Bedroom Tax / Under occupancy advice

seven-day-weekend

supersaver2013 wrote: »

With regards to taking in a lodger- my mum lives on her own, so having a Stranger in her home is really not an option, especially with her anxiety. This is why she IS looking to downsizing, unfortunatly there are alot of obstacles in her way now

I was not referring to your mother, I realise it would not be appropriate for her to have a lodger. I was just talking generally.

RAS

So we agree

Morlock wrote: »

There is a national shortage of one-bedroom properties as compared with the number of households deemed to require this size of home, and this shortage is worse in rural areas which typically have fewer flats."

Have to say that in my home city there is a surplus of one bedroom flats because something like 90% of new builds were studio or one bed in the boom.

Just

1. According to the Chief Planning Officer, people did not buy these with the intention of renting them out; they were only in it for capital gain and tenants would ruin things.
2. Of those that are now let out in an attempt to recoup losses, very very few are let at below the LHA rate and most have huge service charges.

So they are not a right lot of use to those on low incomes.

mrs_motivated

I can assure you that in the city I live in there is a great shortage of 1 bedroom properties in either the social or privates rented sector.

Back to the OP, one thing to consider when downsizing are the other costs your mum might need to find money for.

For example the most common request for help in the downsizing assistance scheme we run after removal costs is help with buying a cooker, followed by someone to re-lay carpets. Many three bed houses in our area have gas cookers, the scarce one bed flats tend to be electric only.

RAS

mrs_motivated wrote: »

I can assure you that in the city I live in there is a great shortage of 1 bedroom properties in either the social or privates rented sector.

I was not suggesting otherwise.

Just noting that even when there it theoretically a surplus of appropriate accomodation based on built property, it is not going to provide for those faced with under-occupancy reductions because the LLs will not even consider them.

mrs_motivated

I wasn't referring to your post Ras, just making the point that it there is a national shortage of one bedroomed properties, however, I agree this does vary dependent on geographical location.

I also totally agree with your comment, that many one bedroom private rents would be outside LHA limits and not available to those claiming benefits

I

Morlock

"Clause 11 of The Bill was amended by the House of Lords at Report Stage, with the effect that eligible tenants will receive benefit to cover the rent of one extra bedroom above the DWP standard, unless suitable alternative accommodation for downsizing is available. Peers recognised that there is a national shortage of one bedroom homes, and that many of those affected by the reduction will be unable to move in the near future. This fact is not contested by the Government. Subsequently this amendment has been reversed in the Commons, who have invoked ‘financial privilege’."

http://www.riverside.org.uk/pdf/Riverside%20Lords%20Briefing%20Ping%20Pong%20(2).pdf

For those who are under the impression that there is not a national shortage of one-bedroom properties.

theoldcastle

How old is your mum ? If she is a pensioner the room tax will not affect her !

karenccs67

theoldcastle wrote: »

How old is your mum ? If she is a pensioner the room tax will not affect her !

Is that right theoldcastle? I was wondering if my nan would be affected, she has been in her 2 bed/cupboard bedroomed house for 60+ years. I believe she is in receipt of pension & housing benefits.

pmlindyloo

karenccs67 wrote: »

Is that right theoldcastle? I was wondering if my nan would be affected, she has been in her 2 bed/cupboard bedroomed house for 60+ years. I believe she is in receipt of pension & housing benefits.

Yes, quite true. It only affects those of working age and those in social/council housing.

For fuller information read here:

http://www.housing.org.uk/policy/welfare_reform/bedroom_tax.aspx

debrag

Can I ask about a 3 bed house: 1 pensioner, 1 disabled adult. Will they be affected?