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Housing & Council Tax Benefits
Includes: housing benefit, local council tax support, regulations, income, capital, local housing allowance, housing benefit direct, discretionary housing payments, appeals, overpayments etc.
Why Zoopla won't give a home to discrimination in the housing market
01 November, 2019
Discrimination against tenants who claim housing benefit, which frequently surfaces as 'no DSS' in rental listings, has generated a significant volume of political
LIN member report October 2019 - Local housing allowance rates
31 October, 2019
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
'Charity shops too expensive': Soaring rent arrears and food bank referrals for Universal Credit claimants in Islington
30 October, 2019
Universal Credit claimants in Islington Council have accumulated nearly four times the rent arrears as people on Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit statistics on speed of processing 2019 to 2020
30 October, 2019
Statistics on the average number of days to process a new Housing Benefit claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
Discrimination against benefits tenants still exists but now more subtle
28 October, 2019
Blatant discrimination against tenants on housing benefit is being replaced by more subtle bias in rental adverts
European Court lands blow on the 'Bedroom Tax'
25 October, 2019
Ruling has a big bearing on how Housing Benefit will be administered
'People need more housing benefit for rent'
23 October, 2019
Labour councillors are demanding an increase in housing benefit levels to reflect the lack of social housing
Minister refuses to rule out extending UK benefits freeze
17 October, 2019
Freeze imposed in 2015 was planned to last until end of 2019-20 financial year
Over £5m still owed to Rochdale Council for wrongly-paid housing benefits
17 October, 2019
The council has already written off £330k it won't get back
Stockport council owed £5.5m in housing benefit that it overpaid to residents
15 October, 2019
The council has warned it will 'exhaust all reasonable avenues' in order to recover the money
The Bedroom Tax in Northern Ireland: playing a dangerous game with peace?
11 October, 2019
Northern Ireland is about to experience many of the austerity policies that have been rolled out in England, including the Bedroom Tax
World Homeless Day: 3 in 4 say housing benefit should rise in line with rents
10 October, 2019
Charities call on government to invest in housing benefit to prevent homelessness
Government has made no assessment of case for increasing housing benefit
10 October, 2019
Answer to Lords question commits only to "discussions" due later this year
Housing benefit freeze means nine in 10 homes unaffordable for families
07 October, 2019
NHF research exposes inadequacy of Local Housing Allowance for the 1.3m families relying on it cover rent
Locked Out: How Britain keeps people homeless
04 October, 2019
94% of rented homes are too expensive for families on housing benefit
Disabled people still by far the worst affected by the bedroom tax
12 September, 2019
More than two thirds of households subject to the bedroom tax under housing benefit are in receipt of DLA, PIP, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, or Severe Disablement Allowance
Housing Benefit debt recoveries: April 2018 to March 2019
04 September, 2019
Twice-yearly publication on Housing Benefit debt recoveries
Bedroom tax applies even when children must share very small rooms
30 August, 2019
A court ruling has prompted the government to remind councils that the bedroom tax applies even when children are forced to share very small rooms
New housing benefit applicants in Lancaster are waiting longer than legal response time
12 August, 2019
New housing benefit applicants in Lancaster are waiting more than two weeks for their claims to be processed - beyond the legally advised response time
GMB London calls for direct provision of council housing
09 August, 2019
London receives £2.17bn in housing benefit per year, of which Brent gets the largest share
24 'ghost tenants' found living in Hull in £432,000 benefit fraud
31 July, 2019
Hull council has pledged to continue to crackdown on tenancy fraud
Government hiding behind 'meaningless' definitions of affordable housing
26 July, 2019
Commons debate on future for Local Housing Allowance sees support for sum covering at least the cheapest third of local rents
UK: 'Bedroom tax' case to be heard at Supreme Court
03 July, 2019
An appeal is to be heard in the UK's highest court on Wednesday in an important constitutional case on the powers of specialist tribunals and local authorities relating to the 'bedroom tax'
Twelve held in Blackburn tenant benefit scam probe
27 June, 2019
Twelve people have been arrested amid concerns that unscrupulous landlords have stolen welfare benefits from homeless people
Government defensive over Supreme Court ruling on housing benefit
17 June, 2019
DWP minister speaks of "the same considerations and choices faced by people not in receipt of benefits should also face those claiming benefits"
Single mother wins court battle after being forced into homelessness due to housing benefit shortfall
13 June, 2019
Supreme Court rules it was unlawful for Birmingham Council to try force mother-of-four to spend money intended for basic daily living needs on rent because housing benefit had been reduced
Supreme Court rules that subsistence benefits should not be used to cover rent shortfalls
12 June, 2019
The Supreme Court has just given judgment in the case of Samuels v Birmingham City Council, where the court was asked to consider whether a home should have been considered affordable where the housing benefit did not meet the full rent
Housing Benefit subsidy initial pre-audit final claims: Apr 2018 to Mar 2019
31 May, 2019
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial pre-audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2018 to 2019
I'm a perfect tenant but landlords avoid me because I'm on housing benefits
20 May, 2019
For all intents and purposes, I'm a great tenant
Housing benefits should be 'at least' 30% of market rates
10 May, 2019
London boroughs have called on Whitehall to lift the Local Housing Allowance to at least 30% of local market rates for private sector accommodation to help ease the pressure on councils
Housing benefit payments not made confirm Isle of Wight council
08 May, 2019
Households across the Isle of Wight have not received payment of housing benefit as expected
Agents defend housing benefit restrictions in rental adverts to MPs
25 April, 2019
Lettings agents have defended the use of "No DSS" phrases in property listings, claiming landlords are often following instructions from their mortgage lenders or insurer
Calls for Universal Credit housing benefit to automatically go to landlords
15 April, 2019
Calls have been made for the housing element of Universal Credit to automatically go to landlords
'It's going to be our little paradise': can co-ops solve the housing crisis?
05 April, 2019
For many people, bouncing between shoddy, overpriced house-shares is a fact of life. But there is a ready-made answer: the humble housing co-op
HB A7/2018
03 April, 2019
Adjudication circulars provide updates to the Housing Benefit guidance manual for local authority staff
DWP does not record why claimant 'commitments' aren't accepted
01 April, 2019
Parliamentary questions also reveal contracted "health assessors" are subject to independent - not departmental - audit
Warning as Wiltshire Council reclaims almost £2.5m in overpaid housing benefit
20 March, 2019
A charity fears some claimants could be pushed dangerously into debt
'I'm 57 and my parents have to feed me': the universal credit digital obstacle course
19 March, 2019
The digital-by-default benefit is causing problems for up to half of all claimants
Gang imprisoned for stealing more than £1m of housing benefits from London councils
19 March, 2019
Seven benefit assessors have been sentenced to prison for a total of 17 years for their roles in housing benefit fraud which saw more than £1m stolen from three councils in London
Zoopla to ban all 'No DSS' property advertising from its sites
15 March, 2019
Zoopla is to ban the phrase 'No DSS' from its sites
Zoopla promises to end housing benefit discrimination
15 March, 2019
People receiving housing benefit can no longer be barred from renting properties advertised on one of the UK's largest listing sites
How I challenged DSS discrimination
15 March, 2019
Almost one in three renters receiving housing benefit haven't been able to apply for a place to live because of discriminatory 'no DSS' practices
Rudd rules out early end to benefits freeze
12 March, 2019
Work and Pensions Select committee told "the freeze stays", as Rudd quashes speculation of a thaw in the Spring statement
Two big wins in the fight against DSS discrimination
07 March, 2019
Over the last year we've been campaigning hard to end the discrimination people on housing benefit face when they try and rent a home
Housing Benefit debt recoveries: April 2018 to September 2018
06 March, 2019
Twice-yearly publication on Housing Benefit debt recoveries
Housing benefits costs taxpayers £22bn a year - more than we spend on police
05 March, 2019
High rents and rising house prices could be to blame for the country's enormous housing benefit bill
Doubling of the housing benefit bill is sign of something deeply wrong
05 March, 2019
Headlines about house prices, rent levels, the collapse in rates of owner-occupation among the younger generation and, indeed growing homelessness abound
Government looks to ban 'No DSS' letting adverts
04 March, 2019
The government has called for an end to letting adverts that discriminate against tenants claiming housing benefit
Mixed age couples: benefit impacts of ending access to Pension Credit and pension age Housing Benefit
28 February, 2019
This publication provides analysis relating to mixed age couples estimated to be affected by the change in policy from 15 May 2019
The effect 'bedroom tax' and Universal Credit is having on people in North Tyneside
13 February, 2019
North Tyneside Council is considering building small 'starter homes' to help cash-strapped renters
LA Welfare Direct bulletins: 2019
06 February, 2019
These LA Welfare Direct bulletins provide information, that affects Housing Benefit and other areas of DWP, to local authority staff
Council accuses association linked to investment funds of not providing support services
25 January, 2019
A local authority has accused a supported housing association linked to several new investment funds of not providing support services to vulnerable tenants, despite billing for them in housing benefit
Loophole in law means rogue landlords are still raking in housing benefit
22 January, 2019
The Government is being urged to alter an anomaly in legislation that means housing benefit is being paid - legally - to landlords convicted of housing offences
Council pays rogue landlord £500,000 in housing benefit
21 January, 2019
Bernard McGowan, who has £30m in property, received money from Brent despite being banned
Council urges ban on housing benefit being paid to rogue landlords
21 January, 2019
Brent paid £500,000 to Bernard McGowan despite him failing the 'fit and proper' test
Seven housing benefit assessors busted over £1m fraud
18 January, 2019
Convictions in "large, complex" case covering three London boroughs
Group convicted of housing benefit fraud
17 January, 2019
Seven benefit assessors have been convicted of a housing benefit fraud worth £1,025,912 across three councils in London
This single mother works full-time, but still needs housing benefit - so landlords refuse to rent to her
11 January, 2019
Limarra Sealy, 25, and her daughter Nevaeh haven't had a home for six months because landlords keep turning them away
Single mums hit hardest by benefit cap
04 January, 2019
New DWP figures show single mums make up 85% of all households whose incomes have been limited by the policy
Housing Benefit subsidy audited final claims: April 2017 to March 2018
03 January, 2019
This is the local authority Housing Benefit audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2017 to 2018
Housing Benefit and structures and services: Local Authority Insight Survey Wave 34
18 December, 2018
This report presents findings on Housing Benefit fraud and error and limiting absences outside Great Britain, and changes to local authority structures and services
Reading Borough Council increases social housing rates by 14 per cent for new builds
06 December, 2018
Social housing rent rates for new build properties will rise by 14 per cent, increasing the amount paid in housing benefit in Reading
Homes lost because of the benefits cap and 'bedroom tax'
30 November, 2018
Those who are deemed to have spare rooms get their housing benefit cut
From the bedroom tax to 'taking in a lodger'
22 November, 2018
Is there any 'minister' at the DWP capable of at least faking empathy?
Council recovers housing benefit paid to 'house of horrors'
14 November, 2018
First Tier Tribunal Property Chamber backs use of a rent repayment order for over £60,000
Landlords pushing up rents to exploit housing benefit shortfall
09 November, 2018
Benefit cuts and unscrupulous landlords have combined to create an explosion in temporary housing that is costing taxpayers more than a billion pounds a year
Date set for 18-21s housing benefit ban reversal
08 November, 2018
The ban on housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds will be scrapped at the end of the year
One in 10 rental properties in England 'likely to be advertised unlawfully'
08 November, 2018
New research exposes iceberg tip extent of discrimination against benefit claimants
Welfare reform success with 54,000 benefit cap households taking on more work
01 November, 2018
New figures show that around 54,000 households are no longer subject to the benefit cap, indicating more people are entering work or taking on more hours
Housing Benefit statistics on speed of processing 2018 to 2019
31 October, 2018
Statistics on the average number of days to process a new Housing Benefit claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
Shelter salutes supposed 'victory' in holding agent to account over 'DSS discrimination'
30 October, 2018
Shelter is claiming victory in its campaign against agent ludlowthompson, which it accused of banning renters on housing benefit
Housing benefit bill 'to hit £71bn by 2050'
30 October, 2018
The housing benefit bill will rise to £71bn a year by 2050 unless levels of social housebuilding increase
Natwest apologises and launches review after 'No DSS' controversy
29 October, 2018
A major UK bank has said it will conduct a review after admitting it "regrets" its handling of a case where it declined a mortgage to the landlord of a tenant on housing benefit
NatWest, is it right to evict a woman on housing benefit?
22 October, 2018
The tenant is a vulnerable older woman who has always paid her rent on time
Tenant on coping with rising rent and housing benefit cap
12 October, 2018
A mother with an ill daughter described how her rent kept going up, but the housing benefit she relied on did not meet the costs
Agents warned they could face legal action over 'no benefits tenants' lettings adverts
05 October, 2018
Agents and landlords who state in their adverts that they will turn away housing benefits tenants could face legal action from one of the major lobbying groups
Housing Benefit subsidy mid-year estimates: Apr 2018 to Mar 2019
04 October, 2018
This is the local authority Housing Benefit mid-year estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2018 to 2019
Housing benefit assessors 'invented fake claimants to steal £1m from taxpayers in decade-long scam'
03 October, 2018
Menelik Cowan, 37, and six other council workers allegedly used fake passports
LA Welfare Direct Bulletin 10/2018
03 October, 2018
These LA Welfare Direct bulletins provide information, that affects Housing Benefit and other areas of DWP, to local authority staff
Housing benefit assessors ran £1m fake identity scam
03 October, 2018
Prosecution case outlines fraud on a "grand scale" targeting three London borough councils
Housing Benefit debt recoveries: April 2017 to March 2018
05 September, 2018
Twice-yearly publication on Housing Benefit debt recoveries
One of the first: landlord repays housing benefit following new legislation
31 August, 2018
An Essex council claims it is one of the first to be granted a rent repayment order - part of legislation introduced under the Housing and Planning Act 2016
40% of Welsh PRS will not take on those on benefits
31 August, 2018
An investigation has found less than half of letting agents and landlords will rent to those on housing benefit
Low-income tenants face 'heat, eat or pay rent' choices
29 August, 2018
Housing benefit freeze leaving poorest private renters with shortfall of up to £140 a week
Housing Benefit subsidy audited final claims: Apr 2014 to Mar 2015
24 August, 2018
This is the local authority Housing Benefit audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2014 to 2015
haart says it DOES arrange tenancies for those claiming housing benefit
23 August, 2018
The agency chain named as having the most branches banning benefits tenants has said that this is not company policy
Major report calls for tenants in Stoke-on-Trent's 18,400 council houses to pay rent every month
23 August, 2018
And tenants are still being hit in the pocket by the bedroom tax
PRS hits back at Shelter and NHF campaign on housing benefit
22 August, 2018
ARLA Propertymark has responded to the launch of the campaign by National Housing Federation and Shelter against private landlords not letting to those on housing benefit
Extending the housing crisis to associations is not the answer
20 August, 2018
Readers respond to the latest news on the housing crisis, including right to buy for housing association tenants and the bedroom tax's impact on single people
Housing Benefit caseload statistics
14 August, 2018
Statistics on numbers of Housing Benefit claimants
LIN member report August 2018 - Council spending on discretionary housing payments
13 August, 2018
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
'Crippling bedroom tax has left me penniless, starving and buying charity shop clothes' says Hull grandmother
13 August, 2018
Sue Wheeldon feels like she is being punished but says she cannot downsize for the sake of her granddaughter
The Plymouth families forced out of their homes because of the bedroom tax
10 August, 2018
More than 50 families have had to leave their homes because of the bedroom tax and a tougher new benefits cap
Housing benefit retained for all in supported housing as grant funding plan ditched
09 August, 2018
All supported housing funding will be covered by the welfare system, ending a plan to fund short-term accommodation through council grants
All supported housing funding to be retained in welfare system
09 August, 2018
Housing benefit will be kept in place for all those living in supported housing
Charity expresses concern over delay in reversing 'deeply flawed policy'
01 August, 2018
Centrepoint has issued a strongly worded statement as parliament has done nothing to reverse the removal of automatic eligibility of 18-21 year olds housing benefit
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2017 to 2018
25 July, 2018
Statistics on the average number of days to process a new Housing Benefit claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
Social care system 'seizing up' under strain
05 July, 2018
Northern Ireland's social care system could seize up unless it receives more funding, the chief social worker has warned
HB Direct newsletters: 2018
04 July, 2018
These HB Direct newsletters for local authority staff provide information that affects Housing Benefit.
'Two-child policy' cuts benefits of more than 70,000 families
29 June, 2018
Campaigners warn poverty will rise as low-income families lose financial support
Government publishes new and updated 'how to' guides
27 June, 2018
The Government has today (Tuesday 26th June) published new and updated information to help landlords and tenants who live and work in private rented housing.
Universal Credit and recent welfare changes
22 June, 2018
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has delivered an oral statement setting out the benefits of welfare reform (check against delivery)
"Bedroom tax" is still hitting Stoke-on-Trent families hard
22 June, 2018
The so-called "bedroom tax" is continuing to hit Stoke-on-Trent hard - with demand for smaller council homes far outstripping supply and families forced into hardship, councillors have said
The cost of housing for low-income renters
21 June, 2018
The 'affordability' of housing is one of the most prominent domestic public policy issues of the day, and for good reason.
Why tenants think their feedback is being ignored
21 June, 2018
The Social Housing Green Paper is set to redress the balance of power between residents and social landlords. Martin Hilditch investigates what tenants would like to happen next
Landlord fined for renting out bed in shed
21 June, 2018
A landlord has been fined ordered to pay £5,000 for allowing tenants to sleep in an outbuilding in Enfield, north London.
Universal Credit - landlords agree reform is needed
20 June, 2018
The RLA continues to call for the roll out of Universal Credit to be paused in the wake of a report by the National Audit Office.
HB Direct newsletters: 2018
20 June, 2018
These HB Direct newsletters for local authority staff provide information that affects Housing Benefit.
Universal credit flaws inflict childcare costs on new workers
20 June, 2018
Parents forced to borrow money while waiting for funds, says Save the Children
Tory MPs challenge Theresa May to adopt radical housing agenda in bid for younger voters support
19 June, 2018
MPs will tell PM that housing is the 'defining' issue holding back Conservative support from under-40s
Why won't ministers come clean about the impact of cuts on disabled people?
19 June, 2018
Being hit by the bedroom tax is bad enough, but losing your sickness benefits too is even harder
Social care needs a cash injection now
19 June, 2018
Squeezing council funding in this area is ultimately a false economy
Universal credit: fix this cruel, expensive fiasco
18 June, 2018
Ministers promised it would save money and cut fraud. But welfare reform has failed to deliver - and brought misery to many
Deaths of mentally ill rough sleepers in London rise sharply
18 June, 2018
Research finds 80% of rough sleepers who died in capital in 2017 had mental health needs compared with 29% in 2025
Legislation alone will not eliminate homelessness
18 June, 2018
Local authorities need government funding to help them make a success of the act recently brought in to prevent and reduce homelessness
Drugs gangs 'exploited bedroom tax' to use homes of vulnerable tenants for crimes
06 June, 2018
Legitimate housing provision in the form of good quality housing association accommodation is a "critical resource" for supporting vulnerable tenants at risk of being exploited from serious organised crime
Councils warn Homelessness Reduction Act hampered by welfare restrictions
04 June, 2018
New survey shows nearly all 119 councils responding think the level of housing benefit for young people isn't enough for PRS
The devastating impact the bedroom tax is still having in Teesside - five years on
29 May, 2018
The policy was a flagship of the coalition government, but new figures show how many on Teesside have lost out
Housing Benefit subsidy initial pre-audit final claims: Apr 2017 to Mar 2018
24 May, 2018
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial pre-audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2017 to 2018
Final Findings: Welfare Conditionality project (2013-2018)
22 May, 2018
Report which summarises the final findings of the Welfare Conditionality project (2013-2018).
