Anglicare recently released its Rental Affordability Snapshot, which surveyed 81 properties advertised for rent in Bega and surrounding towns on April 11 in terms of affordability and appropriateness.

Affordability is measured on whether the rent is up to 30 per cent of disposable income, and appropriateness is if the property can accommodate the required numbers of people. 

The majority of appropriate and affordable houses surveyed were only suitable for a couple with two children on the minimum wage and FTBA, accounting for 56 per cent of properties.

Only seven per cent of houses were found to be appropriate and affordable for a single person on the minimum wage, and only one per cent for a single person on age pension. 

None were suitable for single parents or young, single people on income benefits. 

“What we are seeing is families and single people severely impacted by the lack of suitable housing options across Bega and the wider South Coast area,” Anglicare regional director Simon Bennett, said.

“Our work with people who are homeless or experiencing severe rental stress is that appropriate, secure and affordable housing is the basic foundation for their well-being.

“It’s frightening to find that even in light of the changes to single parent benefits, to encourage single parents to find work, that even a full time low-skilled worker cannot afford to live with their family in Bega and surrounding towns.

“The fact remains that low-paid and particularly part time workers are unable to afford housing in this market and are likely to have the added financial burden of childcare costs as well.”

Not being able to afford to rent a house can have a detrimental effect on mental health, Mental Health Australia has warned in its response to Anglicare’s snapshot. 

“Poor housing and housing stress, together with other life stresses, reduces psychological wellbeing and exacerbates mental illness,” Mental Health Australia Frank Quinlan CEO said.”

“Affordable housing for low income earners is extremely important - safe, stable and secure accommodation is vital to the mental health and wellbeing of people and families living with mental illness.

“The Anglicare Australia report confirms the findings of the 2012 National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention that housing stress along with financial stress, and the stress of unemployment or living with poor health, can be contributing factors to mental illness.

“We know that for many people who are living with mental illness, owning and keeping their home can be harder to achieve compared to the general community – fewer own a home, or are paying off a mortgage, with more people renting or needing housing support.”

Anglicare’s research shows there has been an increase in the number of properties for rent since 2014, but this has not meant an improvement in affordability for people on income support.