Post by dinky on Apr 29, 2013 6:34:39 GMT 7
FINDING a home to rent is almost impossible for those who rely solely on government welfare, an Anglicare report shows.
The Rental Affordability Snapshot report, based on a survey of 56,414 properties nationwide, shows less than 1 per cent were suitable for people on Newstart allowances, parenting payments and aged or disability support pensions.
An affordable rental was defined as one that takes up less than 30 per cent of the household's income.
Less than 1 per cent of rental properties nationally were affordable and had enough bedrooms for single parents with children receiving government benefits, irrespective of pension or allowances.
Only 8.5 per cent of listed rentals were suitable for a family of four where both parents earned minimum wages and 2.1 per cent of properties were suitable for couples living on the aged pension.
Brisbane and Hobart were the only two capital cities with rentals suitable for people on Newstart or Youth Allowance, with 3 per cent of listings suitable in Hobart and 1 per cent in Brisbane
Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers said the results were shocking and called on the Federal Government to increase allowances by $50 a week and index them.
''Every year we release these distressing figures in the hope to unearth the broad-based social and political will to ensure a supply of secure and adequate housing,'' she said.
''But it seems Australia is instead building more inequity, social division and economic inefficiency into the way we live together.
''This is a shameful reflection on a country that performs exceptionally well in measures of wellbeing compared to other OECD countries.''
Ms Chambers called on the Federal Government to immediately increase allowances by $50 a week and index them in line with average weekly earnings.
She has urged the government to investigate the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Rent Assistance and would like it to target the latest round of the National Rental Affordability Scheme to ease the pressure at the lower end of the private rental market.
She also wants the government to investigate legislation and regulations constraining investment and growth in the housing market.
Anglicare SA chief executive officer, Reverend Peter Sandeman, said the results painted a grim picture of those less fortunate in society.
''We know that when people have secure and affordable housing they are able to move from surviving to thriving, and that's the best outcome for everyone in the community.''
After sleeping in hotels and caravan parks for more than a year and couch-surfing for a few months at a friend's house, Adelaide's Keryn Ronay, 38, of Seacombe Gardens, received housing assistance through Outer Southern Homelessness Services and Anglicare.
"Through the work that Anglicare have done with us and the close work of support workers, not only have I just recently gained employment in the mental health industry but two of my children have gained work," she said.
Ms Ronay said she applied for many rental properties before receiving assistance but said she was overlooked because of her children and because she was on benefits.
''The stigma we faced for being a single parent with teenagers and also being on being Centrelink benefits was difficult,'' she said.
www.couriermail.com.au/realestate/renting/rental-affordability-report-shows-welfare-recipients-struggle-to-find-accommodation/story-fndbodwg-1226631103643