Guardian News
Trust vows to help people in homes benefit trap
10:40am Wednesday 8th February 2012
A HOUSING association is offering help to hard-up families thinking about downsizing ahead of major cuts to housing benefit.
From April 2013, tenants will only be entitled to claim housing benefit for the number of bedrooms they are deemed to require.
Tenants thought to be under-occupying by one bedroom stand to lose up to 15 per cent of their housing benefit.
And families may be penalised for under-occupying even when a bedroom in the home is in regular use, for example, separated parents will have to pay for keeping a spare room for when their children visit.
Children under the age of 15 and of the same sex would be expected to share a bedroom as will children under nine, regardless of sex.
Those considered to have two or more spare bedrooms will lose up to 25 per cent of their benefit. The changes will only apply to working-age tenants, not pensioners.
It is estimated more than 300 tenants in Winsford and Northwich will be affected by the legislation, with cuts averaging around £19 a week.
However, Weaver Vale Housing Trust says it wants its tenants to be prepared for the changes and is offering a helping hand to tenants find the most affordable housing for them.
Sue Donovan, re-housing manager for the Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: "We know that some of our tenants are occupying large family homes which may have become expensive and difficult to maintain. We also recognise that there are many reasons why they put off the idea of moving to something smaller.
“We want to offer practical and financial support, tailored to the individuals needs to make the transfer process more attractive and ultimately help improve the quality of life of our customers."
Weaver Vale Housing Trust has already expressed its concern about the cuts to housing benefit and, last year, marched on Downing Street to present a petition calling for a rethink on the changes.
•Will you be affected by the changes to housing benefit? If so, contact reporter Katie Durose on 01606 813620