Leaky homes bill to progress
A bill requiring Government and local authorities to chip in for leaky home repairs has been approved by a select committee and will now go back to Parliament for a second reading.
A bill requiring Government and local authorities to chip in for leaky home repairs has been approved by a select committee and will now go back to Parliament for a second reading.
The previous Labour Government held an inquiry into leaky homes that concluded the problems were caused by shoddy materials, poor building and inadequate inspection procedures.
Under the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill, the Government and local authorities would each contribute 25 percent of agreed repair costs.
However, that would only apply to local authorities which were the consenting authority and agreed to participate in the proposed scheme.
Building owners would pay the remaining 50 or 75 percent of repair costs and eligible owners would have to apply within five years of the assistance measures becoming operational.
Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson today welcomed the select committee's report which made several changes around definitions, assessment and other areas.
"The financial assistance package will ensure more time and money is spent on repairing leaky homes instead of disputing the problem," Mr Williamson said.
He urged homeowners nearing the 10-year limit on lodging claims to do so quickly.
"Assuming the claim is eligible, they may choose to use the financial assistance package when it becomes operational," Mr Williamson said.
NZPA
Tue, 26 Apr 2011
Tue, 26 Apr 2011
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Leaky homes bill to progress
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