I live in a five-bedroom council house which I don't need, yet I'm not allowed to swap with an overcrowded family
14 May, 2018
No one should be forced to move just because their circumstances have changed, but many tenants would like to downsize to escape the effects of the bedroom tax yet are unable to do so, because of draconian regulations on 'under-occupation'
Housing benefit bill set to double as renters get older
14 May, 2018
Taxpayers are facing a multibillion-pound bill to support renters in retirement because the proportion of middle-aged workers who do not own a home has doubled in a decade
Benefit cap: number of households capped to February 2018
03 May, 2018
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and February 2018
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2017 to 2018
25 April, 2018
Statistics on the average number of days to process a new Housing Benefit claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
Bedroom tax delay leads to concerns over Scottish benefits devolution
20 April, 2018
Scottish ministers have raised concerns over delays to the handover of welfare powers to Holyrood
McVey faces further SFHA calls for Universal Credit pause
16 April, 2018
Delaying system changes to allow bedroom tax to be abolished at source until at least May 2020 will be "fraught with difficulty"
Thousands of Newcastle households are still losing money every week due to bedroom tax
13 April, 2018
Latest figures show the average yearly loss of income per household in Newcastle is £751.19 due to bedroom tax
Westminster delays Holyrood action against bedroom tax
09 April, 2018
Tory backsliding will stop the Scottish Government from scrapping the controversial bedroom tax until at least May 2020
Housing Benefit subsidy guidance manual 2017 to 2018
06 April, 2018
This guidance is for local authorities. It explains the subsidies DWP pays them for certain costs of the Housing Benefit (HB) scheme
Government U-turns on 18-21s housing benefit cut
03 April, 2018
The government has U-turned on a controversial policy to scrap housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds under Universal Credit
Universal Credit transition to full service
22 March, 2018
When local authorities and jobcentre areas will transition to the Universal Credit full service.
DWP wins legal case to block future benefit appeals
22 March, 2018
The government has won a legal case which could have major implications for future benefit appeals.
Spending on new homes plummets while housing benefit soars
22 March, 2018
CIH chief executive Terrie Alafat CBE says new statistics show social housing has reached a critical point
Housing sector realises more than ever the importance of listening to residents.
22 March, 2018
As Rethinking social housing Northern Ireland continues to get underway, steering group member Colm McDaid encourages tenants and residents to make their voices heard.
Spending on new homes plummets while housing benefit soars
21 March, 2018
CIH chief executive Terrie Alafat CBE says new statistics show social housing has reached a critical point with ministers facing "big decisions"
DWP wins legal case to block future benefit appeals
21 March, 2018
The government has won a legal case which could have major implications for future benefit appeals
Does the 'bedroom tax' affect people on pension credit? Steve Webb explains the contentious social housing rules
07 March, 2018
Does a person on pension credit pay the 'bedroom tax'?
Housing Benefit debt recoveries: April 2017 to September 2017
07 March, 2018
Twice-yearly publication on Housing Benefit debt recoveries
Landlords who say 'no DSS' breaking equality laws
26 February, 2018
The thousands of lettings agents and landlords around the country who reject housing benefit claimants could be flouting equality laws, due a recent legal case.
Councils 'help transform' the future for Private Rented Sector
26 February, 2018
New report shows how councils can foster investment by corporate landlords in new private rental housing.
As a campaigner, I believe the Tories can fix homelessness
23 February, 2018
The 2008 financial crash that triggered austerity happened on Labour's watch. We've been dealing with the fallout ever since
A mother given 50p a week for housing: the benefit cap one year on
22 February, 2018
A year on from the introduction of the lower benefit cap, its abiding legacy is to push people closer to homelessness.
The seven reasons why landlords won't let to tenants on benefits
22 February, 2018
Private sector landlords are accused of unfairly turning away households claiming housing benefit. So why do they refuse
Child benefit, housing benefit frozen - but pensions to rise by 3%
08 February, 2018
The Government decision will affect thousands of benefit claimants on Teesside
LIN member report January 2018 - Universal Credit
30 January, 2018
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
Report recommends 'long-term, slow, patient investments'in PRS
30 January, 2018
Researchers say social landlords can do much more to house lower income households in receipt of Housing Benefit but able to pay rent reliably
Rogue landlords making millions out of housing benefits
15 January, 2018
'Lockdown' is a model that can make £56,000 a year from public funds. But the scandal goes on
Benefit figures 'greatly reassure' landlords over renting to 18-21 year olds
12 January, 2018
But Centrepoint says restrictions to housing support could still have a chilling effect on young people's ability to secure tenancies
Housing Benefit subsidy audited final claims: Apr 2014 to Mar 2015
11 January, 2018
This is the local authority Housing Benefit audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2014 to 2015
Removal of automatic entitlement to housing costs for 18 to 21 year olds in Universal Credit
11 January, 2018
Statistics on the number of 18 to 21 year olds awarded and refused support for housing costs, April to June 2017
Universal Credit goes back to its future
09 January, 2018
Extensive campaigning by the RLA sees landlords able to claim direct payments again - as they could under Housing Benefit
Dominic Raab: The doubt of the benefit
09 January, 2018
Track record of new housing minister signals limited horizons
Housing costs in Universal Credit
03 January, 2018
This Commons Library briefing paper explains the key differences between assistance with housing costs under the Housing Benefit regime and under Universal Credit
Revealed: 'Horrendous' amount of housing benefit overpaid by Leicester City Council
20 December, 2017
Many millions has been paid to households who were not entitled to it
Northamptonshire council tax to increase by nearly 5%
19 December, 2017
Residents face a council tax rise of 4.98% as Northamptonshire County Council looks to make cuts of £34.3m
More detail on £1.5 billion package of support for Universal Credit
24 November, 2017
More details of the £1.5 billion package of support for Universal Credit were set out today by David Gauke, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Empty homes spike in London commuter belt
24 November, 2017
London's commuter belt has seen a spike in the number of homes left long-term empty despite a downward trend across the UK since 2025.
Autumn Budget 2017 Universal Credit changes: what next for welfare?
24 November, 2017
What Philip Hammond's Universal Credit changes mean, and more
Labour criticises delays to universal credit changes
24 November, 2017
Measures announced in budget will not be introduced until as late as April, leaving some families facing a tough Christmas
What the 2017 autumn budget means for you
23 November, 2017
We've looked at the figures to see how Philip Hammond's autumn budget will affect your finances - whether you're single, married, with or without children or retired.
Housing homeless in hotels tops £100,000 in Gloucestershire
23 November, 2017
More than £100,000 has been spent by local authorities in Gloucestershire since January 2016 putting up homeless people in hotels.
Government announces 'short term solution for temporary accommodation rent arrears
23 November, 2017
The government has announced a 'short-term measure' to tackle growing rent arrears bills for temporary accommodation providers.
Housing Benefit caseload statistics: data to August 2017
15 November, 2017
Statistics on numbers of Housing Benefit claimants
A mother given 50p a week for housing: the benefit cap one year on
14 November, 2017
A year after the lower benefit cap was introduced, families go without food and fuel and are forced to use foodbanks
Council tax debt: Concern over use of bailiffs
14 November, 2017
Bailiffs were called in to collect debts by councils in England and Wales on more than two million occasions last year
English Housing Survey 2015 to 2016: headline report
13 November, 2017
The latest findings from the English Housing Survey 2015 to 2016
Government urged to lift housing benefits cap as 1 million families face homelessness
06 November, 2017
More than 30 homeless charities, faith leaders and MPs warn Chancellor that abandoning freeze on LHA for private is 'essential' for low-income families to avoid homelessness
Housing Benefit subsidy mid-year estimates: Apr 2017 to Mar 2018
06 November, 2017
This is the local authority Housing Benefit mid-year estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2017 to 2018
Benefit Cap
02 November, 2017
There is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called the benefit cap
Government housing benefit climbdown won't help private renters
27 October, 2017
A welcome U-turn on the housing benefit cap for supported housing still leaves private tenants to face crippling rents and being turfed out on the streets
Young Scots hit by housing benefit cap
26 October, 2017
Scottish Government says thousands of young Scots will lose out
Housing Benefit Speed of Processing Statistics
25 October, 2017
Housing Benefit is an income related benefit that is intended to help meet housing costs for rented accommodation
Social housing benefit policy 'flawed'
24 October, 2017
Welsh housing associations have called on the UK government to reverse the Local Housing Allowance cap
U-turn on housing benefit cap for mentally ill and elderly
23 October, 2017
Move follows outcry from charities and evidence that housing projects have been axed
Two-child limit on benefit claims to be challenged in court
18 October, 2017
Campaigners are granted permission to apply for judicial review of policy, which stops benefits being paid for more than two children
Mind the (housing benefit) gap - it's growing
17 October, 2017
The Autumn Budget must end the benefits freeze
Bedroom tax hits Northern Ireland despite political pledges
16 October, 2017
The 'bedroom tax' is hitting dozens of homes across the Northern Ireland despite years of Stormont pledges to prevent the controversial welfare cut
Discretionary housing payments: the under-spenders
11 October, 2017
Every year the Government offers councils millions of pounds to help households struggling to pay their rent - so why does so much of it remain unspent?
Council tax benefits in Wales extended
10 October, 2017
A benefit scheme resulting in thousands of Welsh households paying only partial or no council tax at all has been extended by the Welsh government
Bedroom tax: Clydebank worst hit in entire UK by governmental charge
06 October, 2017
Clydebank residents are the worst hit in the entire UK by the so-called "bedroom tax"
Borough worst hit by housing benefit cap revealed as more than 4,000 families in west London affected
29 September, 2017
More than 4,000 families in west London families have had their housing benefit capped
Housing associations should require less rent upfront to combat debt
28 September, 2017
Housing associations in Scotland have been urged to require less rent upfront to combat growing arrears under Universal Credit and the benefit cap
£2m housing benefits 'error' by Bridgend council
28 September, 2017
Housing benefits mispayments totalling £2m may have been made by Bridgend council
Bradford Council rapped over backlog of more than 500 housing benefit appeal cases
27 September, 2017
An investigation has uncovered a huge backlog in housing benefit appeals in Bradford, some dating back more than two years
Proposed changes to benefit payments will impact private rented sector landlords - not just social landlords
20 September, 2017
Proposed changes to housing benefit will not only have significant and severe implications for the tenant in receipt of benefit
Housing Benefit subsidy mid-year estimates: Apr 2017 to Mar 2018
19 September, 2017
This is the local authority Housing Benefit mid-year estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2017 to 2018
LIN member report September 2017 - The household benefit cap
15 September, 2017
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
Homelessness rise 'likely to have been driven by welfare reforms'
14 September, 2017
The number of homeless families in the UK has risen by more than 60% and is "likely to have been driven" by the government's welfare reforms, the public spending watchdog has said
Local housing allowance cuts are too deep for renters to work their way out
13 September, 2017
Housing benefit freezes are putting renters at risk of homelessness.
Increase in evictions are result of renters facing 'impossible choices'
04 September, 2017
Rising evictions are being driven by a toxic mix of low wages and reductions in benefits
Court hears housing benefit assessors ran £1m false claims racket
23 August, 2017
Seven assessors working for London borough councils committed to Crown Court on fraud charges
Bristol council tax relief cuts could be 'illegal' say opponents
18 August, 2017
Controversial plans to cut council tax relief in Bristol are "potentially illegal" local politicians have said
Housing Benefit caseload statistics: data to May 2017
16 August, 2017
Statistics on numbers of Housing Benefit claimants
Quarterly Benefits Summary
16 August, 2017
This release aims to give users a structured overview of National Statistics on DWP administered benefits and sanction
Impact of applying Local Housing Allowance rates to general needs social tenants
08 August, 2017
Our analysis shows the potential numbers of people affected and the amount of shortfall between benefit levels and rents charged
Housing Benefit Entitlement Reductions: Caseload Management Information (CMI)
01 August, 2017
Housing Benefit is an income related benefit that is intended to help meet housing costs for rented accommodation
Housing Benefit Speed of Processing Statistics
26 July, 2017
Data for Quarter 4 (January 2017 to March 2017)and the full financial year 2016/17
Housing Benefit Entitlement Reductions: Caseload Management Information
26 July, 2017
Housing Benefit is an income related benefit that is intended to help meet housing costs for rented accommodation
Fife 'bedroom tax' campaigners claim to have scored arrears victory
10 July, 2017
Activists in Fife fighting the controversial 'bedroom tax' are claiming victory after Fife Council confirmed it will no longer pursue tenants with a "static balance" of arrears
Under-occupation the potential impact on housing benefit
06 July, 2017
As LHA rates are based on the number of bedrooms that a tenant and their household needs and not the size of the property occupied, work was required to establish the impact of under-occupancy on Housing Benefit
The estimated impact of the benefit cap on parents, by age of youngest child
06 July, 2017
The benefit cap was first introduced in April 2013 as part of the Welfare Reform Act of 2012
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments - Analysis of End of Year returns from Local Authorities
06 July, 2017
DHP is a discretionary scheme that allows local authorities to make monetary awards to people experiencing financial difficulty
Real Time Information (RTI) awareness aid for local authorities
29 June, 2017
This RTI guide provides information on how this process works and helps local authority staff in the processing of RTI referrals
Households put at risk of homelessness by the housing benefit freeze
26 June, 2017
The inability to find a new place to live, once a short term tenancy ends is the leading cause of homelessness in England and a major cause of homelessness in Scotland and Wales
Housing Benefit: The Black Hole That Continues To Grow
26 June, 2017
Something deeply worrying has happened to our private rented market
Labour may SCRAP the benefits cap but have not yet worked out how much it would cost
26 June, 2017
Shadow DWP secretary said Labour could scrap cap if they get into No 10
Actual use of spare room irrelevant in 'bedroom tax' assessment
19 June, 2017
A disabled woman who converted a bedroom in her rented housing association property into a second living room so she could have a living space separate from her carers was still liable for the higher rate of the so-called 'bedroom tax'
DUP has previously voted against supported housing changes
12 June, 2017
Controversial plans to cap housing benefit in supported housing could come under pressure if the DUP continues to vote against the reforms
Bedroom Tax and reconciliation
12 June, 2017
It would be fair to say I often deploy sarcasm or humour in the things I write
Right Benefit Initiative
02 June, 2017
Financial support for local authorities from the Right Benefit Initiative to reduce Housing Benefit fraud and error
LIN member report June 2017 - Universal Credit Update
01 June, 2017
LIN member report by Rebecca Wilkie
Housing Benefit subsidy initial pre-audit final claims: Apr 2016 to Mar 2017
23 May, 2017
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial pre-audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2016 to 2017
YMCA wants housing support back for 18 to 21-year-olds
11 May, 2017
New government urged to abolish regulations that remove automatic entitlement
Many of the 1,000 richest people in Britain are property moguls - paid for by the rest of us
10 May, 2017
A dysfunctional British housing market, propped up by housing benefit and public investment, is making a few people very, very rich
Buy-to-let mortgage providers discourage landlords from renting to people on housing benefit
04 May, 2017
Buy-to-let landlords are being barred by their mortgage providers from renting property to tenants receiving housing benefit
Renters on housing benefit barred from buy-to-let homes
02 May, 2017
Banks are pushing families to the brink of homelessness by banning buy-to-let landlords from renting to people on housing benefit
Government defeated in bedroom tax case
28 April, 2017
A couple who had their housing benefit reduced because they were unable to share a bedroom due to a severe disability have defeated the government in court for the second time
Victory for bedroom tax couple as DWP defeated in court again
27 April, 2017
The government's attempt to block a legal route which is used by many people to appeal against benefits decisions has been defeated at the Upper Tribunal
Housing Benefit Speed of Processing Statistics
26 April, 2017
Housing Benefit is an income related benefit that is intended to help meet housing costs for rented accommodation
Cut in housing benefit may mean rise in foodbank use
26 April, 2017
The manager of a foodbank has stressed the need to help vulnerable people following a government policy that some claim could see youngsters facing homelessness
Liberal Democrats pledge to bring back housing benefit for nearly 3,000 London youngsters
25 April, 2017
Almost 3,000 young Londoners would be able to claim housing benefit again under a Liberal Democrat government
This area of Birmingham will be worst hit by Tory housing benefit cut for youngsters
24 April, 2017
Charities have already warned the policy, which came into force this month, could force youngsters onto the streets
Housing costs for 18 to 21 year olds
21 April, 2017
This guidance explains the rules for housing costs for 18 to 21 year olds getting Universal Credit from 1 April 2017
Housing benefit nightmare: Newcastle council tenants rack up massive rent arrears after changes
20 April, 2017
MP criticises introduction of new Universal Credit benefits system after it was tested in Newcastle - and did not go down well
Half of voters think welfare changes have gone too far
20 April, 2017
Half of voters think the government's benefit cuts have gone too far, an Ipsos Mori poll published today has revealed
Young people benefit cut to hit hardest in North
13 April, 2017
The cut to housing benefit for young people will have its largest impact in deprived areas of the North of England
The Tory housing benefit cuts will make more young people homeless
13 April, 2017
One morning, when Catherine Geddes was 16, her mother dropped her off at college, informed her that she'd changed all the locks, and told her daughter she would never be allowed to return home
One in three Londoners hit by benefits cap have found work
13 April, 2017
More people have found work after having their benefits capped in London than anywhere else in the UK
The Tories are failing the poorest through benefit cuts - by choice
07 April, 2017
If the government truly wants to reduce expenditure on housing benefit it should tackle the root causes, not force young people and families from their homes
Eight things you should know about the benefit cap
06 April, 2017
'Fairness' was the word Lord Freud used to justify the lowering of the benefit cap
Labour slam 'punitive cuts' to benefits
06 April, 2017
Labour have slammed cuts to benefits, including housing benefit for those under-22
Housing benefit slashed to 50p-a-week - and Birmingham is worst-hit
05 April, 2017
Almost 600 claimants picking up less than the price of a chocolate bar
Spending government money on broken relationships isn't going to help families torn apart by new benefit cuts
05 April, 2017
What's the point of spending £30m to help families to stay together when you're going to cut benefits at exactly the same time?
