A survey has shown a significant minority of occupants are dissatisfied with the maintenance of their council housing in the Clutha District.
The Clutha District Council published the survey results for the region’s community boards’ consideration during their meetings on Wednesday this week, in advance of a community housing review later this year.
The council has 98 occupied units across the district, from which 54 completed surveys were received.
Questioned on satisfaction with the condition and maintenance of both the inside and outside of their unit, 13% said they were dissatisfied.
About 60% were "satisfied", and about 27% "very satisfied".
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan described the the results as "encouraging", but acknowledged more could be done to address some residents’ concerns.
"In an extremely challenging rental environment, I’m proud of the fact council is providing a pressure-release valve for our residents most in need.
"While I acknowledge we should have a greater focus on general maintenance, our number one priority under these market conditions is to continue to provide essential social housing."
He said the council had to balance maintenance demands against rental prices.
"The reality is we’re providing rentals at about 50% of market rates at present.
"In that context, we believe the standard of accommodation we provide is fair and, on balance, that residents would rather have the extra dollars in their pocket to improve their standard of living in other ways."
He said the upcoming review would consider all aspects of community housing in Clutha, including maintenance, rental prices, criteria for occupation, and whether to increase or decrease the council’s stock of units.
