LESS than two per cent of rental properties in Griffith are affordable for low income earners, a study has revealed.
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Anglicare’s annual Rental Affordability Snapshot surveyed 50 properties advertised for rent in the Griffith region on Saturday, April 11.
The properties were tested for affordability (up to 30 per cent of disposable income) and appropriateness to accommodate the required number of people.
The survey found there was only one affordable and suitable property for a single parent with two children on the Parenting Payment.
It also revealed there was not one flat, townhouse or share accommodation was affordable and appropriate for someone receiving Youth Allowance of Newstart.
Anglicare Riverina general manager Brad Addison said the undersupply of affordable rentals in Griffith was very concerning.
“What we are seeing is young people severely impacted by the lack of suitable housing options across the city,” Mr Addison said.
“Our work with young people shows us that appropriate, secure and affordable housing is the basic foundation for their well-being.”
Mr Addison said something needed to be done to breaking the cycle of disadvantage.
Families on a dual minimum wage had 20 rental options, while single parents earning a minimum wage only had six suitable options.
“Even in light of the changes to the single parent benefits, it’s shocking to find that the majority of full-time low skilled workers cannot afford to live with their family in Griffith,” Mr Addison said.
He said Anglicare Riverina would continue to support people in housing stress and continue campaigning for
- Public and private investment in new affordable housing
- The reinstatement of funding for round five of the National Rental Affordability Scheme to finance the construction of 12,000 new affordable rental dwellings
- An immediate increase to the Commonwealth Rent Assistance to relieve rental stress
- A tax system that makes affordable housing more available
- Partnerships between governments, community organisations and the community sector.