Thousands on 50p-a-week housing benefit
05 April, 2017
More than 7,500 households have lost their housing benefit and instead receive a nominal 50p a week because of the welfare cap
Up to 11,000 affected by under-21 benefit cap by 2021
05 April, 2017
Around 1,000 young people will be affected by the cut to housing benefit for under-21s this year, rising to 11,000 by 2020/21
Idris Elba savages housing benefit cuts at Shelter fund-raiser
05 April, 2017
Actor Idris Elba has attacked government cuts to housing benefits for 18-21-year-olds
Housing benefit changes 'put young Scots at risk of homelessness'
31 March, 2017
Changes to housing benefit will put more young people in Scotland at risk of homelessness
Housing Benefit Assurance Process (HBAP)
30 March, 2017
These Housing Benefit (subsidy) Assurance Process modules are for reporting accountants and local authorities to use
It's a housing class war as the Tories set their sights on young people
29 March, 2017
Britain today: the Treasury gives away thousands to young people saving up to buy, but most young single people find housing almost completely out of reach
Nearly £2billion worth of housing benefit owed to the Government due to 'overpayment' errors to tenants
28 March, 2017
The Department of Work and Pensions sparked fresh uproar over wasting taxpayers' cash
Housing Benefit quality assurance process: good practice guide
28 March, 2017
Good practice to help local authorities ensure the processing of Housing Benefit claims is accurate and secure
Housing Benefit subsidy initial estimates: Apr 2017 to Mar 2018
27 March, 2017
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2017 to 2018
Council tax bills to rise in nine out of 10 English local authorities
27 March, 2017
Figures are in stark contrast to five years ago when 90% of local authorities froze or cut council tax
Tory cuts to housing benefit show the "nasty party" lives on
20 March, 2017
In the Tories' cuts to young people's housing benefit, the nasty legacy of Cameron and Osborne lives on
Woman jailed after dishonestly claiming more than £40,000 in benefits
17 March, 2017
Julie Gillard was overpaid income support, council tax support and housing benefits over a period of more than four years
Housing Benefit subsidy guidance manual 2016 to 2017
17 March, 2017
This guidance is for local authorities. It explains the subsidies DWP pays them for certain costs of the Housing Benefit (HB) scheme
Housing Benefit subsidy audited final claims: Apr 2015 to Mar 2016
16 March, 2017
This is the local authority Housing Benefit audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2015 to 2016
Finding the Fix: Why we must protect housing benefit for 18-21 year olds
14 March, 2017
On a quiet Friday afternoon, the DWP laid draft regulations to end automatic entitlement to housing benefit for 18-21 year olds
Council commits to mitigating Bedroom Tax
10 March, 2017
The City of Cardiff Council has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting council tenants affected by the Bedroom Tax
Scrapping housing benefit for 18-year-olds? The Tories have Cone Syndrome
10 March, 2017
Hammond's budget leaves the housing crisis unsolved and this bad plan to cut housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds will cost more than it saves
How housing benefit cuts for the young will hit the North East's grandparents too
10 March, 2017
No housing benefit for under 21s will put more young people on the streets - and strain grans who have to care for three generations of their family
I'm 82 and MPs need to hear my views on this devastating housing benefit cap
10 March, 2017
If this cap goes ahead, my wife and I face a shortfall of £609 a year. I don't know how we'd cope if we have to leave our sheltered home
No DSS: Most flat shares refuse benefit claimants
09 March, 2017
Landlords are more likely to accept potential renters who own pets than people claiming benefits
It's for their own good, says Govt, as MPs debate
08 March, 2017
Young people affected by the Government's housing benefit cut for 18-21 year olds will be expected to change their behaviour and live with their parents
Government refuses to publish housing benefit cut assessment
08 March, 2017
The government has refused to publish its equalities assessment into the removal of housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds
Housing benefit cuts 'put young people at risk of homelessness'
07 March, 2017
Tenants aged 18 to 21 face exclusion from private rental market if stripped of benefit entitlement
Extra £47m to tackle hated bedroom tax
07 March, 2017
Ministers announce more funding to counteract bedroom tax in Scotland
Tory MP Warns Theresa May Against 'Catastrophic' Housing Benefit Cuts To Under-22s
06 March, 2017
The changes were slipped out on Friday
Everything you need to know about a cut to housing benefit, which leave young people on the streets
06 March, 2017
The move has been condemned by campaigners and charities who fear it will lead to more young people on the streets
Scrapping housing benefit for 18- to 21-year-olds won't even save us that much money - it's ideological cruelty
06 March, 2017
When just 11,000 people will be affected - small fry in financial terms - it's hard to escape the conclusion that the goal isn't really to help people at all, but to punish them
Government to make bedroom tax change five months after court judgment
02 March, 2017
The government will change its bedroom tax regulations five months after the Supreme Court ruled the policy was discriminatory for some households with a disabled person
Calls for government to abandon housing benefit cuts
28 February, 2017
Housing and homeless organisations are concerned the cutback will lead to further hardship for the homeless
Scottish ministers demand 'urgent reassurance' over housing benefit changes
28 February, 2017
Scottish ministers have demanded "urgent reassurance" from the UK government over the scrapping of housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds
Time to drop the 'hated' ban on housing benefit for 18-21s
27 February, 2017
Reports over the weekend suggest Ministers and advisers are looking again at controversial plans to bar 18-21s from claiming housing benefit
MPs say housing benefit is being wrongly stripped from jobseekers, threatening them with eviction and homelessness
21 February, 2017
The Public Accounts Committee cites evidence that one-third of people who were claiming housing benefit lost their money when they were given a sanction
Bedroom tax: Westminster warned against cutting benefits
21 February, 2017
Scottish Government seeks "cast iron" commitments from Westminster benefits won't be clawed back
Westminster warned against benefits 'claw back' once 'bedroom tax' abolished in Scotland
20 February, 2017
Scottish ministers are to seek assurances from the UK government that it will not reduce the benefits of claimants in Scotland when the Scottish Government abolishes the 'bedroom tax'
Family of seriously ill man told housing benefit will be slashed under new bedroom tax rules
20 February, 2017
A Belfast family have spoken of their outrage after receiving a letter notifying them that their housing benefit is to be cut because their family home has been designated as under-occupied under new rules
Rent campaigners claim victory over Santander buy-to-let 'rent rise clause'
20 February, 2017
Santander has confirmed that it will remove a clause in its buy-to-let mortgages which housing campaigners claimed previously forced landlords to get "the maximum increase in the rent"
32% of people on housing benefit are employed
16 February, 2017
It's not good enough that a third of people on housing benefit also have to work in Aylesbury Vale
Mid Ulster housing tenants 'worried' by bedroom tax letters
06 February, 2017
Patsy McGlone has said that there is understandable confusion about the introduction of the bedroom tax on housing benefit payments in Northern Ireland
The return of the Bedroom Tax monster?
26 January, 2017
Four years ago, when the first wave of welfare cuts was breaking, Shelter Scotland ran a high profile campaign to Banish the Bedroom Tax Monster
Housing Benefit Speed of Processing Statistics
25 January, 2017
Housing Benefit is an income related benefit that is intended to help meet housing costs for rented accommodation
Housing Benefit Entitlement Reductions: Caseload Management Information
25 January, 2017
Housing Benefit (HB) is an income related benefit that is intended to help meet housing costs for rented accommodation
'Rogue' landlords receive £2.3bn in housing benefit
24 January, 2017
One in every £10 spent on housing benefit in England goes to a private landlord letting a sub-standard home
Housing benefit claimants increasingly shut out of private rental market
23 January, 2017
Campaigners say growing instances of 'No DSS' are problematic
Government yet to introduce bedroom tax exemption despite court ruling
17 January, 2017
The government is yet to exempt certain people with a disability from the bedroom tax despite a Supreme Court ruling two months ago
Stormont votes for bedroom tax mitigation payments
17 January, 2017
Northern Irish politicians have voted for regulations that will mitigate the effect of the upcoming bedroom tax despite the political turmoil taking place in the country
Contradictory advice of civil servants has ministers at odds on welfare cash
16 January, 2017
The two ministers at the centre of the row over a 'bedroom tax' relief scheme have published conflicting advice from their most senior civil servants
Resolution in sight for NI mitigation measures
13 January, 2017
Political wrangling over Stormont's plan to mitigate the impact of the so-called bedroom tax seems to be ending
Deadlock in Stormont could spell turmoil for social housing tenants
13 January, 2017
The resignation of Martin McGuinness jeopardises Northern Ireland's plans to delay the bedroom tax - introducing it now wouldn't just be cruel, but dangerous
'Bedroom tax' impact mitigation scheme 'not a way forward'
11 January, 2017
The communities minister has said a scheme proposed by the finance minister to mitigate the impact of the 'bedroom tax' is not possible
SNP and Labour unite against Westminster 'Bedroom Tax Two' welfare cuts
06 January, 2017
Scotland's government and opposition parties have attacked Whitehall plans for fresh welfare cuts dubbed 'Bedroom Tax Two' with one prominent figure the proposals "must be stopped"
Tenants to lose £1.9m in benefits
06 January, 2017
Luton tenants are expected to lose around £1.9m a year in housing benefit after a new Benefit Cap was enacted by the government on Boxing Day
Labour calls for PRS reform amid £2bn housing benefit spend to private landlords
05 January, 2017
New figures which reveal that private landlords in Scotland have made billions of pounds from housing benefit claimants in five years have led to calls for reform in the sector by Scottish Labour
Families left with just 50p a week in housing benefit after cuts
05 January, 2017
Forty-two Grimsby-area families have been left with 50p or less a week in Housing Benefit, following rules that brought in a lower cap for claimants
Need for rethink on Bedroom Tax II
03 January, 2017
Some were always sceptical about Theresa May's speech on the steps of Downing Street about helping families who are just about getting by
Charity calls for major changes to Bedroom Tax
21 December, 2016
Anti-poverty commission proposes major changes to the Bedroom Tax
Recovery of overpaid benefits hits record high of £1 billion
08 December, 2016
A record £1 billion in overpaid benefits through fraud and error was recovered in 2015/16, latest figures show
Overpaid housing benefits 'funded terrorism'
06 December, 2016
Cash held in a housing benefit account was handed to a suspect in the Brussels airport bombing during a meeting in a Birmingham park
Mum-of-four faces losing home after 75% housing benefit cut
25 November, 2016
Keiley Messham, from Rhewl, has had her support cut from £124 a week to just £34 since benefit cap brought in
Local Housing Allowance cap U-turn 'creates new bedroom tax'
25 November, 2016
Housing association leaders have compared a shift in the government's Local Housing Allowance cap policy to the controversial bedroom tax because it will hit tenants in their current circumstances
Government's £500,000 legal bill over Bedroom Tax
24 November, 2016
Figures show massive bill for legal proceedings over 'bedroom tax'
Government delays plans to cap housing benefit by a year
22 November, 2016
The Government has delayed its plans to cap housing benefit by a year, as it unveiled plans for a radical overhaul of the system
Government backtracks on a new 'bedroom tax' set to hit thousands of poorer pensioners
22 November, 2016
The proposal to penalise older people in social housing who 'underoccupy' their homes - revealed by The Independent - will be delayed by one year
Housing Benefit and Universal Credit: Written statement - HCWS273
21 November, 2016
One of the Government's key commitments is to protect the most vulnerable
No wonder people are being forced to live in caravans - housing benefit bears no relation to reality anymore
21 November, 2016
Housing benefit has been subject to repeated cuts since 2011 and is only set to get worse with Local Housing Allowance rates frozen until 2020
We must reform Universal Credit to prevent it from penalising low-earners
21 November, 2016
When the government announced plans to cut £4bn of in-work social security in its summer budget last year, it was widely condemned by commentators and organisations for hitting some of the poorest working families hardest
Under-Occupancy Charge Urgent Question
15 November, 2016
Recorded coverage of the urgent question in the House of Commons on the recent Supreme Court decision on the Under-Occupancy Charge applied to housing benefit
Renting in the UK: number of tenants with a spare room falls to lowest level on record
15 November, 2016
The number of tenants with a spare bedroom has halved over the past six years
Tory MP Attacks Theresa May On Bedroom Tax And Disability Cuts
14 November, 2016
Ken Loach urges Chancellor to drop cuts
Housing Benefit subsidy mid-year estimates: Apr 2016 to Mar 2017
11 November, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit mid-year estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2016 to 2017
The fight goes on to free more families from the bedroom tax nightmare
11 November, 2016
Forcing people to pay for 'extra' rooms is deliberately cruel and punishes people who, through no fault of their own, have nowhere else to go
Liverpool plans referendum on 10% council tax rise
11 November, 2016
Mayor says 'desperate' council needs £90m over next three years amid government cuts
London boroughs prepare for impacts of lowered benefit cap
11 November, 2016
The cap is not being lowered as much in London as in the rest of the country, but even so the numbers left worse off will more than double
Supreme Court's rulings mean bedroom tax 'will still unfairly hit thousands'
11 November, 2016
The government's "bedroom tax" discriminates unlawfully against some disabled people who need an extra bedroom because of their impairment, but not against others
Dozens of Welsh councillors failed to pay their council tax in time last year
10 November, 2016
The figures were revealed following freedom of information requests by Private Eye magazine
Families win supreme court appeals over 'unfair' bedroom tax
10 November, 2016
Panel upholds claim of Jacqueline Carmichael, who is disabled, and carers Paul and Susan Rutherford against housing law
Two cases won against housing benefit cut
09 November, 2016
A woman who suffers from spina bifida and a couple who look after their severely disabled grandson have won their Supreme Court appeals against the so-called "bedroom tax"
Theresa May has kept George Osborne's most callous and stupid welfare cut in place
09 November, 2016
The benefit cap doesn't address the underlying reason why a small minority of families receive outsize benefit payments, which is that rents have soared due to a chronic shortage of new housing supply
Win for 'bedroom tax' fight at Supreme Court
09 November, 2016
Court finds for two families - but other challenges to the policy are dismissed despite 'profound sympathy' from senior judges
Benefit cap 'not designed as cost-saving measure'
08 November, 2016
The lowered overall household benefits cap was never "designed as a cost-saving" measure
Benefits squeeze
08 November, 2016
The lower benefit cap has kicked in, a day that many households may have been anxiously awaiting, faced with the prospect of losing up to £100 a week.
The extended benefit cap is a cynical ploy by the UK government
08 November, 2016
It will simply foster division and prejudice, without tackling the roots of the problems
Lower benefit cap will hit 11,000 children
04 November, 2016
The homes of about 11,000 children in Wales will lose hundreds of pounds a month under a new lower cap on benefit payments
Landlords will make 'benefit cap' tenants even poorer
04 November, 2016
Despite his ongoing protestations about the bedroom tax, even Rob Gershon can see that the impending reduction in the overall benefit cap is a more damaging policy for tenants
The benefit cap: time for a rethink
04 November, 2016
The reduction to the benefit cap starts on Monday, putting more families at risk of losing their home
How council cuts are devastating the poorest communities
02 November, 2016
The poorest Scots who are most dependent on the voluntary sector are being disproportionately hit by council cuts
Benefit Cap rollout
01 November, 2016
The new Benefit Cap will be introduced from 17 November through to the end of January 2017
Housing benefit overpayments are costing Plymouth taxpayers £1 million a year
01 November, 2016
Housing benefit overpayments are expected to cost Plymouth taxpayers an estimated £1million this year
Housing Benefit subsidy initial estimates: Apr 2016 to Mar 2017
31 October, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2016 to 2017
A man falsely claimed £40,000 in benefits after failing to declare he owned a house
28 October, 2016
Christopher Prole, who owned a house worth £65,000, falsely claimed Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Employment and Support Allowance
A problem shared
27 October, 2016
Cuts in housing benefit for young single people under 35 have forced shared housing on to the agenda for social landlords
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2016 to 2017
26 October, 2016
Speed of processing is a measure of the average time it takes to process a new claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
Housing Benefit: entitlement reductions, 2016 to 2017 (experimental)
26 October, 2016
Quarterly statistics on Housing Benefit entitlement reductions identified by local authorities as a proportion of expected reductions
Housing Benefit: Speed of Processing overview
26 October, 2016
Speed of processing is the mean average processing time in calendar days, rounded to the nearest day
Housing Benefit subsidy initial estimates: Apr 2015 to Mar 2016
24 October, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2015 to 2016
Housing Benefit subsidy mid-year estimates: Apr 2015 to Mar 2016
24 October, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit mid-year estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2015 to 2016
Housing Benefit subsidy initial pre-audit final claims: Apr 2015 to Mar 2016
24 October, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial pre-audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2015 to 2016
Bedroom tax: Pensioners in Somerset could be hit by change to subsidy
12 October, 2016
Pensioners in Somerset will be hit by changes to the way older people get housing benefit
From bedroom tax to business owner in one year
12 October, 2016
A housing association tenant has turned her life around with help from a self-employment course
NI has 'no solution' for bedroom tax
03 October, 2016
As Bedroom Tax in Northern Ireland nears implementation date, the Housing Executive has said it is not ready
In Liverpool, 840 families risk losing their homes because of benefits cuts
03 October, 2016
The government is cutting £37,200 a week from housing benefit for our city's most vulnerable residents. It's a policy that doesn't add up
'Nudge' techniques could reduce housing benefit fraud and error
28 September, 2016
Housing benefit overpayments are more likely to be identified when residents receive a separate communication written in clear language
Here's how we can translate London's housing benefit bill into affordable housing
27 September, 2016
London's housing market is an anomaly
'LHA cap' will apply to existing supported housing tenants
22 September, 2016
A new housing benefit cap will apply to existing as well as future supported housing tenants
Housing Benefit:Written statement - HCWS154
16 September, 2016
Supported accommodation plays a vital role in the lives of many vulnerable people
End to council tax discount for second homes
15 September, 2016
Council tax reform legislation to tackle empty second homes
Reductions in the United Kingdom's Government Housing Benefit and Symptoms of Depression in Low-Income Households
13 September, 2016
Housing security is an important determinant of mental ill health
Government housing benefit cuts directly linked to rise in depression in low income households
13 September, 2016
Cuts to housing benefit by the UK coalition government have led to a 10 per cent increase in people from low income households reporting poor mental health and helped propel an additional 26,000 people into depression
Housing Benefit Recoveries and Fraud Statistics
12 September, 2016
£1.88 billion Housing Benefit overpayments outstanding at January 2016
Housing Benefit recoveries and fraud data: April 2015 to March 2016
08 September, 2016
Twice-yearly National Statistics publication on Housing Benefit overpayments and fraud
Scotland to abolish 'bedroom tax'
06 September, 2016
The Scottish government are to aim to abolish the bedroom tax
Council Tax Reduction for around half a million Scots
02 September, 2016
The Scottish Government's Council Tax Reduction scheme is giving support to almost 500,000 low income households across the country
Increase in Londoners facing bailiffs for council tax arrears
02 September, 2016
The number of low-income Londoners referred to bailiffs for council tax debt rose to nearly 20,000 last year, with people facing millions in court costs
Supported housing and the impact of capping Housing Benefit
02 September, 2016
This evidence paper looks at the distribution of supported housing by region across England nationally
Too poor to pay
01 September, 2016
The impact of the second year of localised council tax support in London
Housing benefit pumped into the private rented sector is dead money
26 August, 2016
If the government truly cared about value for money for taxpayers rather than the profits of private landlords, they'd build social housing
New Housing Benefit Limits For Claimants Going Abroad
26 August, 2016
People living in Great Britain can now only receive Housing Benefit for 4 weeks if they are out of the country. Previously, housing benefit claimants could continue having their rent paid for up to 13 weeks
Poorer renters at risk from homelessness as benefit shortfall grows
24 August, 2016
Hundreds of thousands of households face a £100-a-month gap between private rents and housing benefit by 2020
Building affordable homes is the way to control the housing benefit bill
23 August, 2016
Housing benefit payments to tenants in the private rented sector have doubled in the last ten years, to £9.3 billion a year
The growing Housing Benefit spend in the private rented sector
22 August, 2016
This briefing examines the reasons and factors behind the recent growth in Housing Benefit expenditure in the private rented sector
Private landlords 'lining their pockets' with housing benefit
22 August, 2016
Private landlords "are lining their pockets" with housing benefit
Bedroom tax fails on objectives
17 August, 2016
Research shows the government's Bedroom Tax is failing in its aim of freeing up larger homes
Housing Benefit caseload statistics
17 August, 2016
Statistics on numbers of Housing Benefit claimants
G15: Bedroom tax failing to free up larger homes
17 August, 2016
The bedroom tax is failing to free up larger social homes in London, according to research by the G15 group of housing associations
Government cuts to supported housing could force services to close
08 August, 2016
The plans to restrict housing benefit for vulnerable people living in supported housing are one of the most pernicious proposals from this Tory government
360,000 families afflicted by council tax poverty trap
08 August, 2016
Previously exempt households in arrears crisis as benefits are cut; while Liverpool city council is owed £10m in council tax
DWP will not say whether it is going to cut disability supported housing, women's refuges, and homeless hostels
04 August, 2016
Fifteen of the UK's leading disability charities have written to the Department for Work and Pensions calling on it to end the 'shadow of uncertainty' cast on vulnerable people by its latest round of housing benefit cuts
Overhaul planned for Scots benefits system could also mean ban on use of private firms
02 August, 2016
Scottish ministers may stop private companies carrying out vital welfare assessments as Holyrood prepares to take charge of social security, it has emerged
We overspend to counter the bedroom tax in Glasgow because we have to
02 August, 2016
Discretionary payments help to mitigate the government's cruel and punitive benefits cuts. We chose not to put this burden on the backs of the poorest
Bromsgrove District Council warns housing benefit claimants cash will stop if they are away for four weeks
27 July, 2016
RESIDENTS going abroad for more than four weeks are being warned they will no longer be able to claim housing benefit because of new national rules coming into force later this month
Some supported housing could avoid 'LHA cap'
26 July, 2016
Associations could lessen the impact of the government's 'Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap' by leasing their supported housing to a non-registered subsidiary
Housing benefit powers 'could tackle poverty in Wales'
26 July, 2016
Devolving housing benefits to Wales could help boost affordable homes and tackle poverty, an independent think-tank has said
Government sneaks out report revealing 57,000 Bedroom Tax victims fell behind on rent
25 July, 2016
The report was slipped out in a mountain of more than 300 documents on the day MPs leave Westminster for their six-week summer holiday
Reduce 'LHA cap' impact
21 July, 2016
Scottish ministers should use their new welfare powers to ease the impact of UK government cuts to housing benefit
Housing Benefit Cap to be debated in House of Commons
21 July, 2016
An Opposition Day Debate on the proposals to cut housing benefit for vulnerable people in supported housing is to be held on the 20 July 2016
Housing benefit cuts 'risk damaging UK's international reputation'
21 July, 2016
New PM's will "jeopardise the safety" of people fleeing domestic violence and also affect the elderly, people mental health difficulties and the homeless
Supported housing announcement in Autumn
21 July, 2016
Vulnerable people living in social housing will know if they are to be included in benefit cuts later this year
Cash strapped councils turn down 21% of DHP applications
13 July, 2016
English councils with tenants hit hardest by welfare cuts are turning down one in five applicants for a hardship fund
The secret life of a benefits officer: we are the human face of bad government decisions
13 July, 2016
We fall into two camps: those who want to help people keep a roof over their heads and those who seek to weed out fraudulent claimants
Councils spend £100m helping renters hit by benefit cuts
08 July, 2016
Discretionary payments of £85.3m made to close gap left by bedroom tax while just over £14m paid to those squeezed by cap on benefits
Third of councils top up housing benefits after cap
07 July, 2016
About a third of English councils have spent additional money topping up a government fund aimed at cushioning the impact of welfare changes
The Housing Benefit and State Pension Credit (Temporary Absence)(Amendment) Regulations 2016: SSAC report and government statement
07 July, 2016
A SSAC report on regulations to change how long someone absent from Great Britain can remain entitled - and the government's response
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments: financial year 2015/16
06 July, 2016
Analysis of the use of Discretionary Housing Payment funds by local authorities
Sudanese refugee who walked through the Channel Tunnel to get to UK is entitled to Job Seekers Allowance and housing benefit AND is now renting room in £100,000 house
04 July, 2016
Abdul Haroun made 5000-mile month-long journey to Folkestone in August
Who gets housing benefit and what does it cost?
