Single Parent Payment cuts hit housing affordability

Australians for Affordable Housing has expressed concern over the ability of low-income single parent families to afford rent and housing costs after being moved from the Parent Payment Single welfare payment to the lower Newstart Allowance.

“It beggars belief that we can be having a national conversation about the inadequacy of Newstart, with politicians lining up to say that it is too low to live on, whilst at the same time we are forcing already vulnerable and disadvantaged families onto that very same payment.” said Joel Pringle, Campaign Manager for Australians for Affordable Housing.

“Parents on Newstart are much more likely to experience housing stress than if they are on the Parent Payment Single welfare payment. The percentage of households in housing stress increases from around 38 per cent for the Parenting Payment (Single) to closer to 65 per cent for households on Newstart. Taking money from people’s incomes makes it harder for them to afford essentials.’ said Joel Pringle

“If the Government is serious about ending intergenerational poverty, they will reverse the decision to target poor children for budget cuts.”

“Today is the National Day of Action for Single Parents. We believe that access to affordable housing is important to the healthy upbringing of the next generation, and the Government’s decision to withdraw families from the Parent Payment Single welfare payment is one which will exacerbate the housing crisis for those families.”

Australians for Affordable Housing is a coalition of national housing, welfare and community sector organisations to highlight the problem of housing affordability in Australia. For more information visit www.housingstressed.org.au

For enquiries, case studies and interviews contact Joel Pringle, 0427 563 989

Follow AAH on Facebook and Twitter: @housingstressed