Even though there were almost 380,000 households living in
Commonwealth State Housing Agreement (CSHA) funded housing in
2007-08, there were still many waiting for assistance, according to
three reports released today by the Australian Institute of Health
and Welfare (AIHW).
The three reports, Public rental housing 2007-08, Community
housing 2007-08 and State owned and managed Indigenous housing
2007-08, show that social housing helps and gives priority to those
most in need, for example people who are homeless or whose life and
safety are at risk in their accommodation.
'About 51% of new public rental housing, 71% of community
housing and 31% of state owned and managed Indigenous housing
(SOMIH) allocations, were made to those in greatest need,' said
Kate Mallen of the AIHW's Housing Assistance Unit.
'With occupancy rates at more than 97%, housing continues to be
in high demand', Ms Mallen said. 'In 2007-08 there were over
331,000 households in public rental housing, 35,000 in community
housing and 12,000 in SOMIH'.
The reduced rent paid in social housing, improves affordability
for low income households who cannot otherwise afford appropriate
private rental accommodation.
On average, households in mainstream and Indigenous-specific
public housing paid about $110 per week less than the market rent
for their dwelling.
In community housing, households on average retained 74% of
their income after rental costs.
Targeted assistance was provided to those who find it difficult
for their needs to be met in the private rental market, including
Indigenous and disability households.
Of the 35,000 households newly allocated to CSHA-funded social
housing during the year, almost one-fifth were Indigenous
households.
Public rental housing and SOMIH are owned and managed by State
Housing Authorities while CSHA-funded community housing is managed
by non-profit community-based organisations such as local
government, religious or charity groups.
Wednesday 28 January 2009
Further information: Ms Kate Mallen, tel. (02)
6244 1107 or mob. 0437 679 732.
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. (02) 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications area
for the availability of:
Public
rental housing 2007-08,
Community
housing 2007-08, and
State
owned and managed Indigenous housing 2007-08.