23 June, 2016
The government spent £24bn on housing benefit in 2014. More than half of claimants under 35 are single mothers and many live in deprived coastal towns
Landlords call for supported housing funding changes
22 June, 2016
The government should cap supported housing management costs and stop funding them through housing benefit
16% of RTB purchasers 'on housing benefit'
21 June, 2016
Around 16% of council homes sold by 10 councils under the boosted Right to Buy have been to tenants on housing benefit
Debt and food banks: the legacy of universal credit's Long Hello
10 June, 2016
There is fresh evidence that lengthy waits for a first benefit payment faced by universal credit claimants trigger hunger and rent arrears
Universal Credit Leads to Rent Arrears
09 June, 2016
Universal Credit is to blame for 79% of rent arrears since its roll-out in England.
Residents facing new benefits cap warned of "pressing need" for them to get a job
03 June, 2016
Residents set to be hit by a new benefits cap are being warned there is "a pressing need" for them to find a job
EU court to back UK limits on migrants' access to child benefits
01 June, 2016
European court of justice set to throw out challenge by European commission over right to residence requirement
Benefit tenants set to lose out in race for private rented homes
26 May, 2016
Housing benefit tenants are set to lose out on private rented homes as landlords look to tenants less prone to missing rental payments, in order to minimise the impact of last year's Budget
Housing Benefit subsidy initial estimates: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2013 to 2014
Housing Benefit subsidy audited final claims: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2013 to 2014
Housing Benefit subsidy initial pre-audit final claims: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial pre-audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2013 to 2014
Housing Benefit subsidy mid-year estimates: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit mid-year estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2013 to 2014
Housing Benefit expenditure and subsidy data
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit expenditure and subsidy data
Housing benefit savings will disappear under their own complexity
20 May, 2016
Commentators may have been left scraping around to fill the space where substantive parts of the Queen's Speech should have been
Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2015/16 preliminary estimates
20 May, 2016
Preliminary estimates of fraud and error levels in the benefit system in Great Britain in the financial year 2015/16
Benefit fraud and error at record low level
20 May, 2016
New figures show that fraud and error in the benefits system remains at the lowest level ever recorded
Torbay benefits claimants among UK's most reliant on private lettings
17 May, 2016
Torbay has the UK's second highest density of housing benefit claimants reliant on the private rental market
Hinckley and Bosworth gets cash to combat bedroom tax
16 May, 2016
The Government has set aside £160 million over the next five years for discretionary housing payments
Impact of capping Housing Benefit at Local Housing Allowance rates
21 April, 2016
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Autumn Statement that housing benefit and housing costs within Universal Credit for social housing tenants will be capped
Discretionary Housing Payment underspend explained by councillors
19 April, 2016
Funds given to Oxford City Council to help individuals pay their rent have jumped back up this year despite the fact that it was not all spent in 2015/16
Selling off affordable homes 'would add £4bn to housing benefit bill'
19 April, 2016
Labour says sale of council and housing association property will force poorer people into expensive private rented accommodation
Bedroom tax and benefit sanctions: social workers must get to grips with welfare law
06 April, 2016
People who use services are feeling the impact of cuts and welfare reform. To make a difference to their lives, professionals need to understand these issues
Housing Benefit subsidy guidance manual 2015 to 2016
05 April, 2016
This guidance is for local authorities. It explains the subsidies DWP pays them for certain costs of the Housing Benefit scheme
Key Changes to Council Tax Support in 2016/17
05 April, 2016
April 2016 marks the beginning of the fourth year since Council Tax Benefit
Cutting housing benefit reduces property prices
04 April, 2016
House prices fall when Housing Benefit is cut
Bedroom Tax Year 3 (How IDS stole my home)
31 March, 2016
As the third anniversary of the introduction of the bedroom tax passes, events over the preceding weekends took a poignant turn for Rob Gershon
Without supported housing, a lot of people will be left outside to die
31 March, 2016
A proposed change to housing benefit rules will spell disaster for many of societys most vulnerable people
Government spends £100,000 on lawyers to defend the bedroom tax
29 March, 2016
The DWP is fighting a rape victim and the family of a severely disabled child
Government 'writes off' £40 million of overpaid housing benefit
24 March, 2016
Around £40 million in housing benefit overpayments has been written off, new figures have shown
Housing Benefit recoveries and fraud data: April 2015 to September 2015
23 March, 2016
Twice-yearly National Statistics publication on Housing Benefit overpayments and fraud
New benefits boss Stephen Crabb is fighting his OWN constituents in the Supreme Court
22 March, 2016
Paul and Sue Rutherford are being dragged through the Supreme Court over the Bedroom Tax by their own MP
The 200 landlords making £1MILLION a year from housing benefits
15 March, 2016
One letting agent made £2million from the taxpayer in the last three years
Social housing benefit cap will put thousands on streets
14 March, 2016
Limit for local housing allowance would lead to widespread bed closures in hostels and supported housing
Battling the bedroom tax: the wider implications of the Supreme Court hearing
14 March, 2016
Following the recent 'bedroom tax' hearing in the UK Supreme Court, Jed Meers from the University of York considers the potential implications of the upcoming judgment for policies relying on elements of conditionality
Numbers claiming housing benefit tumbles in Cambridge - social cleansing or economic success?
04 March, 2016
The number of people claiming housing benefit has plummeted in Cambridge and around the county - prompting different explanations from across the political divide
Highest council tax bands 'to pay more' says Nicola Sturgeon
02 March, 2016
People in Scotland's four highest council tax bands are to pay more under new Scottish government proposals
Bedroom tax cases heard in Supreme Court
01 March, 2016
Two bedroom tax decisions are being appealed to the Supreme Court
Supported and sheltered housing exempt from LHA cap for one year
01 March, 2016
Government announces delay to introduction of the Local Housing Allowance cap to allow for a proper strategic review
Housing benefit changes causing 'heartache' Supreme Court told
29 February, 2016
The husband of a disabled woman has told the Supreme Court of the "heartache" they have suffered following changes to housing benefits
Joshua Rozenberg: Supreme Court to sort out bedroom tax mess - but it won't be easy
29 February, 2016
The background to this week's human rights showdown explained by Britain's best-known commentator on the law
Disability campaigners gather at supreme court for bedroom tax cases
29 February, 2016
Women's rights groups also among activists outside court where judges will consider appeals claiming tax is discriminatory
What's pushing Charlotte and Jayson over the edge? £12 a week bedroom tax
25 February, 2016
It wouldn't be much money to a politician. But to the Carmichaels, struggling with Charlotte's severe spinal condition, it's a supreme court case against the government
Bedroom Tax hits one in five Merseyside social homes
19 February, 2016
A massive 8,546 Liverpool households have suffered out of a possible 40,672
Refuge calls for refuges to be exempt from housing benefit caps
17 February, 2016
In November George Osborne announced his decision to limit housing benefit
Housing Benefit caseload statistics
17 February, 2016
Statistics on numbers of Housing Benefit claimants
Housing benefit is the lifeblood of women's refuges - and it's under threat
17 February, 2016
If organisations such as ours are not exempt from the extension of the benefit cap to social housing, the lives of women fleeing domestic violence are at risk
Our support for vulnerable tenants will be destroyed by this benefits cap
16 February, 2016
Housing benefits cap will see my association's income slashed by £2.83m and devastate the care we provide to people in most need
Sheltered housing developments 'shelved due to benefit cuts'
16 February, 2016
Hundreds of planned new sheltered accommodation units have been delayed or scrapped owing to proposed cuts to housing benefit
Landlords reluctant to rent to young people denied housing benefit by Govt cuts
16 February, 2016
The Government's proposal to abolish housing benefit for those aged 18 to 21 will make it far more difficult for them to rent a home
Government cuts housing investment despite soaring housing benefit bill
15 February, 2016
The cuts come despite warnings from David Cameron that investment should take priority over benefits
Vulnerable hit by housing benefit cuts
08 February, 2016
Urgent clarification needed on supported housing proposals
National awards finals after Cobalt knocks down walls to tackle bedroom tax
05 February, 2016
Cobalt Housing who knocked down walls to create smaller homes for families who can't afford the bedroom tax is in the running for a top national award
Housing Benefit review: local authority good practice guide
05 February, 2016
Best practice to help local authorities further improve the Housing Benefit review process
Benefit cap: 950 households a month move into work, stop claiming Housing benefit or reduce their claim
05 February, 2016
Around 31,000 households who had their benefits capped have moved into work, reduced their Housing Benefit claim or no longer claim it
Departmental questions send IDS into Downfall overdrive
02 February, 2016
The work and pensions secretary's semi-comatose state was finally alleviated when he was forced to defend the discriminatory bedroom tax
Applying the bedroom tax to domestic violence victims is actually costing taxpayers
02 February, 2016
The Government is set to spend thousands on a Supreme Court appeal
The Housing Benefit and State Pension Credit (Temporary Absence) (Amendment) Regulations 2016
02 February, 2016
In accordance with section 176(1) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992(d) the Secretary of State has consulted with organisations appearing to him to be representative of the authorities concerned
Cwmbran mum left broke after Bron Afon Community Housing wrongly told her to pay £2,000 'bedroom tax'
01 February, 2016
A CWMBRAN mother claims to "have nothing left" after wrongly paying the so-called bedroom tax for almost two years - for a box room
The legal aspects behind the successful Bedroom Tax appeals
01 February, 2016
Benefits payable as DHPs are discretionary and are administered by the relevant local authority
What the bedroom tax court of appeal decisions mean
29 January, 2016
There have been many reactions to announcement that the Court of Appeal has ruled that elements of the social sector size criteria
Bedroom tax: No change as DWP appeals court case and issues guidance
29 January, 2016
Following the successful bedroom tax court appeal the DWP have been given permission to appeal the decisions and has issued local authority guidance to do nothing until the appeal is heard
Call for immediate 'bedroom tax' exemptions after court ruling
29 January, 2016
Ministers should immediately exempt people "discriminated" against by the "bedroom tax" rather than write a "blank cheque" for legal fees
Family of disabled grandson: 'Bedroom tax unfair'
28 January, 2016
A couple who care for their severely disabled grandchild have described the so-called bedroom tax as "unfair" after winning an appeal
'Bedroom tax': Government loses Court of Appeal cases
27 January, 2016
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the so-called bedroom tax discriminates against a domestic violence victim and the family of a disabled teenager
Housing Benefit: entitlement reductions statistics
27 January, 2016
Statistics and background information on Housing Benefit entitlement reductions identified by local authorities as a proportion of expected reductions
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2015 to 2016
27 January, 2016
Speed of processing is a measure of the average time it takes to process a new claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
The government still think that the Bedroom Tax is fair play
27 January, 2016
The Court of Appeal today ruled that the Bedroom Tax unlawfully discriminates against women feeling domestic violence, and severely disabled children who need overnight care
Housing Benefit changes could cost sector hundreds of millions and threaten health and wellbeing of tenants
27 January, 2016
The SFHA is urgently calling on the UK Government to rethink upcoming changes to Housing Benefit
Bank boss alarm at 'buy to let' housing boom
26 January, 2016
Bank of England governor Mark Carney today expressed concern at the rapid boom in buy-to-let housing
It's time for a cross-party campaign to end the Bedroom Tax
26 January, 2016
It seems quite an often occurrence to go to bed after seeing headlines about another family facing tragedy and casualty because of the bedroom tax
Most vulnerable to lose £68 a week in housing benefit
26 January, 2016
Planned changes to housing benefit could leave vast numbers of the country's most vulnerable people unable to afford rent on their homes
Buy-to-let: the "storm is coming"
26 January, 2016
The housing market is facing a buy-to-let "storm" as investors rush to buy property before the stamp duty surcharge comes into force in April
House Of Lords Official Report - Housing Benefit: Social Housing Units
26 January, 2016
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to implement the recommendations of the independent review of the overseas domestic workers visa published on 17 December 2015
David Cameron makes a great case for abolishing bedroom tax
18 January, 2016
Rob Gershon suggests that the Prime Minister has a look at the staggering amount of evidence from parliamentary reports suggesting the bedroom tax is causing it
Housing benefit delays and homelessness
08 January, 2016
Benefit delays and inaccuracies are contributing to the increase in homelessness
Rent costs to soar for half a million disabled and elderly as Tories wield axe on housing benefit
24 December, 2015
Shadow Housing Minister John Healey urged Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to put a stop to the plans, branding them "catastrophic"
Housing benefit cuts would 'affect schemes for vulnerable'
24 December, 2015
Housing projects helping more than 400,000 vulnerable adults face closure because of government welfare cuts
When I asked people for bedroom tax stories, the response was shocking
22 December, 2015
I helped start the blog My Spare Room to tell the stories of those losing their dignity, social life and health to the tax. For their sake, we must push for change
Impact on supported housing of capping Housing Benefit to Local Housing Allowance
21 December, 2015
David Orr has written to both Lord Freud and Brandon Lewis seeking urgent clarification on how supported housing will be protected
Evaluation of Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy
17 December, 2015
This report presents findings from the evaluation of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy
Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy evaluation: final report
17 December, 2015
This report presents findings from the evaluation of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy (RSRS) in Housing Benefit
More than four in ten homeless young people could be hit by removal of housing support
16 December, 2015
Up to 44% of young people in homelessness services could be affected by the proposal to remove the automatic entitlement to housing costs for 18-21 year
UK cuts will leave poorest Scots' more than £800 a year' worse off
15 December, 2015
Spending reductions and benefit cuts imposed by the UK government could make Scotland's poorest families more than £800 a year worse
How I helped a man with a degenerative spinal disease beat the bedroom tax
10 December, 2015
He was charged for living in a home adapted to his disability with a spare room for his daughter. I stepped in when his rent arrears reached £1,000
Leicester City Council overpaid £4 million of housing benefits in six months
10 December, 2015
Leicester City Council overpaid £4 million in housing benefits over a six month period this year
Wales worst hit by Housing Benefit reform, yet again
10 December, 2015
The news that Housing Benefit for social tenants would be capped at Local Housing Allowance levels from 2016 made few waves when George Osborne made the announcement as part of the Spending Review
Changes to housing benefit for social tenants will hit young people
08 December, 2015
Over the last week I've been unpicking the implications of the announcement that housing benefit for social tenants will be limited to the level of the local housing allowance
Why housing benefit is broken
08 December, 2015
Now the government has U-turned on plans to abolish tax credits, it should look at housing benefit for welfare savings
The Impacts of the 'Bedroom Tax' on Children and Their Education: A Study in the City of Manchester
08 December, 2015
The so - called bedroom tax has cut the benefits claimed by social housing tenants and put them under pressure to move into smaller homes
LIN Member Report December 2015 - Spending Review and Autumn Statement
02 December, 2015
LIN member report by Claire Turner
Family of severely disabled Blackburn teen twice forced to leave specially adapted homes due to bedroom tax
01 December, 2015
The family of a severely disabled 14-year-old forced to twice leave specially adapted homes because of the bedroom tax said they are having to fundraise to convert a third home
Osborne tinkers with welfare
26 November, 2015
The assault on housing benefit has been unrelenting over the past 5 years
Housing benefit is clearly essential
26 November, 2015
Until the housing crisis is cracked and the government take real steps to build more homes that people can afford, housing benefit is the most important mechanism we have
City on course to have £8m spend on bedroom tax arrears
25 November, 2015
Glasgow is on course to have more than £8m spent on payments to mitigate the bedroom tax this year
Landlord tax changes will lead to rent increases
25 November, 2015
More than two thirds of landlords say that changes to buy-to-let mortgage tax relief will lead to increased rents
Softening of tax credit blow to be funded by housing benefit cuts
23 November, 2015
The compromise over George Osborne's controversial measure will hit many of the same people already losing their tax credits
Housing association fights back against Bedroom Tax
23 November, 2015
One housing association has decided they are going to combat the Bedroom Tax, by knocking down walls
Cuts to housing benefit could make claimants £570 a year worse off
18 November, 2015
Cuts to housing benefit are likely to damage similar groups of in-work poor claimants by depriving them of more than £500 a year
New powers could consign 'bedroom tax' to history
13 November, 2015
Commenting on the DWP's Housing Benefit caseload statistics which show that the City of Glasgow Area has the highest number of 'bedroom tax' cases in the UK at 12,443
'Bedroom tax' hits record one in four in Copeland
12 November, 2015
One in four housing benefit claimants in Copeland, Cumbria, has had their support cut thanks to the "bedroom tax"
Experimental Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit flows data from November 2008
11 November, 2015
Experimental Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit flows data
Housing Benefit (Abolition of the Family Premium and date of claim) (Amendment) Regulations 2015: SSAC report and government statement
10 November, 2015
A SSAC report on draft Housing Benefit regulations about backdating claims and removing the family premium and the government's response
Tax credits and the pantomime dame
05 November, 2015
Do you remember the so-called bedroom tax? Well, of course you do. It was a substantial political and social controversy with significant impact
Couple with eight children who were offered £222 a WEEK in housing benefits say it's not enough for a suitable home - and they won't consider moving to cheaper area
02 November, 2015
An unemployed couple who have eight children say it is impossible for them to find a suitable home because of the inadequate benefit payments they receive
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2015 to 2016
28 October, 2015
Speed of processing is a measure of the average time it takes to process a new claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
Call for Welsh Government to subsidise families hit by the bedroom tax
26 October, 2015
A coalition of the church, charities and campaign groups is calling for a measure to fund rent arrears caused by removal of the spare room subsidy
Housing benefit changes "will impact less on North East"
26 October, 2015
Controversial changes to housing benefits are unlikely to have as much impact on the North East as other parts of the country
Housing Benefit subsidy regime: local authority insight survey wave 30
22 October, 2015
This research presents findings from wave 30 of the local authority insight survey focusing on the Housing Benefit subsidy regime
If you liked the cut to tax credit... you'll love the local housing allowance freeze
20 October, 2015
Almost 400,000 working families in England receive housing benefit
Abolish housing benefit
15 October, 2015
There is a £25bn annual hurdle in the way of our national economy becoming the full spectrum powerhouse it deserves to be
'We've had to go without food' - personal stories of the bedroom tax
14 October, 2015
Social housing tenants, embarrassed and powerless, share experiences of life under the bedroom tax
Welfare Reform and Work Bill Committee Stage Clauses 19 - 22: Social Rent Reduction
08 October, 2015
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill is currently being considered by a Committee of MPs.
