01-12-2008

POLITICAL & REGULATORY REPORT for NOVEMBER 2008

1. News
2. 2008
3. December

Post-election provides an ideal opportunity to help (new) MPs understand the private rental industry and to build upon the electoral commitments given to the rental accommodation sector.

The Federation will seek to hold the Government to its campaign promises including:

• Maintaining the Accommodation Supplement
• Encouraging the supply of decent rental accommodation by balancing the needs of tenants and landlords
• Ensuring it's easy for families and landlords to secure long-term rental agreements and
• Retaining existing tax rules and deduction provisions for rental property owners.

The following table identifies key ministers and portfolios of interest to the Federation. Once all parliamentary positions have been finalised it will be important to send a clear signal of the importance of the sector and its key concerns to the new Government.

Whilst disappointing to not see Phil Heatley continue work with residential rental and landlord issues Maurice Williamson is an experienced Minister and parliamentarian.

On the Opposition benches, the spokespersons include:

• Building & construction - Shane Jones (Labour)
• Housing – George Hawkins (Labour), Sue Bradford (Greens)

As a reminder, the Greens do not have policy that is landlord friendly. For example, they favour introduce a capital gains tax on all but the family home.

Although now no longer in government, Jim Anderton’s party continues to favour a review of the tax advantages for investment property.

Which MPs to Lobby?

The following is a list of electorate MPs that represent the general geographical area covered by Associations. It will be important for Associations’ to get to know and target each member. Meeting each MP and or inviting them to attend Association meetings could be a useful strategy.

Tags: political report