Download the Submission to the Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill (PDF, 147KB).
The Salvation Army has consistently engaged with the Government on its Social Housing Reform agenda and in relation to the social housing landscape in New Zealand.
We have submitted previously to this Committee on the Social Housing Reform Bill and supported the policy direction offered in the Social Housing Reform Bill earlier this year.
The Salvation Army supports this Bill in principle. However, the issue of exclusive administration by the Minister is of significant concern to The Salvation Army. As the Bill currently stands, the Minister will be given exclusive power to engage in the transfer, sale, or lease of Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC) properties.
As with most wide discretionary powers, it is important to ensure there are suitable and efficient protections in place so that Ministers do not abuse these powers.