DWP finally acts to end housing benefit 'maladministration' scandal
06 October, 2015
The DWP has issued orders to end a bureaucratic bungle which caused thousands of sanctioned claimants to fall into debt and face eviction
Once-homeless girl in heartbreaking plea to students for help fighting cruel housing benefit cuts
05 October, 2015
Catherine Geddes has turned her life around but has appealed to students starting university this autumn to consider the plight of their less fortunate peers
Bedroom tax and landlord's bedroom count - UT again
02 October, 2015
The Upper Tribunal seems to have taken an opportunity to re-state, in clear terms, one of the findings of SSWP v David Nelson and Fife Council
Investing in council housing will actually make a profit for the taxpayer
30 September, 2015
The new Labour leader argued that investment in social housing would drive down the housing benefit bill and thus reduce the amount of money spent on benefits
Troubled Families: benefits and employment, Apr 2012 to Jul 2015 (experimental)
30 September, 2015
Experimental statistics on benefits and employment for individuals and households on the DCLG Troubled Families programme
Why social landlords are knocking on doors to help young tenants find jobs
24 September, 2015
Plans to scrap housing benefit for unemployed 18-21 year olds have forced housing associations into doing more to help tenants find work
Over 80% of private landlords in Mid Ulster paid housing benefit
24 September, 2015
From issues like housing benefit costs and growing waiting lists to lifts in living rooms, the Housing Executive was truly grilled at a special meeting of Mid Ulster District Council
Analysis and Housing Benefit
23 September, 2015
Last night there was an impressive episode of Analysis on Radio 4 with Paul Johnson of the Institute of Fiscal Studies asking 'What's Housing Benefit for'
A man has killed himself because he was found 'fit to work', exposing the monstrous cruelty of the DWP
22 September, 2015
I feel sickened to even have to write this - not just as someone who struggles with their mental health, or as someone on a low income - but as a human being
Why is the UK's housing benefit bill so high?
21 September, 2015
The UK currently spends billions of pounds a year on housing benefit
My Spare Room: a new blog explores the real cost of the bedroom tax
21 September, 2015
A new blog launched today by Eileen Herden and colleagues at LSE Housing and Communities
Adapting neighbourhood management for Universal Credit
15 September, 2015
In the days of austerity Ashton Pioneer Homes have learned valuable lessons as the first pathfinder for Universal Credit
Council benefit payment delays affect half of tenants
14 September, 2015
52% of private sector tenants on housing benefit have experienced delays over its payment from their local council, according to new research from the NLA
Housing Benefit Recoveries and Fraud National Statistics
11 September, 2015
Great Britain statistics for 2014/2015
Housing Benefit recoveries and fraud data: April 2014 to March 2015
09 September, 2015
Statistics on Housing Benefit fraud volumes and incorrectly paid benefit from April 2014 to March 2015
Universal Credit - Withdrawing entitlement to housing element from 18-21 year olds
02 September, 2015
The Government has, on a number of occasions, flagged up the likelihood of Housing Benefit entitlement being withdrawn from the majority of 18-21 year olds
Bedroom Tax victims fighting to prevent disabled grandson going into care - and costing Government much more
01 September, 2015
Paul and Susan Rutherford have defeated Iain Duncan-Smith's bid to block their legal appeal against a ruling which could see them separated from grandson Warren
£2 million paid out in Dundee to ease 'bedroom tax' pain
01 September, 2015
Almost £2 million has been awarded to Dundonians this year alone to help them cope with the effects of the so-called bedroom tax
Housing Benefit: withdrawing entitlement from 18-21 year olds
27 August, 2015
The Government intends to withdraw Housing Benefit entitlement from some 18-21 year olds from April 2017
Hundreds of Flintshire tenants in rent arrears due to bedroom tax
27 August, 2015
Council report reveals 660 residents feel impact of under-occupancy charge, with debts totalling £236,457
Bland assertions on the bedroom tax don't help anyone
26 August, 2015
As the possibility of a political solution to the bedroom tax drifts ever farther from the democratic process, some stories are still shocking enough to reach the headlines
Moves of Housing Benefit claimants: Jun-Aug 2013 to Sep-Nov 2014
25 August, 2015
Statistics on moves of Housing Benefit claimants from quarter June to August 2013 to quarter September to November 2014
Housing benefits axed: How will cuts affect young people in Milton Keynes?
18 August, 2015
Earlier this month the Government announced that they are going to axe housing benefits for 18-21 year-olds
Soaring £4.8m cost of emergency council payments to people hit by bedroom tax in Greater Manchester
18 August, 2015
Town halls spend £4.8m in discretionary housing payments to people on benefits who can no longer afford the rent
'Stark warning' on welfare cuts after number of homeless families soars 47% - what's changed
14 August, 2015
The number of families forced into B&Bs; and other temporary accommodation is on the up
Number of people evicted from rented homes has soared since housing benefit cuts began
14 August, 2015
The number of people being evicted from their rented homes has increased by almost 50 per cent since housing benefit cuts were introduced four years ago
Ill-judged welfare cuts have puts thousands at risk
14 August, 2015
In the last three months alone over 10,000 households have lost their home
New Discretionary Housing Payments guidance
13 August, 2015
The DWP has issued a new Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) guidance manual
Housing Benefit caseload statistics
12 August, 2015
Statistics on numbers of Housing Benefit claimants
Benefit cap: thousands of people move into work or off Housing Benefit
06 August, 2015
According to new figures, 25,300 people who had their benefits capped moved into work, reduced their Housing Benefit claim or no longer claim Housing Benefit at all
Young people are on benefits out of necessity, not out of choice
05 August, 2015
Housing and unemployment benefits for the young support thousands of parents, care leavers and homeless people, who ought to be protected
Uncertain Futures
04 August, 2015
A report examining the impact of removing automatic entitlement to Housing Benefit for 18 to 21 year olds
Bedroom Tax and separated families - UT again
03 August, 2015
In this appeal tribunal, the appellant was represented, which was a problem in MR
Council Tax: what it is, how much it costs and how to save money
01 August, 2015
Council Tax is used to help pay for services such as waste collection, street lighting and cleaning, and police and fire services
A word on what's missing from the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
31 July, 2015
Since the Chancellor's budget earlier this month, here at Crisis we've been worrying about some of the drastic cuts to housing benefit that were announced
Cuts to council tax benefits have gone largely unreported - but the consequences are big news for Britain's poorest
31 July, 2015
The axe has been devolved, with big consequences for Britain's poorest families
Too poor to pay
30 July, 2015
Report by CPAG showing the impact of the second year of localised council tax support in London
Responding to welfare reform in Wales
29 July, 2015
The major focus of the UK Government's reforms covered by the Auditor General's report were the changes to Housing Benefit
Birmingham's council tax income lowest in the country because of cheap housing
29 July, 2015
City average of £737 per household despite the council tax rate being one of the highest nationally
'Bedroom tax' cash help for Welsh tenants urged by AMs
28 July, 2015
Social housing tenants hit by the so-called bedroom tax should get more financial help from the Welsh government
Council tenants in Cardiff are £1m in arrears - and that's up since the bedroom tax was introduced
27 July, 2015
Bedroom tax is blamed for contributing to the £1m owed to Cardiff council
What It's Really Like To Be Young, British, And On Housing Benefit
27 July, 2015
The chancellor has announced that he will end automatic entitlement to housing benefit for people aged 18-21
Discretionary housing payments
25 July, 2015
Discretionary housing payments offer a lifeline for tenants who need extra help with housing costs or to offset the harmful effects of the bedroom tax
The benefit cap risks turning half of England into a ghetto
24 July, 2015
Housing benefit cuts will see poor families on benefits priced almost completely out of the south - and even some northern cities. Where will they go?
Over 150,000 people are in receipt of house benefit
22 July, 2015
More than 150,000 people in Northern Ireland are currently receiving housing benefit
Cambridge landlords pocket £45,000+ in housing benefit as others shut the door to those on benefits
22 July, 2015
There are claims the majority of city landlords no longer take tenants on housing benefit - despite hundreds of thousands of pounds flowing into their pockets
Welfare cuts backed amid Labour revolt
21 July, 2015
MPs have backed government plans for £12bn in welfare cuts
English housing survey 2013 to 2014: household report
17 July, 2015
Annual report on households in England, covering themes such as housing needs, housing moves, and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
Housing benefit plans in budget are an assault on young people says housing charity boss
16 July, 2015
A housing charity boss has slammed housing benefit cuts in the budget which he says will lead to more young people in Mansfield and Ashfield becoming homeless
"Housing benefit saved me as a teenager"
16 July, 2015
The government's plans to scrap housing benefit for young people have incensed Sali Hughes
Housing benefit for under-21s is a vital safety net
16 July, 2015
Osborne wants young people to 'earn or learn', but benefit cuts can push the vulnerable even further from the workforce
Mhairi Black attacks housing benefit cuts in maiden Commons speech
15 July, 2015
After housing benefit for under-21s abolished in budget, new MP says she is now only 20-year-old whom chancellor is helping with housing
Bedroom tax sent council house rent arrears soaring in Swansea
10 July, 2015
Council house rent arrears shot up as a result of the bedroom tax, according to housing officers in Swansea
Welfare Reform and Work Bill published
09 July, 2015
Following the announcement made in the Chancellor's speech on the Summer Budget, the Government has published the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
The legal challenge to the 'bedroom tax' - a new hope
07 July, 2015
Desmond Rutledge reviews the prospects of the bedroom tax litigation succeeding in the light of the recent Supreme Court judgment in the household benefit cap case
Housing benefit to private landlords set to rise by £440m a year warns GMB
06 July, 2015
The amount of housing benefit paid to private landlords will increase by £440m a year
Housing benefit 'savings considered by ministers'
03 July, 2015
Ministers are considering forcing all housing benefit recipients to contribute towards their rent as part of efforts to save £12bn
Osborne targets housing benefit but rise in buy-to-let landlords 'will add millions to bill'
03 July, 2015
The booming buy-to-let market threatens to add millions to the already bloated housing benefit bill
Who will speak out for those hammered by housing benefit cuts?
03 July, 2015
Silent misery: that's the whole underlying premise of the government's £12bn cuts to social security
Tories 'could cut housing benefit' in £12bn welfare crackdown by making everyone pay towards rent
03 July, 2015
The move would hit thousands of families who have their full rent paid by the taxpayer if it's included in the Budget
Osborne could cut benefits cap to £20,000 for families outside the South East where the cost of living is lower
03 July, 2015
Families in the majority of the country could see their annual cap on benefit claims cut to £20,000
Millions spent papering over the cracks of bedroom tax disaster
02 July, 2015
Merseyside councils last year paid out £4.6 million in discretionary housing payments (DHPs) to help households affected by the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax protesters campaign at the Senedd
01 July, 2015
Campaigners from across South Wales attended the protest at the Senedd against the Bedroom Tax
Half of households receive more in benefits than they pay in taxes
30 June, 2015
More than 13 million households in Britain receive more in benefits than they pay in taxes
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments Financial year 2014/15
30 June, 2015
This statistical release presents analysis of information submitted to DWP by local authorities.
What do we know about the links between housing and poverty?
30 June, 2015
There is a real danger that, on current trends, the UK's housing system will create poverty, rather than provide protection against it.
The demonisation of benefit claimants is helping fuel homelessness, and it's about to get even worse
29 June, 2015
With housing benefits cuts on the way, a rise in evictions is inevitable
Housing and Poverty
29 June, 2015
Until recently, a combination of social housing, Housing Benefit and the homelessness safety net has provided protection against poverty
David Cameron under pressure from Tory MPs to review controversial 'bedroom tax'
25 June, 2015
Conservative MPs reported the controversial policy proved hugely unpopular on the doorsteps during the general election campaign
Government accused of discriminating against private rented sector
24 June, 2015
Private landlords are facing discrimination as the Government rolls out Universal Credit
People on benefits are dying. It's time for some transparency
23 June, 2015
The DWP's benefits crackdown includes threatening a disabled man who can't walk or talk
IDS warned of social housing evictions risk posed by lower benefit cap and universal credit
23 June, 2015
A lower benefit cap combined with the introduction of direct rent payments under universal credit could lead to a rise in evictions from social housing
Leaving the nest - are you prepared for the bedroom tax?
22 June, 2015
If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit (HB), you need to start looking at your options for dealing with the bedroom tax
'One person had her housing benefit stopped while in hospital giving birth'
19 June, 2015
As a support officer for a housing provider, I help people who are one step away from homelessness
The election has finally opened Tory eyes to the disaster of the bedroom tax
19 June, 2015
After praising the bedroom tax for five years, Tory MPs returned from their constituency doorsteps with a better understanding of the chaos it has caused
'Living rents' would boost affordable homes delivery and cut the housing benefit bill
18 June, 2015
A new 'living rent' linked to local incomes could help tackle poverty and reduce the housing benefit bill
Cutting housing benefit - one brick at a time
18 June, 2015
Consensus has broken out in the fractious world of welfare reform
Lord Freud quotes housing associations to defend bedroom tax from critics
17 June, 2015
The impact of the bedroom tax on housing associations and their tenants has not been as severe as critics suggest
Bedroom Tax too extreme even for Tory backbench
15 June, 2015
The SNP is today renewing its call for the abolition of the Bedroom Tax - after it emerged that even Tory MPs are calling for the policy to be revisited
Bedroom tax ruling 'opens the door' for separated parents
11 June, 2015
A tribunal in England has ruled that separated parents are being wrongly charged with the 'bedroom tax' in a ruling that can open the floodgates for thousands of claimants
Scrap bedroom tax, Tories tell PM: Cameron warned the measure is a 'fly in the "One Nation" ointment'
10 June, 2015
David Cameron is facing pressure from his own party to ditch the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Housing benefit to be targeted in Osborne's welfare cuts
04 June, 2015
Housing benefit could be cut by over 10% in George Osborne's July Budget as the government attempts to deliver its commitment to reduce welfare spending by £12 billion in two years
Bedroom Tax: How to appeal because of joint custody of a child
28 May, 2015
The Tory election victory means Bedroom Tax is here to stay, and the only way to avoid paying it is to appeal
An anatomy of a bedroom tax appeal
22 May, 2015
Rob Gershon investigates the unique structure behind Coast and Country's project to empower tenants to mount their appeals
The removal of the removal of the spare room subsidy
22 May, 2015
It's been a numbing couple of weeks for those of us affected by, and hoping for reform or repeal of, the bedroom tax
Half a million children living in unsafe private rented homes
21 May, 2015
£1.3bn of housing benefit spent on dangerous homes
A home without a household
20 May, 2015
News of a very interesting First Tier Tribunal bedroom tax appeal
Charity hits out at report on housing benefit payments
18 May, 2015
A charity has hit back after being placed on a list of "housing benefit millionaires"
Bedroom Tax battle couple's Human Rights Act fear
18 May, 2015
Jacqueline Carmichael and partner Jayson are worried their Supreme Court case will be influenced by scrapping of Act
Housing benefit cuts for under-21s would be disastrous for young people
18 May, 2015
The cost of evictions, homelessness and temporary accommodation would all but wipe out the controversial policy's predicted savings
Experimental Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit flows data from November 2008
13 May, 2015
Experimental Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit flows data
'Pure evil' Bedroom Tax will hit one million more people as Tories launch 100-day welfare blitz
11 May, 2015
David Cameron will hit society's most vulnerable the hardest as he finally begins to identify his £12billion of welfare cuts
The Tory MPs and donors taking in millions in housing benefit
08 May, 2015
Tory MPs and donors are pocketing cash to the tune of millions in housing benefit
Tories could raise the Bedroom Tax as part of £12billion welfare cuts
06 May, 2015
Tenants struggling to afford their rents face being slapped with another big rise or forced to leave their homes
Vote Labour and you can help scrap the bedroom tax, Ed Miliband tells the people of Wales
05 May, 2015
In his own words, the Labour leader sets out his vision for how he wants to change Wales and put the UK on the road to prosperity and fairness
Housing Benefit for supported housing
01 May, 2015
Changes introduced by the Housing Benefit and Universal Credit (Supported Housing) (Amendment) Regulations 2014
Miliband to say Labour would immediately put an end to the bedroom tax
01 May, 2015
Today the Labour leader will explain how Labour would put an immediate end to the Tories' bedroom tax
Tory minister admits bedroom tax is 'not an easy sell' on the doorstep
01 May, 2015
The so-called bedroom tax is "not an easy sell" on the election doorstep, a Tory Cabinet minister has privately admitted
Historic house undergoes £600,000 redevelopment to help people affected by the 'bedroom tax'
01 May, 2015
A landmark property in a Staffordshire village which stood empty for many years has undergone a makeover and is now providing homes for people affected by the 'bedroom tax'
£827,000: What Ukip's housing spokesman was paid in housing benefit as a private landlord
28 April, 2015
Britain's wealthiest private landlords being paid millions in housing benefit despite social housing being cut
Skelmersdale bedroom tax victim has toes amputated after spending winter in a tent
28 April, 2015
Mitchell and Keith Keenan were evicted from their four-bedroomed house in Birch Green last year
Protest halts Coventry man's eviction from home of 40 years
28 April, 2015
The eviction of a man from his home of more than 40 years was stopped after protestors surrounded the house
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2014 to 2015
22 April, 2015
Measure of the average time taken to process new claims and changes of circumstances throughout the financial year 2014 to 2015
'Bedroom tax is making people homeless'
21 April, 2015
Barry resident Wendy Evans told the BBC Wales election 2015 tour the so-called bedroom tax is unfair
The great housing benefit scandal
20 April, 2015
Nine billion pounds of taxpayers' money goes to private landlords every year in housing benefit
What would a serious attempt at tackling under-occupation look like?
