single women.

“Following a successful pilot project last year, the corporation will this year expand its equity sharing budget to $2O million.

“The scheme is intended for people who do not normally qualify for subsidised finance — these include previous home owners and families on incomes above the current guidelines of $450 gross a week.

"Also included for the first time are single people, aged over 35. This reccognises that some people choose a single life style, and should not be penalised for this. “As part of its regular research activity the corporation is also investigating the housing needs of single people in terms of access to finance, social, and demographic change, and tenure choice.”

The corporation makes it clear that anyone is eligible to apply for rental housing but may be

refused acceptance because of property owned within the previous five years.

“The policy is flexible, and the individual situation should be assessed by a housing officer before acceptance or refusal. The corporation will review the necessity for a five-year rule, given that assets and income should be taken into account by the points system.” The corporation believes that some of the problems experienced by those making submissions could be solved if people were better informed about the corporation’s activities and criteria.

Suggestions for the future include a greater spread of information about the corporation through the media, pamphlets, and other publications; and greater liaison between the corporation and departments such as Maori Affairs, Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. The corporation concludes; “The information gained, and the actions taken as a result of this exercise will benefit all those for whom housing is an issue. This process represents a significant step in attempting to identify and to meet the housing needs of women as a heterogeneous group. “It does not provide a solution, but neither does it signal the end of concern about the housing needs of women.”