Wednesday, 18 October 2017

The management of around 14,000 social housing properties in NSW will be transferred from the NSW Government to nine community housing providers (CHPs), unlocking up to $1 billion in Commonwealth Rent Assistance over 20 years.

Under the Social Housing Management Transfers program, the NSW Government will transfer the management of many Davidson electorate properties in the Northern Beaches Council and Ku-ring-gai Council areas to Bridge Housing Limited and Link Housing Limited respectively.

Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward said the move will mean better outcomes for people living in social housing.

Ms Goward said, “Community housing tenants are eligible to receive Commonwealth Rental Assistance, so by transferring management to CHPs, we can vastly improve the experience of people living in social housing.

“This additional assistance will contribute to the maintenance, upkeep and provision of services to tenants.”

Mr O’Dea congratulated Bridge Housing and Link Housing on being selected as the local CHPs.

“We look forward to seeing both CHPs make the social housing system more sustainable, diverse and dynamic. Residents who live in social housing properties, already managed by CHPs, report very high levels of satisfaction with the services they receive,” Mr O’Dea said.

“Tenants impacted by the changes in the Davidson electorate will be fully informed as the management of their tenancy is transferred. Day to day tenants shouldn’t notice a difference,” Mr O’Dea said.

The NSW Government will maintain ownership of all properties subject to management transfers and will lease them to the successful CHPs to provide social housing.

Tenants will remain in their homes and retain all of their tenancy rights. Information sessions will also held to give tenants an opportunity to meet staff from Bridge Housing, Link Housing and FACS and ask any questions they may have about the transfer.