17 April, 2015
Tackling under-occupation can play a part in addressing the housing crisis - but we need a fundamental review of the issue based on the evidence
Alex Salmond predicts bedroom tax will lead to demise of Lib Dems
16 April, 2015
Former First Minister Alex Salmond has predicted that the hated bedroom tax would lead to the "destruction" of the Liberal Democrats
'Bedroom Tax' legal battle to go to Supreme Court in March 2016
16 April, 2015
Lawyers announce date for Supreme Court hearing in 'Bedroom Tax' legal case
Tories' rent policy could add millions to housing benefit bill
15 April, 2015
The Barnet Conservatives' plan to increase council rents to 80% of average market rents
Council fury over Scottish Government cuts to bedroom tax support
14 April, 2015
Colin Smyth says government cuts are "draconian" and a "nasty and vindictive attack on the region's vulnerable"
Furious bedroom tax campaigners claim their petition has been 'kicked into long grass'
14 April, 2015
"Disgusted" campaigners claim their petition has been "kicked into the long grass"
Right to Buy will cost £4bn in housing benefit
14 April, 2015
The Conservative party's pledge to grant 1.3 million housing association tenants the right to buy their homes would cost the country £4 billion more in housing benefit
Scrapping the Bedroom Tax, raising minimum wage and five other Labour election pledges that could genuinely affect people on Merseyside
13 April, 2015
Ed Miliband unveils Labour's election manifesto - but what could it mean for Liverpool?
North East sees 48% rise in housing benefit claimants since 2025
10 April, 2015
The region is second only to London for the highest rise in housing benefit and Labour says low pay is to blame
Bedroom tax: it's four against and one for in housing crisis debate
10 April, 2015
"Axe the bedroom tax", say all the parliamentary hopefuls standing in Islington South and Finsbur
No regrets in the bedroom, says Iain Duncan Smith as he pops £1bn question to Rachel Reeves
09 April, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith does not even pause when asked if he has any regrets over the so-called 'bedroom tax'
What has happened to the disabled people affected by the Coalition's welfare reforms?
08 April, 2015
Frances Ryan revisits previous interviewees to find out how they are coping with the bedroom tax and the changes to benefits like the Disability Living Allowance
The bedroom tax would be abolished 'in a matter of months' under a new Labour government
08 April, 2015
Rachel Reeves, shadow work and pensions secretary, visited a Barry food bank which has seen the number of people use it increase by 500 in just two years
The future of the bedroom tax is in the hands of the people of Wales
07 April, 2015
The Tories argue there are 90,000 people in Wales on housing waiting lists and 13,000 in over-crowded social accommodation
Labour's 'one month to scrap bedroom tax'
07 April, 2015
People have one month in which to scrap the so-called "bedroom tax" by voting Labour
Thought the bedroom tax was bad? Let's talk about cuts to council tax support
02 April, 2015
Poor people need help with council tax. Instead they get bailiffs, court summons and spiralling debt that could land them in prison
Archbishop of Wales Barry Morgan fears that prospect of welfare cuts means the worst could be yet to come
02 April, 2015
The Anglican leader is alarmed by the rise in the use of food banks, the effects of the so-called 'bedroom tax' and threats to libraries
Two years on - the Bedroom Tax has brought untold hardship to hundreds of thousands of people
02 April, 2015
If there was ever an anniversary not to celebrate it's today's marker of two years since the Bedroom Tax was introduced
Family 'threatened with eviction' for not paying bedroom tax on toilet
01 April, 2015
A Cornwall father who converted a bedroom into a toilet to help his seriously ill son says his family have been threatened with eviction for refusing to pay the bedroom tax on it
Disabled couple's High Court bedroom tax victory 'could have significant consequences'
31 March, 2015
A disabled couple have successfully challenged a council's bedroom tax policy in a case that could have significant consequences across the country
The Devolution of Housing Benefit and Social Security: Rebalancing Housing Subsidies in Scotland
31 March, 2015
This report examines the existing Housing Benefit system in Scotland and makes recommendations for its improvement in the light of the Smith Commission's report on devolution
Calls to abolish bedroom tax after Harold Hill mum speaks of struggle to downsize
30 March, 2015
A mother-of-two has spoken of her difficulty downsizing her property under the threat of the bedroom tax as a leading charity has called for it to be abolished
Iain Duncan Smith: Government's controversial bedroom tax has saved taxpayers £1 billion
23 March, 2015
Work and Pensions Secretary says payments for spare bedrooms was costing £1 million a day
Benefit expenditure and caseload tables 2015
23 March, 2015
Historic and forecast benefit expenditure and caseload data for people receiving benefits
Labour claims bedroom tax is 'costing London's poor £50m a year'
23 March, 2015
The "bedroom tax" is squeezing more than £50 million a year from London's poorest families
Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit by employment sector 2025 to 2013
18 March, 2015
Freedom of Information response about benefit units receiving Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit by employment sector
Lifeline not Lifestyle
17 March, 2015
An economic analysis of the impacts of cutting housing benefit for young people
Worcester firm launches new site for tenants to swap homes
17 March, 2015
IT services provider Housing Partners has launched a £1 million new version of its market leading HomeSwapper service
Liz on the Bedroom Tax and Local Housing Allowance - Labour will Scrap the Bedroom Tax
17 March, 2015
The "Bedroom Tax" and The Local Housing Allowance do appear to be similar policies on first sight
Tenants hit by bedroom tax suffer range of health problems
16 March, 2015
Stress, anxiety, hunger, ill-health and depression are all experienced by people who have been affected by the controversial welfare policy
Housing benefit bill rose by £2.4-billion under coalition as Labour claim new homes needed
16 March, 2015
New analysis of a report on housing benefit shows that the total bill has risen by £2.4-billion since the coalition took power in 2025
Computer glitch hits Dumfries and Galloway housing benefit
16 March, 2015
Dumfries and Galloway Council says every effort has been made to support tenants after a computer glitch delayed their housing benefit payments
In tenants' own words: why the bedroom tax makes you ill
16 March, 2015
The bedroom tax causes stress, depression, loneliness and hunger, social housing tenants told an academic study
Housing Benefit subsidy guidance manual 2014 to 2015
13 March, 2015
This guidance is for local authorities. It explains the subsidies DWP pays them for certain costs of the Housing Benefit scheme
Lib Dem grassroots plot yet another Bedroom Tax revolt
12 March, 2015
Nick Clegg is facing a revolt from grassroots Liberal Democrats who will demand a firm pledge to scrap the bedroom tax at the party's spring conference starting on Friday
Minister for Disabled People irritated by questions about disabled people in bedroom tax debate
10 March, 2015
The Minister for Disabled People was in no mood for questions about the bedroom tax
Bill for housing benefit falls for the first time in a decade as welfare reforms curb spending
09 March, 2015
Spending on housing benefit has fallen for the first time in a decade
People hit by council tax support cuts are broke, but the system is broken
06 March, 2015
Court rooms are clogged with people who have fallen behind on payments since support funds were axed, yet the rich still fail to pay their fair share of the tax
The effects of changes to housing benefit in the private rented sector
06 March, 2015
This presentation was delivered at a seminar at the Economic and Social Research Institute in Dublin on 5 March 2015
Housing association defends impact of bedroom tax in Dorset
06 March, 2015
A housing association with properties in Sherborne has defended the 'bedroom tax'
Reform private rent before it breaks the housing benefit bank
05 March, 2015
The housing crisis is giving landlords ample scope to milk the public purse by inflating rents so that more and more people in work end up relying on housing benefit to keep a roof over their heads
Disabled Southport woman gets bedroom tax Supreme Court date
05 March, 2015
Jacqueline Carmichael and her husband, Jayson, are challenging the government over bedroom tax at the highest court of appeal in the UK
Number of HB (Aug 2014) and out of work benefit (May 2013) claimants with dependant
04 March, 2015
Number of Housing Benefit claimants with dependants at August 2014 and out of work benefit claimants with dependants at May 2013 in GB
Tory disabilities minister blames Lib Dems for disabled people bedroom tax fiasco
04 March, 2015
It was revealed that the reason the Department for Work and Pensions has been unable to respond to a carefully researched, well-evidenced report into 'Support for Housing Costs in a reformed welfare system' is the Liberal Democrats
Disabled 'had to stay' after tax
04 March, 2015
A "significant number" of disabled people living in specially adapted homes have had to bear the cost of the so-called bedroom tax
70% rise in Dundee council house rent arrears
03 March, 2015
The number of former council house tenants in arrears has risen by more than 70%
A million more families will pay the hated Bedroom Tax if David Cameron triumphs in May
02 March, 2015
Sunday People political editor Nigel Nelson reveals how 220,000 more families will pay be forced to pay Bedroom Tax each year if the Tories win the General Election
Bedroom tax: New figures reveal more than 10,000 have had benefits cuts across Lanarkshire
02 March, 2015
North Lanarkshire is the second most affected local authority in Scotland, while South Lanarkshire comes in fifth spot
Benefit cap cuts housing benefit to 22 Cambridge families with at least five children
02 March, 2015
Forty Cambridge families have been hit by a cap on their benefits under the Government's welfare reforms - including 22 with at least five children
Has 'bedroom tax' killed off this Durham community?
27 February, 2015
Our report from the County Durham village which residents say is "like Beirut" has raised many questions
Bedroom tax victims facing council tax support cut double whammy
27 February, 2015
Thousands of people hit by the Tory-led coalition's controversial bedroom tax may also be facing cuts to council tax support
Housing Benefit overpayments guide
27 February, 2015
This guide is for staff who deal with Housing Benefit overpayments for local authorities and housing authorities
No Love for the bedroom tax - MP fights on against policy
26 February, 2015
A Labour MP has renewed his commitment to fight the bedroom tax during his remaining time in parliament
What if pensioners paid the bedroom tax?
26 February, 2015
Amid growing debate about intergenerational fairness, research shows some pensioners receive housing benefit for six empty bedrooms
Should the Assembly gain powers to scrap the bedroom tax? Think tank kick-starts debate on next stage of devolution
26 February, 2015
Institute of Welsh Affairs asks whether the National Assembly should gain welfare powers
Welfare handouts top £30,000 for thousands of homes
25 February, 2015
Families receiving benefits getting equivalent of £40k pay packet
Scotland hands out over 100,000 DHPs in nine months
24 February, 2015
Scottish local authorities made just over 101,000 discretionary housing payment (DHP) awards between April and December 2014
Six ways landlords can help social housing tenants to move home
24 February, 2015
From home swaps to financial support, here's how to help tenants downsize to avoid the bedroom tax or move house for a new job
Should Wales have the power to ditch the bedroom tax?
24 February, 2015
The spare room subsidy is a welfare reform created by the UK Government in Westminster to cut the benefits of those people in social housing with a spare room
Sharp exchanges as bedroom tax legislation looms
24 February, 2015
The war over welfare between Sinn Fein and the SDLP has deepened as legislation to bring in benefits reforms in Northern Ireland is set to return to the Assembly
Affordable Housing: A fair deal for rural communities
23 February, 2015
There are severe housing shortages throughout the UK
Bedroom tax and sanctuary schemes
23 February, 2015
The judicial review of the bedroom tax regulations as being discriminatory on the basis that a 'panic room' equipped for domestic violence victims was classed as a 'spare bedroom' failed
'If Labour wins I'll become a minister... and go straight on maternity leave', claims Rachel Reeves - but not before abolishing the 'bedroom tax'
23 February, 2015
Labour frontbencher Rachel Reeves has declared she wants to become a Cabinet minister after the election
Crisis warns more support needed for homeless young people hit by benefit cuts
20 February, 2015
Scotland's Government and local authorities must provide greater support for homeless under-35s who are struggling to access private tenancies in the wake of cuts to housing benefit
Cutting councils' hardship fund will punish our most vulnerable residents
19 February, 2015
We haven't had to evict anyone yet because of bedroom tax arrears - but a £40m cut to safety net funding could see that change
'The Welsh Government has a duty to stand up strongly against the bedroom tax': Plaid calls for action as thousands of tenants affected across Wales
18 February, 2015
In Cardiff 2,560 of the city council's tenants are paying bedroom tax with another 1,240 housing association tenants in the city affecteD
Monthly Early Estimates of Income Support Lone Parent's (ISLP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Incapacity Benefits Client Groups
18 February, 2015
Technical note about early caseload estimates for working age inactive benefit client groups
Thousands of bedroom tax victims also hit by cuts to council tax benefits
17 February, 2015
New research found that tens of thousands of those affected by the bedroom tax are also getting hit by cuts to council tax support
Scrap 'bedroom tax', says ACRE
17 February, 2015
The next government is being urged to scrap the 'bedroom tax' in rural communities with fewer than 3,000 people
The overlaps between the Bedroom Tax and cuts in council tax support
17 February, 2015
The Affordable Homes Bill, currently going through parliament, will reduce the number of families who pay the "Bedroom Tax"
Council tax debt problems overtake credit card debt
17 February, 2015
Council tax debt is now the most common debt problem reported to Citizens Advice overtaking credit cards
Housing Benefit overpayment recovery good practice
16 February, 2015
Good practice for local authority staff on recovering Housing Benefit overpayments
Empty Manchester homes brought back to life for bedroom tax victims
13 February, 2015
Deserted homes in Manchester, some of which have been empty for 15 years, are being brought back into use to help tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Housing Benefit fraud and error: local authority insight survey wave 27
12 February, 2015
This research seeks to understand what local authorities are doing to prevent fraud and error in Housing Benefit
Work to avoid the benefit cap and we will sanction you says DWP!!!
11 February, 2015
In the last hour an article has appeared on Inside Housing to say the DWP will sanction anyone who does not work full time
Direct Payment of Housing Benefit: Are Social Landlords Ready?
10 February, 2015
This summary presents the key findings of a survey of social landlords in England, Scotland and Wales
Why Blackpool has asked the Treasury to slash residents' housing benefit
10 February, 2015
The Labour council at England's largest seaside town is taking drastic measures to end the highly lucrative trade in abysmal quality bedsits
A quarter of councils agree to freeze council tax
10 February, 2015
Only one in four councils have agreed to freeze council tax, despite pleas from Ministers
Bedroom Tax leaves 1,500 larger homes empty and councils with a £20MILLION rent deficit
09 February, 2015
The Government's own figures reveal the multiple-bedroom properties are vacant because tenants cannot afford to move into them
Shared care isn't occupation as a home
09 February, 2015
A short Upper Tribunal decision has put an end to bedroom tax appeals based on the 'part-time' residence of a child of a separated family with shared care
More help requests from Dumfries and Galloway tenants
09 February, 2015
Applications for financial help from tenants in Dumfries and Galloway have increased more than three-fold since welfare reforms were introduced
Council tax in Caerphilly borough set to rise by 3.9%
05 February, 2015
Council tax in Caerphilly county is due to rise by 3.9% in 2015/16 as the local authority sets its budget
Benefit cap: 200 people into work or off Housing Benefit every week
05 February, 2015
The benefit cap is encouraging more people to work or stop claiming Housing Benefit
'Cold and hungry' impact of 'bedroom tax' in Haringey
03 February, 2015
A mother has told of the devastating impact the bedroom tax has on her life
Social landlord looks to sell empty homes as bedroom tax bites
30 January, 2015
A social landlord has "reluctantly" asked the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for permission to sell over 100 of its empty homes
This is what young people have to say about David Cameron's plan to cut housing benefits for under 21 year olds
29 January, 2015
With David Cameron vowing to remove housing benefit from 18 to 21 year olds on Jobseekers' Allowance, vulnerable young people have responded with disbelief at the Prime Minister's proposal
Grieving Scots pensioner asked to pay back £4 housing benefit - because his wife had just died
29 January, 2015
Gerrard Daly said he was "disgusted" to receive a letter from North Lanarkshire Council which highlighted the outstanding debt he owed
Cutting benefit cap and removing housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds a dangerous move
28 January, 2015
Commenting on David Cameron's announcement that a Conservative government would lower the benefit cap
County councils refuse government request to freeze local tax rates in run up to election
26 January, 2015
Three-quarters of county councils are set to raise council tax in the run-up to the general election, defying government pleas to freeze the charge
Poverty and devolution: The role of devolved governments in a strong national social security system
23 January, 2015
This report assesses the impact of different localised approaches to reducing poverty
New Scottish Parliament powers plan published
22 January, 2015
The UK government has published plans for new Scottish Parliament powers, but SNP ministers said they had been significantly watered down
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2014 to 2015
22 January, 2015
Measure of the average time taken to process new claims and changes of circumstances throughout the financial year 2014 to 2015
Jobcentre 'hit squads' set up benefit claimants to fail, says former official
21 January, 2015
Bosses accused of setting targets for sanctions, while unscrupulous staff targeted weak and vulnerable customers
'We cut back on everything to pay the rent - including food'
21 January, 2015
Michelle and Kevin live in Cambridge. When Kevin became self-employed, a cut in tax credits and housing benefit left the family facing homelessness
LHA rates may increase by up to 4% in certain areas of NI
21 January, 2015
A new statutory instrument takes effect on 20 January that will allow for the uprating of Local Housing Allowance by up to 4% in certain parts of Northern Ireland
Council ends bedroom tax support for vast majority of tenants
15 January, 2015
A council has ended financial assistance for the vast majority of tenants hit by welfare cuts after spending most of its fund to provide emergency support
Sheffield City Council to cut jobs and raise council tax
15 January, 2015
Sheffield City Council is planning to cut up to 200 jobs and raise council tax by 1.99% in an attempt to save £63m from next year's budget
Losses due to housing benefit fraud and errors rising
13 January, 2015
DWP overpaid claimants with £1.4bn of taxpayers' money in 2013/14 and failed to tackle underpayment
Thousands of homes across the North were already waiting to downsize before Bedroom Tax came into force
13 January, 2015
New figures have sparked fury from MPs who say the government knew a chronic shortage of housing would leave families unfairly losing money
Housing benefit fraud and error report published
13 January, 2015
The Department has failed to tackle problems with Housing Benefit fraud and error quickly or convincingly according to the Public Accounts Committee's report
One in five people who bought their council house in upmarket Westminster were living on housing benefit
12 January, 2015
One in five people who bought their council home in one of Britain's wealthiest areas was receiving housing benefit when they applied
Disabled tenants to challenge bedroom tax in supreme court
12 January, 2015
Rights groups say tax is unfair to people with physical problems who cannot trade down to smaller, rented property
'Bedroom Tax' cost Caerphilly Council tenants £2.1m as arrears and evictions rise
09 January, 2015
Caerphilly Council tenants have been forced to pay out an extra £2.1 million in rent since the 'Bedroom Tax' came in - almost £1,050 each
Housing benefit debate
09 January, 2015
MPs took part in a Labour led opposition day debate on the abolition of social sector size criteria in housing benefit - or "scrapping the bedroom tax"
Managing the Impact of Welfare Reform Changes on Social Housing Tenants in Wales
08 January, 2015
This report looks at the impact of welfare reform changes on social housing tenants in Wales
Shortfall in council tax support funding likely to hit low-income families
06 January, 2015
Rising numbers of families on low incomes are likely to face bigger council tax bills this year because of a shortfall in government funding for council tax support
Iain Duncan Smith to accelerate benefit reforms to stop Labour reversing them
05 January, 2015
Benefits reform will be one of the key battlegrounds at May's general election and the suggestion that Mr Duncan Smith wants to bed in fully his benefit reforms will infuriate Labour
Suicides highlight the grim toll of benefits sanctions in austerity Britain
05 January, 2015
Department for Work and Pensions investigates 60 claimant suicides, with sanctioning connected to crime and depression
Candidate hits out after bedroom-tax bid rejected
02 January, 2015
Labour's candidate for Berwick in next year's General Election has hit out at the incumbent MP for again voting in favour of the so-called bedroom tax
Under-occupation of social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement
02 January, 2015
This note provides information on who is affected by the under-occupation deduction in the social rented sector (also referred to as the 'spare room subsidy' and the 'bedroom tax')
Council vows to protect tenants with rents freeze
01 January, 2015
A local authority in the West Midlands has vowed to "protect working families" by announcing plans to freeze all council housing rents
Number of evicted tenants is soaring
30 December, 2014
Soaring numbers of tenants are being turned out of their homes by bailiffs
CIH comment on Stormont deal announcement
24 December, 2014
We remain hopeful that local politicians will take sensible steps to avoid the impact of the bedroom tax here
Birmingham's bedroom tax fund nearly dry
24 December, 2014
Fears for poor as hardship pot for housing benefit changes in city set to run out
Bedroom tax is punishing families
23 December, 2014
Last year in Amber Valley, over 800 families lost an average of over £750 each thanks to the bedroom tax
Spare rooms, myth or reality? Let's have a 'common sense' bedroom standard
22 December, 2014
A lot has been written about the under-occupation penalty
Minister claims waiting list reductions 'show bedroom tax is working'
18 December, 2014
A government minister has claimed reduced social housing waiting lists provide evidence that the bedroom tax is working
Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: final reports
18 December, 2014
Final evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Project relating to the direct payment of Housing Benefit to tenants in social housing
Housing costs for tenants in social housing
18 December, 2014
Research about communications with social housing tenants affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy
Scottish council tax arrears 'highest in UK'
17 December, 2014
Scots have the highest level of council tax arrears and payday loan debts in the UK
A Christmas Bedroom Tax Tale: Dark Tomorrows
17 December, 2014
After five more years of coalition government, Rob Gershon looks back from a future where we didn't get rid of the bedroom tax
Labour to push for vote to repeal bedroom tax
17 December, 2014
Labour is hoping to push through a vote on repealing the bedroom tax in an opposition day debate today
Forced to pay the cruel Bedroom Tax because of the death of her hero son in Afghanistan
17 December, 2014
Moe Bland was forced to downsize because she no longer needed the room that was once inhabited by her son who died in the army
Pickles under attack over plan for referendums on council tax rises
16 December, 2014
Theresa May and the Lib Dems say votes will cost money and decision will cause real-term cuts in budgets
How the DWP's bedroom tax guidance has trumped the law
16 December, 2014
Some time ago, I wrote a blog piece about the possibility that Lord Freud was skirting around the legal decisions that had been made in a case that underpinned a lot of the early legal discussion about bedroom tax
Bedroom tax: size matters sometimes
16 December, 2014
A new Housing Benefit Upper Tribunal decision means that Housing Act 1985 overcrowding rules cannot be applied in bedroom tax cases
Benefits cap is getting more into work, research claims
15 December, 2014
Studies for the DWP found those affected by the cap were 41% more likely to get a job than people who were unaffected
The impact of the under-occupation deduction from Housing Benefit (social rented housing)
15 December, 2014
Commons Library Standard Note
Record number of homeless families in 'out of area' temporary accommodation
12 December, 2014
High rents and housing benefit cap making it harder for councils to find safe and decent places in local area
Council tenant evictions soar following bedroom tax introduction
11 December, 2014
The number of council tenants evicted for rent arrears soared by 19% in the first year of the bedroom tax
DWP overturns bedroom tax room size judgement
11 December, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions has overturned a tribunal's decision to exempt two brothers from the bedroom tax due to room size
£90m benefits giveaway... fraud and error result in huge overpayments to claimants
09 December, 2014
Fraud and error resulted in more than £90m worth of benefits being overpaid in Northern Ireland last year
Bedroom tax has saved taxpayer £830m
09 December, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has claimed the government has saved £830m as a result of the bedroom tax, and is on track to save £1bn over two years
The elephant in the bedroom
08 December, 2014
Finally, the long awaited Upper Tribunal decision on room size and the bedroom tax has been released
Women bear 85% of burden after Coalition's tax and benefit tweaks
08 December, 2014
£22bn of £26bn made from benefit reforms taken from women
Far-left agenda has 'hijacked' anti-bedroom tax cause
05 December, 2014
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners who staged a noisy protest during full council have been 'hijacked' by a far-left agenda
Councils to receive cash incentives for cutting housing benefit fraud
04 December, 2014
The government will reward councils that cut housing benefit fraud with cash incentives
Statistics to support the Jobseeker's Allowance (Habitual Residence) Amendment Regulations 2013 impact assessment
04 December, 2014
FOI response about the numbers of adult overseas nationals entering the UK and claiming an out of work benefit from 2002 to 2013
Scottish councils facing 50% shortfall in benefit subsidy
03 December, 2014
Scottish councils have been forced to make up a near 50% shortfall in housing benefit and council tax administration subsidy
Key vote removes cap on housing payments
03 December, 2014
A key vote in the Scottish Parliament has removed the last hurdle to lifting the cap on Discretionary Housing Payments and will allow for the full mitigation of the 'bedroom tax'
Findings from Wave 26 of the Local Authority Insight Survey: Removal of access to Housing Benefit for European Economic Area (EEA) jobseekers
02 December, 2014
The survey found that more than seven in ten (72%) of LAs have affected EEA jobseekers
Benefit changes mean a choice of 'eat or heat' for an increasing number of families
24 November, 2014
The cost-of-living crisis is damaging the health of children with disabilities
How can you charge the bedroom tax on a stalked woman's panic room?
