Quote: Originally posted by Tigermouse on 01/11/2015
I'm not sure if it applies to private rented property but if you live in a council house and claim housing benefit and/or council tax benefit that benefit is reduced by a certain percentage according to how many bedrooms are unoccupied, eg a single person in a 3-bed house will have their benefit reduced because two bedrooms are unoccupied. If you don't claim benefit and pay full rent yourself then the 'bedroom tax' doesn't apply.
It's really just a round about way of making people move into smaller properties - councils can't actually kick you out but by applying the 'bedroom tax' they make it difficult for those on low incomes to pay - and if you get into arrears you end up being forced to move into a smaller property anyway. Either that or you become homeless.
Yes, it only affects people in social housing who claim housing benefit. The amount deducted is 14% of housing benefit entitlement for one spare bedroom and 25% for two spare bedrooms. People over pension age aren't affected.
Private rents are already regulated because housing benefit is capped by the local housing allowance (based on the lowest 30% of market rents in your area) for the number of bedrooms you're entitled to, according to the size of your family.
It has been singularly ineffective at reducing under-occupation, mainly because in a lot of areas there aren't smaller properties for people to move into.
Quote: Originally posted by fran1000 on 02/11/2015
It has been singularly ineffective at reducing under-occupation, mainly because in a lot of areas there aren't smaller properties for people to move into.
Does it allow for tenants to rent the 'extra' room?
------------- Ollie
2016
Monplaisir - Provence
Camping Les Gorges du Loup
Quote: Originally posted by OliverDay on 02/11/2015
Thanks Tigermouse.
So with the original post, now that granddaughter is earning can't she contribute to keep her bedroom for when she returns from leave?
I don't see why not. Her mum will still have to pay the bedroom tax as the room isn't continually occupied, but there would be nothing to stop granddaughter giving her mum some cash to cover, or partially cover, the amount.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
Quote: Originally posted by Tigermouse on 02/11/2015
Quote: Originally posted by OliverDay on 02/11/2015Thanks Tigermouse.
So with the original post, now that granddaughter is earning can't she contribute to keep her bedroom for when she returns from leave?
I don't see why not. Her mum will still have to pay the bedroom tax as the room isn't continually occupied, but there would be nothing to stop granddaughter giving her mum some cash to cover, or partially cover, the amount.
My sentiments exactly, but atmo communication is difficult with stroppy 23 year old as they are not allowed their phones except Sundays. I think this is going to be a case of me mediating and negotiating cos those two will finish up rowing. There is an exemption for service personnel who retain a room at their parents address and this is what daughter is disputing as DDC has
charged her. However it could happen that daughter's salary will be now taken into account when calculating benefit so it could finish up being half a dozen of one or 6 of the other with the end result being similar.
Mick
Quote: Originally posted by Tigermouse on 02/11/2015
Quote: Originally posted by OliverDay on 02/11/2015Thanks Tigermouse.
So with the original post, now that granddaughter is earning can't she contribute to keep her bedroom for when she returns from leave?
I don't see why not. Her mum will still have to pay the bedroom tax as the room isn't continually occupied, but there would be nothing to stop granddaughter giving her mum some cash to cover, or partially cover, the amount.
My sentiments exactly, but atmo communication is difficult with stroppy 23 year old as they are not allowed their phones except Sundays. I think this is going to be a case of me mediating and negotiating cos those two will finish up rowing. There is an exemption for service personnel who retain a room at their parents address and this is what daughter is disputing as DDC has
charged her. However it could happen that granddaughter's salary will be now taken into account when calculating benefit so it could finish up being half a dozen of one or 6 of the other with the end result being similar.
Mick