Turning bedrooms into bathrooms to avoid bedroom tax?

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• 21 Aug

  Many are already starting to feel the effects of bedroom tax, but there are now new plans to help those struggling by turning spare bedrooms into bathrooms.

  Social landlord Magneta Living who are the largest registered provider of social housing the Wirral are expected to make the changes to initially 200 homes.

  Former Welfare minister Frank Field has welcomed the move saying that: "The bedroom tax is iniquitous and Magenta is clearly undertaking this review with tenants in mind and I think they need to be applauded."

  Brian Simpson, Magenta Living's chief executive, said: "Magenta Living is developing a scheme to relocate poorly insulated prefabricated bathroom units which were fitted many years ago to the rear of some houses into the inside of these homes.

  "The consequence of this work will be that the number of bedrooms will be reduced in these properties." He added: "We have not yet consulted our tenants on the scheme and are not able to comment further at this time."

  The official reason for the conversions are classed as home improvement however the results will help protect people who otherwise would be penalised for being in possession of a spare room.

  Many councils, landlords and housing associations are taking rearguard actions against the bedroom tax, with many exploiting a legal loophole by reclassifying thousands of rooms to reduce the number classed as ‘bedrooms'. Many councils have also adopted a ‘no eviction' approach to people who fall behind on rent payments as a result of bedroom tax. Bolton at Home is the first to employ a ‘no homelessness' policy to help those affected.  

  By Laura Matthews

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