21 November, 2014
Under the bedroom tax regime, a panic room built to keep a woman and her son safe from abuse has been deemed a "spare bedroom"
Newcastle landlord builds homes to meet the bedroom tax
21 November, 2014
A social landlord in Newcastle has completed work on a £2 million development of smaller homes built to meet the need created by the bedroom tax
The Housing Benefit (Habitual Residence) Amendment Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014 No. 539): SSAC report
20 November, 2014
A report on the Housing Benefit (Habitual Residence) Amendment Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014 No. 539). It includes a government statement
Local authority insight survey wave 26: removal of access to Housing Benefit for European Economic Area (EEA) jobseekers
20 November, 2014
This research asks local authorities about limiting access to benefits for European Economic Area nationals
Court challenge to benefit changes for 'secure' housing
19 November, 2014
Housing benefit changes should not apply to people who have had their accommodation adapted to protect them from a violent ex-partner
Church leaders launch attack on 'unjust' bedroom tax
18 November, 2014
Senior clergy described policy as 'unjust' and 'deeply unfair'
Government's unemployment figures questioned as research reveals sanctioned JSA claimants 'disappeared'
18 November, 2014
The government's unemployment figures could be hugely understating the true extent of joblessness in the UK
'Hundreds of disabled people hit by 'bedroom tax' could be missing out on financial help'
18 November, 2014
Hundreds of disabled people affected by the bedroom tax in Wales are missing out on financial help, due to a lack of parity on policy across local authorities
Government slammed after nearly 3,000 Swansea tenants hit by 'cruel, unfair' bedroom tax
18 November, 2014
The coalition has been slammed by a member of the Welsh Assembly after figures revealed that 2,740 social housing tenants in Swansea have fallen foul of the bedroom tax
Only 4% of people in Liverpool fighting bedroom tax have had lost money paid back
17 November, 2014
Lengthy tribunal process misery for many facing 'under occupancy charge'
SFHA highlights 'bedroom tax' to illustrate challenges of existing devolution settlement
14 November, 2014
SFHA joined 28 civic organisations invited to make arguments to the Commission on further powers for Scotland
Number of housing benefit claimants drop
14 November, 2014
The number of people claiming housing benefit has dropped by 2% over the past year
Grim warning amid fears of housing payment cut
14 November, 2014
Beneficiaries have been warned by a councillor there may "depressing times ahead" in Oxford if there are further cuts
Association creating home swap app
11 November, 2014
A social landlord is developing the housing sector's answer to dating app Tinder in order to help tenants swap homes
Bedroom tax sees Liverpool homes stand empty as they are too expensive to live in
10 November, 2014
Shortage of smaller flats combines with surplus of larger homes
The truth about welfare spending: Facts or propaganda?
05 November, 2014
Forget the number of shopping days till Christmas. We are now just six months away from a general election
Council acting unlawfully against disabled bedroom tax couple
05 November, 2014
A council has been accused of unlawfully discriminating against a disabled couple hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax
Landmark housing benefit figure reached after 60% surge in working claimants
04 November, 2014
More than one million working people are now in receipt of housing benefit
Iain Duncan Smith accuses universal credit and bedroom tax opponents of 'getting their facts wrong'
04 November, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith insisted universal credit was "doing really well" and the bedroom tax was "decent and fair" as he was once again forced to defend his welfare reforms
Time to decide on fair council tax changes
03 November, 2014
Preparatory work to make council tax fair should start now if changes are to be introduced after local authorities are merged
In-work Housing Benefit: Analysis of on-flows and off-flows of in-work Housing Benefit claims
03 November, 2014
This publication presents analysis of the flows into and out of in-work Housing Benefit (HB) over time
Caerphilly cabinet approves cuts and council tax increase
31 October, 2014
Services are to be hit significantly after draft savings and budget cuts were endorsed by Caerphilly council's cabinet
Empty Bedrooms Undermine New Building
31 October, 2014
The growing trend towards under-occupation is exacerbating Britain's housing crisis
'Bedroom tax' stays to next parliament
31 October, 2014
The 'bedroom tax' will survive into the next parliament, after the Conservatives killed off a Bill that would effectively scrap it
Can private landlords refuse to let to Housing Benefit claimants?
30 October, 2014
It is not unusual for private landlords to advertise properties to let stating that they will not accept applications from Housing Benefit claimants
Court rules against town hall on council tax scheme
30 October, 2014
Councils across England may have to overhaul their procedures on reducing council tax support after a court ruled a London borough's consultation was unlawful
Bedroom tax victims are the real losers of the EU referendum bill's death
30 October, 2014
The strange death of the Tories' EU referendum bill has been a particularly ugly coalition one
An MP's valiant effort to crush the bedroom tax has come undone
29 October, 2014
The Affordable Homes Bill has been indefinitely stalled
Removal of subsidy for spare room not unlawful
29 October, 2014
Whether you call it the 'spare room subsidy' or the 'bedroom tax', the removal of this type of housing benefit has been nothing short of controversial
Miliband barred Lamont from attacking bedroom tax for 12 months
27 October, 2014
Glasgow Pollok MSP, who quit as head of Scottish Labour, was told to stay mute on topic while party leader decided on policy
Tories in Commons 'time wasting' plot to save the hated Bedroom Tax
27 October, 2014
A private Bill that would scrap the cruel tax for many victims is now being considered by a committee of MPs
Housing association secures refunds for 788 bedroom tax tenants
27 October, 2014
A Kent housing association has used its unique 'unregistered' status to secure 788 tenants bedroom tax refunds worth in total more than £500,000
Wait a week for jobless benefits
27 October, 2014
Unemployed benefits' claimants will have to wait a week for their payments under new rules to be introduced tomorrow
Filling the void
24 October, 2014
Helena Partnerships was faced with a glut of three bedroom homes it couldn't rent. So it turned to the private rental market for answers
Tories revert to 'Nasty Party' type to derail bedroom tax bill
24 October, 2014
An MP has slammed Tory MPs he believes are using a timewasting plot to sabotage his bill to curtail the effects of the controversial bedroom tax
Separated families and bedroom tax
24 October, 2014
This was the Liberty backed judicial review of the bedroom tax regulations
High Court rejects single parents' bedroom tax challenge
23 October, 2014
Three single parents, who claimed the bedroom tax breached their human rights by limiting access to their children, have had their case rejected
Survey finds growing North-South divide over impact of welfare reforms
20 October, 2014
One year since the introduction of the government's 'bedroom tax', a new survey by three national council housing organisations has discovered a growing north-south divide
DWP condemned over benefit losses
17 October, 2014
The DWP has been severely criticised by the Whitehall spending watchdog for failing to curb the "escalating" losses due to fraud and error in the housing benefit system
DWP hits out at city council for failing to spend £103k to stop bedroom tax victims being evicted
17 October, 2014
Government officials have hit out at the city council after the authority failed to spend tens of thousands of pounds to help bedroom tax victims
Benefit reform blamed for rise in youth homelessness in the North-East
17 October, 2014
Bedroom tax and benefit reform have been blamed for a rise in youth homelessness as parents struggle to accommodate their children
Housing Benefit fraud and error
17 October, 2014
The Department for Work & Pensions should have increased its focus on Housing Benefit fraud and error sooner, and is now facing an escalating problem
'Bedroom tax siege' man jailed
17 October, 2014
A man who threatened to blow up his social home after bailiffs arrived to evict him because of arrears accrued under the bedroom tax has been jailed
How we can end pensioner poverty
17 October, 2014
Up to 390,000 older people in poverty could have claimed housing benefit last year but didn't
Bedroom tax arrears fears 'haven't materialised'
16 October, 2014
Councils evicted a tiny fraction of tenants hit by the bedroom tax in the first year of the reform
Bedroom tax exemption bill goes to next stage despite Tory opposition
16 October, 2014
Barbara Keeley MP presented a 10 minute rule bill to the House of Commons on Tuesday 14th October with the aim of exempting carers and those needing overnight care from the Bedroom Tax
Swap My Council House
15 October, 2014
Swap My Council House charts the growing phenomenon of the mutual exchange - where social housing tenants simply swap their homes in order to move house
Bedroom tax carer bill passes first reading
15 October, 2014
MPs have voted to exempt social tenants with a carer from the bedroom tax in a bill's first reading
Rise in Tyneside working families having to claim housing benefit across
14 October, 2014
Around 15% of all households in the North East that claim housing benefit are in work
MPs back motion to end the "unfair" government's "bedroom tax"
14 October, 2014
MPs today backed a motion calling for an end to the "unfair" impact of the Government's so-called "bedroom tax" on unpaid carers
The impact of the under-occupation deduction from Housing Benefit (social rented housing) - Commons Library Standard Note
08 October, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initially estimated that the measure would save £490 million a year
Tribunal ruling blow to bedroom tax tenants
08 October, 2014
The vast majority of appeals against the bedroom tax on discrimination grounds are now likely to fail following a landmark tribunal ruling
Tory freeze would mean 'claimants losing £558m in housing benefit'
08 October, 2014
The Conservatives' proposed benefits freeze would lead to claimants losing £558m of housing benefit over two years
Stoke-on-Trent City Council forced to evict 25 tenants unable to meet rent due to the 'bedroom tax'
07 October, 2014
Dozens of council tenants have been evicted from their homes - after being unable to pay their rent due to the controversial bedroom tax
Lib Dems vote against scrapping bedroom tax
07 October, 2014
Liberal Democrat members have voted overwhelmingly against pledging to scrap the bedroom tax outright
Broken Market, Broken Dreams
03 October, 2014
The number of middle-income earners relying on housing benefit to keep their homes has risen by 350,000 since 2008
Middle income earners forced to rely on housing benefit
03 October, 2014
New research reveals that the housing crisis is hitting middle-income earners at a shocking rate
Working poor: 1 in 4 people on housing benefit are in work
03 October, 2014
But can't afford a roof over their heads. Another sign of how work isn't enough to pay the bills for many in Cameron's Britain
Housing unaffordability puts a strain on the housing benefit bill
02 October, 2014
Any government that wants to target the housing benefit bill needs to fully understand housing affordability
Nicola Sturgeon calls for delay to universal credit launch in Scotland
02 October, 2014
Tories and Labour want to devolve powers over housing benefit, which deputy first minister says is in effect being abolished
Sleepless nights and flawed rationale of Bedroom Tax
02 October, 2014
The recent Government defeat on the Lib Dem's amendment to the unpopular Bedroom Tax is an appropriate moment to review the law on this controversial issue
Trapped by the bedroom tax
02 October, 2014
From April 2013, I have been affected by the 'bedroom tax'
A bad business for everyone caught in the bedroom tax trap
01 October, 2014
Enough with the bedroom tax, already. Sadly, it's not so easy to wish it away; as those on the receiving end know only too well
Disabled couple win Bedroom Tax exemption - but welfare chiefs appeal to overturn decision
25 September, 2014
Jacqueline Carmichael, 42, who has spina bifida, and Jayson, 52, won an exemption when a tribunal ruled the tax breached their human rights
Bedroom tax campaign heats up as 600 tenants face appeal
25 September, 2014
A housing association has sent letters to over 600 of its tenants who have been identified as potentially having grounds to appeal against the bedroom tax
The impacts of Council Tax Support reduction on arrears, collection rates and court and administration costs
25 September, 2014
In April 2013, Council Tax Benefit (CTB) was abolished and replaced by Council Tax Support (CTS)
Coast & Country tenants' group supports bedroom tax challenge
25 September, 2014
Coast & Country Tenant's Working Together Group, supported by the Redcar-based housing association, is stepping up its Bedroom Tax information campaign
Anxious wait for Glenrothes man in 'bedroom tax' case
24 September, 2014
Campaigners against the Government's bedroom tax have an anxious wait following a tribunal appeal hearing in Edinburgh
Problems caused by bedroom tax so predictable
24 September, 2014
The bedroom tax is continuing to cause problems in Dundee
Labour to call on Lib Dems to back scrapping bedroom tax
23 September, 2014
Labour will challenge the Liberal Democrats in the autumn to join them in voting to scrap the bedroom tax entirely
Rachel Reeves MP challenges Lib Dems to team up with Labour to scrap hated Bedroom Tax
23 September, 2014
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary has already written to Nick Clegg asking him to help overthrow the hated tax
Islwyn MP Chris Evans votes against 'Bedroom Tax'
23 September, 2014
Islwyn MP Chris Evans joined other Labour MPs recently to vote against the so-called 'Bedroom Tax' during a Parliamentary debate
Council finds larger home for disabled couple - then stings them for bedroom tax
22 September, 2014
A local authority arranged for a disabled couple to move from their one-bedroom flat into a two-bedroom bungalow but then forced them to pay the "bedroom tax"
Tories defeated as benefit bill clears first Commons hurdle
22 September, 2014
Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs have joined forces to defeat Conservatives in a Commons vote to partly overturn housing benefit changes
Death of 'cruel and iniquitous' bedroom tax is guaranteed under Labour
19 September, 2014
After being asked if Labour would completely scrap the bedroom tax or merely alter it, Ms Reynolds' declared to stamp it out
Homeless and alone... woman evicted after 30 years over a £200 bedroom tax bill
18 September, 2014
A woman who was evicted from her home of almost 30 years after being unable to pay a £210 bedroom tax bill is now homeless in Lincoln
Coalition tax cuts benefit for too much living space
18 September, 2014
Mansfield MP Sir Alan Meale has welcomed a vote in the House of Commons that could lessen the impact of the bedroom tax
Andrew George MP on the future of the bedroom tax
17 September, 2014
Andrew George, MP for St Ives, reflects on the success of his recent Affordable Homes Private Members' Bill
Government's plans to abolish local welfare fund hit High Court hitch
16 September, 2014
The Tory-led coalition's plans to abolish the Local Welfare Provision Fund have come off the rails after being challenged in the High Court
'Bedroom tax' hastened death
16 September, 2014
The daughter of a Truro woman says her death from cancer was hastened by being forced to move house due to the so-called "bedroom tax"
Information for Landlords: Letting to Tenants on Housing Benefits
15 September, 2014
There are significant numbers of landlords in the UK who simply will not let their properties to those on Housing Benefit
Council writes off overpaid housing benefits
15 September, 2014
Cotswold District Council has written off £7,747 of overpaid benefits after the man who claimed them disappeared
Bedroom tax bill would 'create more administration for social landlords'
12 September, 2014
A proposed bill to exempt hundreds of thousands of households from the bedroom tax would lead to legal challenges
Fife man at centre of 'bedroom tax' turmoil
11 September, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions is launching a bid to overturn a landmark ruling that size does matter when it comes to defining a bedroom
Council considers sealing off rooms in bedroom tax battle
10 September, 2014
A council in Scotland is considering plans to seal off rooms in a bid to help residents affected by the bedroom tax
Housing benefit error rises by 9%
10 September, 2014
Housing benefit overpayment in Britain due to error has increased by 9% compared to last year
Housing Benefit recoveries and fraud data April 2013 to March 2014
10 September, 2014
Statistics on Housing Benefit fraud volumes and incorrectly paid benefit from April 2013 to March 2014
Fife man at centre of 'bedroom tax' turmoil
10 September, 2014
The UK Government's controversial "bedroom tax" policy could be thrown into chaos later this month
The long goodbye
09 September, 2014
Three images spring to mind in the aftermath of Friday's momentous vote to amend the bedroom tax
MPs vote for bedroom tax changes
08 September, 2014
MPs have voted in favour of a bill that would exempt large numbers of people from the bedroom tax
Lib Dems expand criticisms of coalition welfare policies
08 September, 2014
After siding with Labour to defeat bedroom tax motion, party takes aim at benefit sanctions as conference season approaches
Lib Dem MP's bill to curtail bedroom tax wins in Commons
08 September, 2014
An MP's private members bill aimed at overturning key elements of the coalition's changes to the welfare system has passed the first hurdle in the House of Commons
The bedroom tax - policy making in a league of its own
08 September, 2014
Patrick Butler highlighted in his article that the DWP's own studies have shown that 60% of tenants have been unable to pay the shortfall in their rent
61% rise in number of Bournemouth employees claiming housing benefit
08 September, 2014
A combination of low wages and high housing costs has led to a drastic rise in the number of Bournemouth people claiming housing benefit while in work
Housing benefit: Coalition faces Commons split
05 September, 2014
The Lib Dems and Conservatives are set for a Commons showdown over a bid to ease housing benefit changes
Tories defeated as benefit bill clears first Commons hurdle
05 September, 2014
Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs have joined forces to defeat Conservatives in a Commons vote to partly overturn housing benefit changes
Former housing minister speaks up for Andrew George's bill to blunt the bedroom tax
05 September, 2014
Former Labour Housing Minister and MP for Greenwich and Woolwich Nick Raynsford today spoke in the House of Commons in support of Andrew George
DWP minister set to vote on bedroom tax bill
05 September, 2014
A minister in the department for work and pensions could be set to vote against government policy on a bill which aims to water down the bedroom tax
Mersey MPs could help end bedroom tax as we know it in Westminster debate today
05 September, 2014
Lib Dems' call for changes to law to spare disabled people from benefit sanction
Brent housing benefit tenant living in 'unfit' room
05 September, 2014
BBC London has discovered that Brent Council allowed a landlord to continue renting a room to a man on housing benefits even though its own inspectors said it was unfit for habitation
Nick Clegg faces activist revolt over ending bedroom tax
05 September, 2014
Nick Clegg is facing a rebellion by grassroots Liberal Democrats who are demanding that he pledges to abolish the so-called bedroom tax
Local authorities and advisers: removal of the spare room subsidy
04 September, 2014
Tookit for local authorities, housing providers and support organisations in the social rented sector, providing information on the removal of the spare room subsidy
Legal challenge to bedroom tax fails
03 September, 2014
An attempt to overturn a bedroom tax decision on human rights grounds has failed because of discretionary housing payments
Bedroom tax proposals should be scrapped in Northern Ireland
03 September, 2014
The bedroom tax is causing hardship and suffering across Great Britain, says CIH Northern Ireland policy and public affairs officer Justin Cartwright
Tory candidate slams crime commissioner's bedroom tax-crime link
02 September, 2014
A prospective Tory parliamentary candidate has slammed a police and crime commissioner's claim that a rise in shoplifting can be linked to the government's controversial bedroom tax
Why the bedroom tax is not political
02 September, 2014
Despite all the evidence about how badly the bedroom tax is failing tenants and failing to meet any of its own policy objectives, the government seems intent on proceeding with it
New 'bedroom tax homes' built
02 September, 2014
Work has begun on 18 new 'affordable' homes in Lancaster that are intended to boost the supply of properties for people hit by the bedroom tax
Beyond belief
02 September, 2014
So is it time to celebrate the rise in housing benefit claims by people in work as a reflection of the government's success in getting people off benefits?
