Plans for Wellington s $400m social housing shortfall delayed until after Budget Day
11 May, 2021 05:00 PM
4 minutes to read
City Housing will be insolvent by June 2023 if nothing changes. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Wellington issues reporter, NZ Heraldgeorgina.campbell@nzme.co.nz
Wellington City Council has delayed publicising options to plug its social housing arm s $400 million shortfall until after the Government has announced Budget 2021.
City Housing, which has 1927 properties and 3500 tenants, is forecast to be insolvent by June 2023.
The council is discussing options with the Government including immediate access to the Income Related Rent Subsidy (IRRS) scheme, establishing a community housing provider, and funding capital costs through the Crown s Infrastructure Funding and Financing tool.
A Capital Letter: Wellington council social housing arm will be insolvent by 2023
27 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
5 minutes to read
Wellington City. Photo / Mark Mitchell
OPINION:
Senior Wellington journalist Georgina Campbell s fortnightly column looks closely at issues in the capital. Wellington City Council s social housing arm will be insolvent by June 2023 if nothing changes- a reality that calls into question whether the council should be a provider at all.
The council has 1927 properties across the city, housing about 3500 tenants. It is one of the largest social housing providers in New Zealand and it s in trouble.
City Housing s annual operating deficit is forecast to be $8.7 million in the first year of the council s draft Long Term Plan and is set to increase further over the ensuing decade.
Wellington s whopping 14pc rates rise; $2.7b for water woes
Aro Street was flooded following a recent pipe explosion. Photo / NZ Herald
Wellington s whopping 14pc rates rise; $2.7b for water woes Thu, 11 Feb 2021, 3:36PM
Wellington s mayor is introducing the most challenging budget he s ever seen, with the proposition of a 14 per cent rates increase for the city.
The capital is facing a myriad of cost pressures including ageing water pipes, insurance hikes, seismic issues, transport plans, and its social housing portfolio.
They come on top of the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.
But arguably one of the most high profile and pressing issues is the city s water woes.