The Cessnock rental market for the unemployed is bleak, recent research has shown.
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Research undertaken by Samaritans last month has shown that out of more than 180 available rental properties in the Cessnock area, none were found to be affordable and appropriate for single parents on parenting payments, people with a disability, single aged people or young people on youth allowance.
The research was undertaken by analysing the number of rental properties advertised on April 5, 2014 and assessing affordability (30 per cent of weekly income on rent) and appropriateness (accessibility, number of bedrooms).
Samaritans research representative Julia Woods said she is disappointed at the statistics around affordable housing in the region.
“What we’re seeing is that the most vulnerable in Cessnock – those without work, those who are aging and those raising children on their own – simply cannot afford the rent,” Ms. Woods said.
“Affordable housing comes down to how much weekly income people spend on rent, and all of the available rentals in the Cessnock area simply cost low-income-earners too much of their income – leaving too little for other expenses such as food, transport, medicine and the like.
“Samaritans too-often sees people coming to us for emergency relief assistance because they’ve spent so much of their income on rent they can’t afford to put food on the table or pay their electricity bill.”
Samaritans, along with the wider Anglicare Australia network, is recommending five policy suggestions that would assist in alleviating the significant housing disadvantage:
* Housing stock that matches our changing population needs.
* A tax system that makes affordable housing more available.
* Government to work in partnership with the sector.
* Recognising income inadequacy as a barrier to secure housing and meaningful social participation.
* Stability for investors in housing supply for those living on the margins of society.