Support for pensioner changes
25 March 2015Proposed changes to Waipa District Council's pensioner housing policy have been largely supported by the public.
Late last year the Council advised it was considering a modest rental increase on its pensioner housing units to help cover operating costs and provide more money for its pensioner housing service. It proposed removing of the 75 per cent market rent cap - meaning tenants would pay full market rent for their units. For most tenants, this would mean an increase of less than $10 per week as most would be eligible for an accommodation supplement from the government.
The Council also proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for pensioner housing, although no changes would affect existing tenants. The changes would see the age of eligibility increase from 60 to 65. Tenants would be able to own more assets and other income sources would be limited to 10 per cent of regular superannuation payments.
Key council staff, Mayor Jim Mylchreest and some elected councillors met with existing tenants to discuss the proposed changes before Christmas. Feedback was sought from the wider Waipa community during February and early March.
In total, 44 submissions were received on the proposals. Most (72 per cent) agreed with the proposed rental increase. Most submitters (88 per cent) also agreed with the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria.
A decision on whether or not to adopt the revised pensioner housing policy, incorporating the proposed changes, will be made by councillors in late April.
Ends
All media enquiries, contact Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of council) 027 507 7599