Bedroom a boxroom. Am I owed money? Will I pay bedroom tax?

LeoFunk

I hope someone can help me with answers to 2 questions. I have been living with my family in a council home for over 5 years. I am employed and have been paying rent for what is labelled as a 3 bedroom house, and, paying 3 times as much as some tenants that live in 2 bedroom properties. My issue is that the 3rd 'bedroom' is a box room measuring 45 square feet and can barely accommodate a small single bed (on the same wall as the window, so blocking the small radiator too).
So, as the authorities want more and more money off me, is there not any chance I am owed money for an incorrectly estimated rent for so many years? Also, am I safe from spare room 'bedroom' tax, if I lose my job and need to claim benefits? The thought of moving home would devastate us.

fluffymovie

Afraid not

princessdon

LeoFunk wrote: »

I hope someone can help me with answers to 2 questions. I have been living with my family in a council home for over 5 years. I am employed and have been paying rent for what is labelled as a 3 bedroom house, and, paying 3 times as much as some tenants that live in 2 bedroom properties. My issue is that the 3rd 'bedroom' is a box room measuring 45 square feet and can barely accommodate a small single bed (on the same wall as the window, so blocking the small radiator too).
So, as the authorities want more and more money off me, is there not any chance I am owed money for an incorrectly estimated rent for so many years? Also, am I safe from spare room 'bedroom' tax, if I lose my job and need to claim benefits? The thought of moving home would devastate us.

The size only applies to over occupancy although you raise a valid point re if they changed it should you get money back as a payer, I'd think there was a good argument for that, but it won't be the case for above.

Re if on benefits, yes, you'd have to pay if you are under occupying. My advice is to look at income protection insurance. You can only claim what you actually pay out but if your bills are higher than JSA and HB etc then it's worth looking at this as it would cover you for 12 months and the premiums are often lower than people think.

LeoFunk

Thanks for your answers peeps. Any more thoughts from anyone?

MissMoneypenny

LeoFunk wrote: »

I am employed and have been paying rent

There is no bedroon tax; it is a Housing Benefit reduction for those that have more bedrooms than they need. In other words, the welfare state will not pay for extra bedrooms.

If you pay your own rent, then this won't affect you. If you claim Housing Benefit, then this will.

mrs_motivated

fluffymovie wrote: »

Afraid not

Totally agree, I'm afraid.

Although are all 3 rooms used? Do you parents pay rent or are the on HB with you paying re Non Dep charge?

mysterywoman10

Leofunk I wouldn't worry too much about it at the moment if you are not affected.

Many people do need these rooms that the bedroom tax is being forced upon. There is a long list but I won't go into it all now.

LeoFunk

Currently, all 3 rooms are being used and I understand I'm in a better position then some, but I still like to know where I stand, as much as is possible.

mysterywoman10

Absolutely very sensible and it would depend on individual situations and circumstances.

MissMoneypenny

Tax = "A compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers' income and business profits or added to the cost of"

The government aren't asking for a contribution. They are making a reduction in benefits.



Contribution = a gift or payment to a common fund or collection.

Reduction = the action or fact of making something smaller or less in amount

Therefore: taxes and state benefits are not the same.


I think it is a 14% benefit reduction for 1 bedroom more than you need.

asdf1982

I dont understand, you pay rent so this wont affect you!

there is no "bedroom tax", its a reduction in benefits