Some young renters are choosing between paying rent or eating dinner, says the territory's peak youth affairs organisation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Youth Coalition of the ACT is calling for increased rental support for young people already on government allowances, stating that many are struggling to compete in the private market.
In a submission to the ACT government for the 2012-13 budget, the coalition outlined the need for a 30 per cent increase in rental assistance for youth on Newstart allowance or youth allowance, stating that 40 per cent of renters who receive Commonwealth rental assistance are in housing stress.
''Housing stress for a young person means having to forego living close to shops, schools and public transport,'' the submission stated. ''It could also mean forgoing other items such as food.'' Commonwealth rental assistance is capped at the rate of inflation, but the coalition stated that low vacancy rates in the ACT had driven rents up at a faster pace.