Cuts to housing benefit

This week, the campaign in support of section 16 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 being amended so that bedroom tax arrears are treated as an ordinary debt in law, and not as rent arrears which would constitute grounds or evidence for eviction, has gained momentum. 

It is apparent that the bedroom tax is not workable and will increase the public deficit not decrease it. I took part in a community meeting organising against the Bedroom Tax and shared outrage with what is proposed in a debate with other councillors at Glasgow City Council.

The change in the housing legislation is vital to help tenants affected by the UK Coalition Government's controversial cuts to housing benefit stay in their homes in Scotland.

We have ensure that the so-called 'Bedroom Tax' can't be used as grounds for eviction by social landlords like local councils or housing associations. UK Government changes to housing benefit mean that, from April 2013, tenants who are judged to have a 'spare room' will face a massive 14% cut in the support they get to keep a roof over their heads. Those with two 'spare rooms' will face a 25% cut. On average, you will lose £14-£25 a week.

As well as the bedroom tax, there is also another change to benefits which will affect everyone in social housing who claims benefits and is of working age.

From October 2013, anyone making new claims for benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Tax Credits and Housing Benefit, will receive one four weekly payment to cover all of these benefits, rather than getting them separately. This means that tenants will have to take responsibility for paying your rent directly to their landlord from this single payment.

This will be a major change for people who are used to having rent paid direct to the landlord via the Department of Work and Pensions. It is acknowledged that some tenants may struggle to prioritise essential payments such as rent and may be worried about rent arrears.

The introduction of the bedroom tax brings about the the prospect of tens of thousands of low income households in Scotland being threatened with homelessness unless they can find extra money for rent, and many families being pushed further into poverty.

The Scottish Parliament has devolved powers which could be used to significantly mitigate the adverse impact of these changes to housing benefit, and support for section 16 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. 

We can help to ensure that tenants do not have to face the pain, suffering and indignity of being evicted from their home because of the bedroom tax. 

Useful Link:

Bedroom Tax Petition - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/GettingInvolved/Petitions/bedroomtax