NEARLY 1,300 low income families in north Warrington could be hit by a proposed “bedroom tax” according to MP Helen Jones.
She says households could face a cut in housing benefit under the proposals – if they are seen to be “under-
occupying” their homes.
The Warrington North MP (pictured) said: “Families caught out by this unfair cut face paying an additional £524 every year just to stay in their homes.”
Ms Jones said the proposals were part of the Government’s Welfare Reform Bill.
In her constituency, 1,295 low income households would be affected.
She said: “The Tory-led Government’s plans for a bedroom tax will hurt families that can least afford it.
“Many of those who will be affected are doing the right thing and working hard to provide for their families but this Government is once again targeting the working poor for cuts.
“According to figures from the National Housing Federation there are 180,000 social tenants in England who are ‘under-occupying’ two-bed homes under the Government’s criteria.
“However, what the Government ignores is that there are only approximately 68,230 one-bed social homes available for letting.
“The real issue is that there are too few affordable homes and in particular one and two bedroom properties.
“The House of Lords voted to change the Bill so that it targets the real issue of people living in homes that are far too big for what they need. However, the Government is set on scrapping this amendment and reinstating the rule that will hurt low income families in Warrington North.
“When you take this cut and add it to the planned cuts to Council Tax Benefit of between 13 per cent and 25 per cent for people of working age it is clear that this Government is trying to balance the books on the backs of the poor.
“I have been challenging the Government on its plans for Council Tax Benefit in Parliament and will continue to fight to stop people on low incomes from facing the brunt of these unfair cuts.”
Anger over bedroom tax plan
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
2 Comments
More to the point, Mrs Jones, why am I as a taxpayer forking out benefits for someone else to have the luxury of a spare bedroom – when if I want such luxuries I have to pay for them myself????? These people don’t necessarily need to move into “social” housing if there is a shortage – most housing benefit recipients are already renting homes from private landlords – but it’s perfectly reasonable to expect them to move into the cheapest size of property and cheapest area of the borough which meets they’re basic needs if they’re expecting someone else to pick up the tab. Benefits should provide a BASIC safety net, they should NEVER provide luxuries or become a comfortable lifestyle choice. Otherwise, where’s the incentive to stop being a burden on the rest of us?????
What a simplistic and mealy-mouthed response ! You overlook the fact that the working poor are taxpayers like yourself. Anyway, is a spare bedroom really a luxury ? Many people living in small accommodation are divorced or separated and need extra space for family visits.