Public housing tenants in Dubbo and across NSW are getting the chance to declare undisclosed income, financial assets, property and unauthorised occupants without penalty until June 11.
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A seven-week amnesty announced by state Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward also allows for the public to contact the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) with allegations about tenants who “will have a chance to respond to these claims”.
“We want all of our FACS Housing and Aboriginal Housing Office tenants to have the opportunity to declare a change in their circumstances without the fear of prosecution,” Ms Goward said on Monday. “And that is why from today tenants can declare any changes to their income, and they won’t be prosecuted or charged back rent.”
Public housing tenants pay rent based on the “total household’s income and assets”. “If they do not declare their income, assets or additional people living in their home, then they are not paying the correct rent,” the minister said.
Ms Goward said an amnesty in 2014 drew more than 10,000 calls and 600 online forms or emails from tenants declaring undisclosed income, assets and property. Two previous amnesties had generated more than $10 million in additional rent, she said. “We’ve actually seen a significant increase in the annual rent paid as a result of two previous amnesties and that means we can reinvest in social housing and deliver better quality services to more people,” the minister said.
Tenants or members of the public can provide declarations or information anonymously by filling out a form at www.facs.nsw.gov.au/amnesty, calling 1800 422 322 or emailing amnesty2017@facs.nsw.gov.au.
