11 October 2012
Over 2500 Solihull tenants will see a significant cut in housing benefit in April 2013 as a result of the Government's "bedroom tax" [1, appendix B]. Tenants (public or private) will see their housing benefit cut by 14% if they are deemed to be underoccupying a property by one bedroom. Underoccupation by two bedrooms will result in a 25% cut in housing benefit. The number of bedrooms families are entitled to is also being reduced as part of the legislation, forcing more children to share.
Solihull Community Housing have said the changes in legislation will affect 2500 of their tenants [1]. Even more people will be affected in the private-rented sector.
At last night's decision meeting, Councillors called for action to protect the most vulnerable in Solihull against these cuts. Foster carers, disabled people needing a spare bedroom and single parents who have their children visit at weekends have been considered as needing discretionary exemptions from the new legislation. The Council has resolved to lobby Government for discretionary housing payments to be made for these exceptions.
Cllr Chris Williams (Chelmsley Wood), Green Party spokesperson on Housing said:
"The bedroom tax is an attack on the poorest in society by an apparently compassionate Conservative Government. Solihull Council is taking some steps to protect some of the most vulnerable. But the cut in housing benefit will cause major upheaval for over 2500 tenants in our Borough with a major challenge on household budgets or forcing families to move".
[1] http://www.solihull.gov.uk/akssolihull/users/public/admin/kab14.pl?operation=SUBMIT&meet=66&cmte=EDR&grpid=public&arc=71
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