Following a recent Government report, the Liberal Democrats now want the bedroom tax abolished but replaced another scheme which penalises those with too many bedrooms.
The Evaluation of Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy: Interim report showed that, of those affected by the bedroom tax, only 4.5 per cent (one in 20) have been able to move to smaller properties. The report also highlighted concerns about disabled people affected by the tax.
The Lib Dems, who voted for the adoption of the bedroom tax, now want it scrapped and replaced by a scheme where:
- new tenants in the social rented sector would receive housing benefit based on the number of rooms they need.
- those already in the social rented sector would only see a reduction in benefit if they are offered a suitable smaller home and, crucially, turn it down.
- disabled adults would be exempt from any reduction.
For more information go to http://www.libdems.org.uk/lib_dems_commit_to_spare_room_subsidy_reform
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