Thousands across the region qualify for the Accommodation Supplement – a non-taxable benefit to help pay for rent, board or the costs of owning a home. Accessible Properties general manager Vicki McLaren said, in her view, the accommodation supplement invested money in the wrong place. "It is only a partial subsidy and not intended to cover all of a recipient's housing costs." "We know there are regions and cities where housing demand has grown fast, resulting in rising rents, acute housing shortages and housing deprivation." Other ways MSD helped with housing included assessing public housing eligibility, and support with private rental costs, such as bonds, rent in advance or rent arrears.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 27, 2021 18:00 UTC