Trafford Housing Trust urges tenants to act now on upcoming ‘Bedroom Tax’ (From Messenger Newspapers)

Trust urges tenants to act now on upcoming ‘Bedroom Tax’

12:00pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News

TRAFFORD Housing Trust is urging social housing tenants to act now to ensure they are prepared for major changes to housing benefit payments.

As part of this year’s sweeping welfare reforms, Under Occupancy Deductions – dubbed the ‘Bedroom Tax’ – will be introduced in April.

Following the change, social housing tenants with one spare bedroom will see a deduction in their housing benefit of around 14 per cent, with the reduction rising to around 25 per cent for two spare bedrooms.

The trust has calculated that the Bedroom Tax will affect 1282 of its customers, with housing benefit deductions averaging between £13 and £24.

It is calculated that 32 per cent of social housing tenants will be affected by the change across the UK.

Matthew Gardiner, chief executive of Trafford Housing Trust, said: “The Bedroom Tax is going to affect a huge number of social housing tenants across Trafford – and time is running out for tenants to make the necessary changes to minimise the impact on their housing benefit payments.

"Customers affected need to make provision to pay the shortfall, or they can avoid the deductions by moving to a smaller property or taking in a lodger, but this needs to be progressed now to have a chance of being completed in time for April.”

As well as the impact on housing benefit payments, the trust has also raised concerns about the social impact of the Bedroom Tax. Matthew continued: “I have concerns about the impact of the Bedroom Tax on families – particularly parents who only see children occasionally but still keep a bedroom for them.”

The trust is urging any customers who think they might be affected by the Bedroom Tax to contact their Money Support Team on 0300 777 7777 or visit www.traffordhousingtrust.co.uk/welfarereform.