DWP quash rumours that Bedroom Tax will change
- 25 Feb
Following reports that Iain Duncan Smith has asked officials to reassess how the bedroom tax will affect disabled people, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially said there will be no alterations.
The rumours of change follow big concerns voiced by charities and campaigners that the cut to benefits will negatively impact those with disabilities.
The bedroom tax is going to be introduced as a way to remove an average of £14 from those who receive housing benefits, but have a spare room in their house.
There have been many complaints that there are few exemptions to this tax, and one group of people that will suffer is disabled people; charities have expressed concern that disabled people who are unable to share a bedroom with their partner, or have over night carers, will be negatively penalised by the introduction of the reduction in benefits.
The government estimates disabled people make up 420,000 of the 660,000 households hit by the policy.
The DWP press office has voiced their official word on the rumours via Twitter, that there will be 'no change in spare bedroom policy', and that it will be introduced as normal from April and monitored.
This has also been confirmed by a spokesperson, who says they will monitor the impacts of the policy but have no plans to change it.
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Responding to the DWP Consultation: Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing "Found the seminar very informative and gave an interesting and full insight into current thinking about the consultation. Michael was a very engaging and knowledgeable presenter and encouraged interaction with the audience which led to further relevant points being shared with the room. I shall certinaly look out for future events!" M.E. - Care Housing Association
