WOMEN face a greater risk of housing insecurity as they head into their older years, particularly if they are single.
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New figures from a national social housing survey found 64 per cent of people in social housing were women and two-thirds of people were at least 55.
Affordable housing provider Haven; Home, Safe’s most recent statewide tenant survey from 2014 found 65 per cent of the 355 respondents were female.
More than half of all respondents lived alone and 30 per cent were aged over 55.
Haven; Home, Safe communications and marketing director Sue Masters said such social and economic factors as pay inequalities between women and men, women spending a significant time of their life as a caregiver for children or other family, and unpaid domestic work meant many women were entering their retirement years without financial or housing security.
An Australian parliamentary inquiry reported in 2016 that people who retired without owning a home, particularly single women, were more susceptible to poverty and housing stress.
The report said older women, and those who were single in particular, were more likely to rent than single men or couples.
In a submission to the inquiry, the Australian Institute of Family Studies said women were also more likely to rely entirely on the age pension, exposing them to greater risk of poverty.
The National Foundation for Australian Women said changing circumstances and demographics suggested there would be growing demand for housing support.
But Ms Masters said there was insufficient social housing to meet the region’s demand, for both older women and all demographics.
She said housing policy had not kept pace with the ageing population, and rent assistance was inadequate when it came to helping older people in the private rental market.
A Department of Health and Human Services report from September 2016 found that while nearly 57 per cent of lettings in regional Victoria were affordable – with rent costing no more than 30 per cent of income – this had fallen from nearly 83 per cent in 2002.
But Ms Masters said there was hope that the state government’s Housing for Victorians initiative would help meet demand.
The package includes investment in social and affordable housing, and measures aimed at improving homelessness services.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
