Rising living costs affect everyone’s rent

IN watching the news on TV, the Salvation Army is shocked to hear of people not using heating in their homes.

I am a pensioner living in the Salvation Army village in Mosgiel. A week before the Government was to give us $20 a week for power, we pensioners and beneficiaries in the 60 units received a letter telling us it is increasing the rent $20 a week.

I spent most of my life helping the Sally Army, collecting money for it, taught Sunday School, etc, and now I find it seems to be out to make money instead of helping.

Are there any other pensioners that got a big rent hike? I don’t get an accommodation supplement because I work one day a week.

I am trying to increase this, but today I have applied for a help out with my rent, as almost half my pension goes in rent.

Unfortunately I do have other bills which I tried to clear before going on the pension. Raylene Collins

Mosgiel [The Salvation Army social housing national director Greg Foster replies:

‘‘The Salvation Army conducts rent reviews at the same time annually. When deciding on whether to increase our rent we consider increases in rates, insurance and the costs of maintaining and repairing the units.

‘‘Last year we chose not to increase our rents, but unfortunately this year we had to make adjustments due to increased costs.

‘‘We are aware that increasing rents put extra pressure on tenants on a fixed income, which is why our rents are significantly discounted and subsidised, and well below market rent.

‘‘In communicating the rent increase to tenants we have asked them to contact us if they have any financial difficulty in paying the increase, and encouraged them to ensure they are receiving their full benefit entitlements through Work and Income New Zealand.

‘‘We have offered Ms Collins support and remain in contact with her about this.’’]