Martin Daly supports interim RPZ bill and urges urgency
Martin Daly spoke in support of the bill as an important interim measure until the full extension of rent pressure zones next March. He argued the bill offers necessary tenant protection in the interim and welcomed the planned nationwide extension of RPZs while urging careful language about landlords.
Martin Daly said the bill is an important interim measure until the full extension of the RPZs next March and that it was vital tenants were afforded protection in the meantime. He added that ministers had shown concern to avoid a precipice that would leave tenants vulnerable to some landlords.
He welcomed the extension of rent pressure zones to the whole country and described the process as difficult - trying to tread the needle to balance the rights of tenants and landlords while also encouraging private investment into the housing market, most especially in apartments.
Daly said targets were not met last year because of a precipitous fall-off of investment into apartment building. He argued that while the state can carry a significant burden for housing provision, it cannot carry it all and private investment will be needed to meet delivery goals.
He noted the bill is only part of a suite of measures including changes to the planning framework, an extension of the land development agency's remit and the appointment of the chair of the planning commission. He said he expects further measures under a revised housing plan to be introduced by the minister.
Daly urged urgency on housing reform, saying a whole generation of younger people expect action and that failure to deliver would lead to judgment.
Support for interim protection
Martin Daly said the bill is an important interim measure until the full extension of the RPZs next March and that it was vital tenants were afforded protection in the meantime. He added that ministers had shown concern to avoid a precipice that would leave tenants vulnerable to some landlords.
Extension of RPZs and balancing rights
He welcomed the extension of rent pressure zones to the whole country and described the process as difficult - trying to tread the needle to balance the rights of tenants and landlords while also encouraging private investment into the housing market, most especially in apartments.
Investment shortfalls and apartment delivery
Daly said targets were not met last year because of a precipitous fall-off of investment into apartment building. He argued that while the state can carry a significant burden for housing provision, it cannot carry it all and private investment will be needed to meet delivery goals.
Planning framework and agency changes
He noted the bill is only part of a suite of measures including changes to the planning framework, an extension of the land development agency's remit and the appointment of the chair of the planning commission. He said he expects further measures under a revised housing plan to be introduced by the minister.
Urgency for younger generations
Daly urged urgency on housing reform, saying a whole generation of younger people expect action and that failure to deliver would lead to judgment.
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Transcript
I'd just like to support this bill. I think it is an important interim measure until the full extension of the RPZs happen next March. It was very important that there was protection afforded to tenants in the interim. And I think that the ministers have demonstrated their concern that there wouldn't be a precipice and that tenants wouldn't be left vulnerable to some landlords. Not all landlords, and I think we need to be careful of the language that we do use. The extension of the rent pressure zones to the whole country is to be welcomed. I think it was a difficult process trying to tread that needle to balance the rights of tenants and landlords and to encourage private investment into the housing market, most especially into the area of apartments. It's clear that targets that weren't met last year was because of the precipitous fall-off of investment into apartment building. And so the status quo simply wasn't good enough. The state can carry a significant burden in terms of the cost of provision of housing, but it can't carry it all. And we do need private investment. It's also important to note, I suppose, that this is only part of a suite of measures that are coming through in terms of the planning framework, the change of the land development agency's role, an extension of its remit, and also the appointment of the chair of the planning commission. And I'm sure that under the new revised housing plan, that there will be other measures that will be introduced by the minister. It is important that we show urgency in this matter. I think there's a whole generation of younger people who expect it of us. And I think if we don't deliver, then we will be judged accordingly. Thank you. Thank you, Dan.