bedroom tax

norfolkshops

What is the problem under consideration? Why is government intervention necessary?
Housing Benefit claimants living in the social rented sector generally have no restrictions placed on the size
of accommodation that they occupy, and the amount of Housing Benefit to which they are entitled. Eligible
rent levels for claimants in the social rented sector are not currently determined by reference to the size of
the claimant’s household, in contrast to the rules that apply in the private rented sector. In the private rented
sector claimants only receive Housing Benefit for accommodation based upon the needs of their household.
In order to contain growing Housing Benefit expenditure; encourage mobility within the social rented sector;
strengthen work-incentives and make better use of available social housing, the Government intends to
introduce size criteria for working-age Housing Benefit claimants living in the social rented sector

BigAunty

Bootsale bargains -

Council tax ratings (if you are referring to the band your property is in) isn't actually based on number of bedrooms. Bands for council tax rates were set many years ago on their valuation at that time so it doesn't really matter how they've changed subsequently.

In other words, on x date on x year, all properties were assessed by surveyors and put in x council tax band and they remain in that band despite the march of time and change in valuation.

norfolkshops

ok can some one give me a corret answer

yes or no

to bedroom tax

private sector or housing asso(like erimus)

BigAunty

norfolkshops wrote: »

ok can some one give me a corret answer

yes or no

to bedroom tax

private sector or housing asso(like erimus)

Yes, there is a planned reduction in housing benefit for social housing tenants of working age tenants from April 2013 that will reduce their HB if they are under-occupying their properties, estimated at approx 15% for one unused bedroom and 25% for two or more.

As to whether it will specifically apply to you (receiving pension credit) we don't know as no-one has dug up proof whether the HB reduction exemption only those receiving the state pension or if it is extended to pension credit, too.

Note that I didn't use the word 'tax' as that implies that someone is contributing something into the state coffers whereas this is merely a benefit reduction (less expenditure by the state).

And those in the private sector cannot get full Local Housing Allowance for properties higher (and therefore usually bigger) than their officially designated needs.

lld01

norfolkshops wrote: »

ok can some one give me a corret answer

yes or no

to bedroom tax

private sector or housing asso(like erimus)

The 2013 changes do apply to housing association / council accommodation, but won't apply to you because you are no longer "working age".

So, as mentioned previously, the changes won't affect you.

Bootsalebargains

BigAunty wrote: »

Bootsale bargains -

Council tax ratings (if you are referring to the band your property is in) isn't actually based on number of bedrooms. Bands for council tax rates were set many years ago on their valuation at that time so it doesn't really matter how they've changed subsequently.

In other words, on x date on x year, all properties were assessed by surveyors and put in x council tax band and they remain in that band despite the march of time and change in valuation.

I don't understand council tax bands at all but it says on my council tax card that we are a 3 bedroom house even though we only actually have 2 bedrooms

norfolkshops

many thanks again for all replies and tc

BigAunty

Bootsalebargains wrote: »

I don't understand council tax bands at all but it says on my council tax card that we are a 3 bedroom house even though we only actually have 2 bedrooms

Can't tell you of the significance of the bedroom number of the council tax card. Council tax banding was allocated many years ago and is fixed from that time. Many properties have been changed in size since then but the banding remains as it's about the valuation on that date.

fogartyblue.

BigAunty wrote: »

So, just to clarify, someone can claim Pension Credit ahead of their state retirement age? I wasn't aware of that.

You are not alone in not knowing that!

1.6 million people failed to claim up to £2.8 billion in pension
credit per year.

Pension Credit is the least known about and the least likely to be claimed.

At one time for those that did find out about it, they could have their claim backdated 12 months because of this problem. Then the government stepped in and at a swipe took £2.1 billion back into their troughs. They reduced the backdated period to 3 months. It was too embarrassing for them to have the £2.8 billion rolling up year after year. Now they only have £.7 billion rolling up.

Not bad after 10 years, they have reduced the unclaimed amount down from £28 billion to just £7 billion!!
But after 10 years there will still be 16 million potential claimants that have not put a claim in.

The government have gone very quiet on that particular benefit, presumably they are hoping that people still won't claim it!

A nice little earner for Osbourne & Co.

Carling-Darling

My sister currently lives in a 3 bedroomed house (Housing association) and has done for 30 years. She receives housing benefit and council tax (for the last 8 yrs) as she is on benefit ( was put in the WRAG group but won her appeal last week and was put in the support group by the court)
The HA has written to her stating the changes in April 2013 and advised her to start making arrangements!!
She is 55, she will never work due to her illness. She has no money at all to supplement potential losses. She cannot move as it would be detrimental to her health also I am her carer and I live quite close to her. Plus why should she be forced to leave her family home?
So ultimately how is she supposed to live and pay her rent? I have read there are "pots" of money to help with cases but surely there are going to be thousands of people in this position?
I am sat on the fence as I believe families should be in family homes etc but when the house has been yours for 30 years with your memories you should not be forced to move?
Thanks