HOUSING chiefs at Warrington are forecasting a big increase in homelessness for families arising from the so-called “bedroom tax.”
More families living in social housing are likely to be evicted because they are unable to find alternative smaller housing or be able to pay the additional rent arising from the housing benefit cut.
Warrington has 1,850 social tenants affected by the “bedroom tax”, according to the borough council’s housing services department in a letter to Fairfield and Howley ward councillors.
They say the tenants will lose between 14 and 25 per cent of their housing benefit.
As a result the council faces a substantial shortage of two bedroomed accommodation.
Housing services say the council has identified a house in Marsh Street as a potentially suitable property to acquire as it has been empty for some months and is now up for sale.
It will shortly be classed as a “long term empty property” and reduce the council’s New Homes Bonus by £6,000 over six years.
In 2010, the council provided the homeowner an interest free loan to bring the property up to standard.
This loan will have to be repaid to the council once the property is sold and the funding will be recycled to provide financial support for vulnerable homeowners to improve their home.
In the short term, the council would use the property as temporary accommodation for families likely to be affected by the austerity and welfare reform measures being implemented by the government.
Rebel Labour councillor Kevin Bennett – one of the Fairfield and Howley ward councillors – has welcomed the suggestions put forward – although he says it would be “just a tiny sticking plaster on the gaping wound of overcrowding and homelessness.”
Cllr Bennett recently called on the council to adopt a policy of not evicting anyone who was unable to pay their rent as a result of the “bedroom tax.”
He said: “What we need is a housing strategy to provide enough decent, affordable council homes in the borough and to work with tenants’ organisations and unions to draw it up.
“I have arranged a meeting with Golden Gates Housing to discuss this issue and I hope that the council will follow my lead.”
HOUSING chiefs at Warrington are forecasting a big increase in
homelessness for families arising from the so-called "bedroom tax."
Housing chiefs fear rise in homeless
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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.
