Modular housing for homeless people and additional government-funded rental housing are among new spending initiatives in the B.C. NDP government91裸聊视频檚 first financial plan.
Finance Minister Carole James presented the budget update Monday, with $291 million over two years to build and operate 2,000 modular housing units for homeless people, with round-the-clock staffing and support services.
Another $208 million goes towards construction costs for 1,700 new rental housing units, to be targeted for lower-income families and seniors. Those units are in addition to previous B.C. programs, with buildings operated by non-profit societies and operation funded by rents.
James outlined B.C.91裸聊视频檚 continued strong economic performance, much of it driven by booming construction and taxes from increasing employment in urban areas. Even with $1.8 billion in additional ministry spending over the next three years, the budget forecasts surpluses of more than $200 million each year.
91裸聊视频淗ousing starts do not solve the affordability crisis that we91裸聊视频檙e facing,91裸聊视频� James said, describing the new measures as a first step toward a comprehensive affordable housing and poverty plan.
B.C.91裸聊视频檚 Residential Tenancy Branch is getting $7 million more to reduce what James called 91裸聊视频渁 crisis91裸聊视频� in rent dispute backlogs that has increased as rental markets have tightened. The money funds 30 more positions for handling claims and investigating landlords and tenants who are 91裸聊视频渞epeat offenders,91裸聊视频� she said.
The budget also introduces the $100-a-month increase in social assistance rates, to take effect with assistance cheques that are delivered later this month. The cost is estimated at $472 million over three years to increase the rate for 190,000 people, bringing the monthly rate up to $710 for a single employable person and $1,133 per month for someone on disability assistance.
Allowable earnings for assistance recipients are also increased by $200, bringing the total to $600 a month earned without deduction.
