Housing needs

Nelson deputy mayor Judene Edgar mentions the elderly and those on fixed incomes in her article on Nelson’s housing needs ( Nelson Mail, September 18). There is no recognition that the enormous rate rises she voted for in the Nelson City Council’s 10-year plan – which will be increased with each yearly annual plan – are creating costs that are simply unsustainable for these very people. Much of the planned spending is non-essential, and we know from previous years that during the annual plan process, money for essential infrastructure has been diverted to the nice-tohaves.

If the deputy mayor wants the support of the elderly and those on fixed incomes, perhaps she needs to consider how the council can make it possible for these people to remain in their homes rather than being rated out of them.

Dan McGuire

Nelson, September 21