58759 (2025). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction

58759 (2025). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: In light of reports of parents with disabled children spiralling into debt due to high utility costs and landlords refusing to remedy heating issues, what, if any, direction has the Minister given to ensure children are not left in cold, unhealthy homes because their families cannot secure adequate support?

Hon Louise Upston: The Ministry of Social Development has a range of products that can help people to meet their essential costs. Work and Income may be able to help with an urgent power, gas or water bill, heating costs or water tank refill if someone is unable to pay. If people have extra power, gas or heating costs because of their disability or health condition, Work and Income may be able to help them pay this as part of a Disability Allowance. I encourage anyone finding it difficult to meet their essential living costs to call the Work and Income Contact Centre on 0800 559 009 to receive advice about any assistance they may be eligible for. Landlords have obligations under the healthy homes standards. The standards set minimum heating requirements for rental properties. Tenants can seek advice from Tenancy Services (MBIE) and take a complaint to the Tenancy Tribunal if they consider that their rental property does not meet the healthy homes standards.