Second homes curb dropped to get support for axing 'bedroom tax'
02 September, 2014
Proposals to legislation to cap the number of second homes in popular holiday areas such as Cornwall, Devon and Somerset have been dropped
Bedroom tax rent arrears double in a year
02 September, 2014
More than 300 Barnet households hit by the so-called bedroom tax have fallen into rent arrears - twice as many as this time last year
Nick Clegg must put his money where his mouth is and scrap Bedroom Tax say Labour
01 September, 2014
Senior Lib Dem Danny Alexander recently announced the party wants to persuade the Tories to axe the hated levy before next year's election
Warnings over housing benefit devolution plan
01 September, 2014
Westminster's promise to devolve housing benefit to Scotland is poorly thought through and needs greater examination
Crawley couple fear homelessness because landlords are reluctant to accept benefits claimants as tenants
29 August, 2014
A Working couple who receive housing benefit to top up their low income fear they may end up on the streets because landlords are reluctant to accept benefit claimants as tenants
Council tax victory for poorest residents
29 August, 2014
The President of the Valuation Tribunal has issued a landmark judgment today, confirming that his Tribunal has unlimited power to overturn decisions by councils
Bedroom tax under threat: Lib Dem MP launches private members' bill to cut back policy
29 August, 2014
A Liberal Democrat MP is seeking the backing of fellow MPs for his private members' bill that aims to curtail the controversial bedroom tax
Up to 40% of council tax levied on low-income households unpaid
28 August, 2014
Campaigners say poor cannot afford charge imposed on them for first time last year, leaving councils chasing lost revenue
Nearly 1,000 affected by the bedroom tax in Breckland
28 August, 2014
Nearly 1,000 people in the Breckland area have been affected by the bedroom tax it has been revealed
Four councils spend 100% of their DHP funds
27 August, 2014
Four Scottish councils have already spent or committed their share of the country's emergency housing payments for this financial year
Lib Dem MP attempts to water down bedroom tax
27 August, 2014
A Liberal Democrat MP will attempt to water down the bedroom tax as part of an 'affordable homes' private members bill to be debated in parliament next week
Tribunal fees are a silent bedroom tax
27 August, 2014
Since David Cameron got into No.10, government's responsibility to protect the vulnerable has been largely ignored
Rent cap to control spiralling benefit costs 'would distort housing market'
26 August, 2014
Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has dismissed calls for a rent cap to be introduced in a bid to control the spiralling cost of housing benefit
Family set to become Derby's first 'bedroom tax' evictions
26 August, 2014
A mum-of-two has told how she will be homeless after becoming the first person in Derby to be evicted because of the so-called bedroom tax
Call for clarity on latest universal credit phase
22 August, 2014
Officials at DWP are to hold a meeting to discuss how to resolve a technical difficulty in cancelling HB when claimants switch to UC
Mum of Derby disabled boy wins her bitter 'bedroom tax' battle
22 August, 2014
The mother of a severely disabled boy who was having her benefits slashed because of the so-called bedroom tax has won a rare legal victory
Soaring bill for housing benefit in York revealed
21 August, 2014
The amount of housing benefits paid out by City of York Council has almost doubled in less than a decade
Clean up your local park and get a council tax rebate
20 August, 2014
Policy Exchange says 'green guardians' could help stem deterioration of green spaces under threat from spending cuts
Bedroom tax victim claims ghost haunts spare room
20 August, 2014
A social housing tenant has claimed that she should be excused from paying the government's controversial bedroom tax
Yorkshire taxpayer pays price as rent rises outstrip stagnant pay
20 August, 2014
The skyrocketing cost to the taxpayer of helping Yorkshire families keep a roof over their heads is revealed
21,000 council tax discount claims to be checked in Flintshire
15 August, 2014
More than 21,000 people in Flintshire who have the 25% single person reduction on their council tax are to have their claims checked
Repossessions are up - is the bedroom tax to blame?
15 August, 2014
Sadly, every year, there are families in England that lose their home
What's to be done about the bedroom tax?
15 August, 2014
The bedroom tax isn't everyone's cup of tea. Well, actually it isn't anyone's cup of tea, apart from huge fanboy Iain Duncan Smith and fellow swooner Lord Freud
IDS doubts 'bedroom tax' disability figures
14 August, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has cast doubt on figures showing two-thirds of those affected by the so-called bedroom tax are disabled
Council to appeal tribunal defeat over 'spare room subsidy'
14 August, 2014
Kirklees Council is to appeal a FTT ruling that upheld a couple's challenge to its decision to cut their housing benefit under the 'spare room subsidy' rules
Outstanding council tax rises 6% to over £2.5 billion
14 August, 2014
The total amount of council tax still outstanding is £2.528 billion, an increase of £152 million or 6% on the figure uncollected by the end of March 2013
Housing benefit claimants in work double
13 August, 2014
The number of housing benefit claimants in work has more than doubled in five years
'Bedroom tax' M-way death inquest
12 August, 2014
A coroner has recorded a verdict of suicide over the death of a woman hit by a lorry who left her family a note blaming the bedroom tax
Council denies putting pressure on bedroom tax suicide tenant
12 August, 2014
A council has denied pressurising a woman hit by the bedroom tax to move home before she committed suicide
Bedroom Tax 'savings' are obliterated by record levels of housing benefit fraud and error
11 August, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has been slammed after the bill for cheating and claimant mistakes is now six per cent of the total housing benefit budget
Demand for housing support payments has more than trebled in Wales since the bedroom tax was introduced
11 August, 2014
The bedroom tax and welfare changes have led to the 250% rise in demands for Discretionary Housing Payment help
IDS 'to intensify welfare reforms'
11 August, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith will signal his determination to intensify welfare reforms, arguing that the crackdown on benefits is cutting unemployment
High Court council tax judgment to cost councils more than £5m
07 August, 2014
The High Court has outlawed the practice of councils imposing residency qualifications for discounts on council tax in a ruling that could cost them millions in refunds
A new Poor Law? How councils are trying to cut the benefits of domestic violence victims
07 August, 2014
Councils are trying to penalise women who have to use domestic violence refuges outside their local area - by withdrawing their right to council tax support
Dewsbury couple win spare bedroom housing benefit fight
07 August, 2014
A couple from West Yorkshire who went to court to challenge a cut to their housing benefit have won their case
Call to reboot council tax to fund affordable homes
07 August, 2014
The British Property Federation is urging all political parties to commit to a full revaluation of council tax in their election manifestos
Benefit cap: 10,000 people find jobs or stop claiming Housing Benefit
07 August, 2014
Almost 10,000 people who had their benefits capped have now moved into work or stopped claiming Housing Benefit entirely
Bedroom tax stories: Sam
06 August, 2014
Sam found herself spiralling into debt and despair after the introduction of the bedroom tax
Scotland to set its own housing benefit if independence is rejected
06 August, 2014
David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have signed a joint pledge that Scotland will have more powers
Workers on benefit 'will double'
06 August, 2014
The number of workers claiming housing benefit "to make ends meet" will continue to increase if a Conservative government is elected next year, Labour will claim today
Bristol tenants in bedroom tax arrears will only be evicted as a last resort
06 August, 2014
Tenants in Bristol who fall into arrears because of the controversial "bedroom tax" will only be evicted as a last resort
Number of people in work claiming housing benefit soars
05 August, 2014
The number of working people relying on HB to boost their income has doubled in five years, at a cost of billions of pounds to the taxpayer
Landmark bedroom tax ruling issued
05 August, 2014
A tribunal has overturned a decision on the bedroom tax, setting a precedent that could force some councils to rethink how they decide who needs a room for an overnight carer
'Poverty pay' doubles number of workers claiming housing benefit
05 August, 2014
Nearly 1 million people in work are being forced to rely on housing benefit, double the figure five years ago
Total hit by bedroom tax loophole revealed
05 August, 2014
Hundreds of Wigan households were affected by a glitch in bedroom tax regulations earlier this year
Benefit cuts have pushed more people into work
04 August, 2014
Ben Broadbent says welfare reforms have encouraged people on benefits to rejoin the labour force
Council tax: how does your bill compare?
04 August, 2014
There's a £1,000 difference in yearly council tax bills between local authorities
Bedroom tax could see council's rent arrears bill shoot up £19m
04 August, 2014
Sheffield City Council could see its rent arrears bill soar by £19 million as tenants struggle with the government's controversial bedroom tax
Bedroom tax impact on grant allocations
01 August, 2014
The government is 'storing up future problems' because more than three-quarters of its grant funding programme will be used for the development of one and two-bedroom homes
I was ill with hunger, went to prison for stealing food and became homeless
31 July, 2014
Welfare expert Matthew Oakley should have spoken to me. I could have told him all about benefits sanctions
Police warn that 'relentless' bedroom tax is turning people into criminals
31 July, 2014
Concerns have been expressed by police chiefs that victims of the "Bedroom Tax" are being forced to turn to crime and loan sharks
Tenants pin hopes on bedroom tax speed dating
31 July, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith hopes 'speed dating' sessions for tenants affected by welfare reform will undo a housing log jam
Bedroom tax tenants in Bristol see rent arrears reach £725,000
31 July, 2014
Rent arrears for council tenants in Bristol who have been hit by the so-called bedroom tax have soared to more than £725,000
Cameron warns illegal immigrants: we will find you and send you home
30 July, 2014
PM's threat comes as Labour and Ukip say crackdown on benefits for new arrivals from EU is not tough enough
Call for community volunteers to pay less council tax
29 July, 2014
Community volunteers who help out in their local library or do charitable work should get discounts on their council tax bills, a new plan proposes
A new disability minister to take on the reforms
29 July, 2014
Britain has a new Minister of State for Disabled People - Mark Harper, MP for the Forest of Dean
Padiham man wrongly claimed £52,000 housing benefit
28 July, 2014
A Padiham man who claimed housing benefit had failed to state he was the joint owner of the property
Council tax rises hit Britain's poor hardest
25 July, 2014
Cuts to the benefit system have seen nearly 16,000 people in London alone referred to bailiffs for non-payment
Councils failing to spend £millions in DHPs as families struggle
24 July, 2014
Local authorities are failing to spend millions of pounds that could potentially be used as emergency payments for families hit by welfare cuts
Bedroom tax sufferers not the only victims looking to swap their homes
22 July, 2014
With the controversial 'bedroom tax' under review for "pushing people into rent arrears", the attractiveness of downsizing in social housing appears never to have been higher
Bedroom Tax Commons vote to be forced through to abolish hated charge after Lib Dem U-turn
21 July, 2014
Blameless residents are forced to pay an average £14 a week for one extra bedroom and £25 for two or more - Labour leader Mr Miliband has pledged to scrap the tax
Nick Clegg 'spineless' on bedroom tax
21 July, 2014
Voters may regard Nick Clegg as "spineless" after performing a u-turn on the bedroom tax and has repeated the error of tuition fees
Bedroom Tax is top of list of complaints in forgotten corner of Nick Clegg's constituency
21 July, 2014
There are 1,700 people in Sheffield Hallam hit by it - and because of its high concentration of council houses most are in Stannington
Labour calls for bedroom tax vote in the autumn
21 July, 2014
Labour plans to force a parliamentary vote on the bedroom tax in the autumn
The impact of recent reforms to Local Housing Allowances: Summary of key findings
18 July, 2014
DWP Report
Bedroom tax is forcing poorest citizens into unmanageable debt
18 July, 2014
A DWP report has found that 523,000 tenants have been unable to meet rent arrears due to housing-benefit caps
Nick Clegg accused of hypocrisy after U-turn on bedroom tax
17 July, 2014
Lib Dem leader says party no longer supports policy in its present form in intensification of Tory 'differentiation strategy'
Housing benefit cuts have had 'little impact' on PRS rents
17 July, 2014
Government cuts to HB for around 900,000 tenants in the PRS have had little impact on average rents, new study reveals
Lib Dems 'ignored chance to soften bedroom benefits cut impact'
17 July, 2014
The Lib Dems were given the chance in March to soften the impact of benefit cuts for people judged to have too many bedrooms
Downsizing with the bedroom tax
17 July, 2014
The price for underoccupying a home is high for many vulnerable people. Jess McCabe visits Stoke-on-Trent to find out how landlords are attempting to help
Council tax: a chaotic way to impoverish the already poor
17 July, 2014
Amid mounting debt, court summons and poverty, a new report asks if the localised system of council tax support costs more than it will save
Local Housing Allowance: monitoring the impact of changes
16 July, 2014
These are the final reports evaluating the changes to the Local Housing Allowance system of Housing Benefit from April 2011
Touchbase DWP e-zine
10 July, 2014
July 2014 - includes information on the continued expansion of Universal Credit and also PIP
Prime Minister grilled over Tory MP Richard Benyon's 'social cleansing'
03 July, 2014
Prime Minister put on the spot as dozens of poor families face eviction after Britain's richest MP took a stake in their homes
Bedroom tax victims helped out by new housing developments
02 July, 2014
Two new housing schemes in Merseyside are helping families hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax
Tenants hit with 'bedroom tax' get £1.5m from Hull and East Riding councils
02 July, 2014
More than £1.5m has been paid out to cash-strapped tenants in East Yorkshire struggling to cope with the financial fallout of the Government's "bedroom tax"
Fife Council urged to help those whose benefits have been 'stolen'
01 July, 2014
Campaigners against the controversial 'bedroom tax' have urged Fife Council to ensure all tenants entitled to help with their rent receive it
Bedroom tax: Housing association rent arrears laid bare in the House of Commons
01 July, 2014
Housing associations are facing mounting problems with rent arrears as a direct result of the bedroom tax
Hopkins 'clarifies' comments about tenants on housing benefit
01 July, 2014
It is 'not appropriate' for private landlords to evict tenants because they are on housing benefit
Mitigating the 'bedroom tax' in Scotland: SFHA welcomes 'letter of comfort'
30 June, 2014
The SFHA has welcomed the issue of a letter
Pay the jobless to move house to find work, says Duncan Smith's former think tank in echo of Tebbit's 'on yer bike' message
30 June, 2014
The jobless would be given financial help to move house to find work under a plan to tackle long-term unemployment
Labour keen for further housing spending devolution
30 June, 2014
Labour will transfer £30 billion in funding to local authorities to 'begin reversing a century of centralisation'
Peers round on Lord Freud over bedroom tax
26 June, 2014
Lord Freud withstood a barrage of questions about the bedroom tax in the House of Lords
'Pickle the bedroom tax' protest to coincide with minister's speech
26 June, 2014
Tenants and campaigners called for the bedroom tax to be 'pickled' outside the Chartered Institute of Housing conference
Tories 'should amend bedroom tax'
25 June, 2014
The Conservative party should not impose the bedroom tax on tenants unless they turn down a suitable alternative offer of accommodation
Council tax exemption removal sees 1,400 empty homes brought back into use
24 June, 2014
Birmingham has seen 1,400 privately owned empty properties brought back into use since the city council removed council tax exemption for vacant homes
Housing benefit size criteria
24 June, 2014
Impacts for social sector tenants and options for reform
Report of a telephone survey with g15 tenants
23 June, 2014
Eight in 10 London housing association tenants surveyed have a bank account
Q&A;: The benefits cap and you
20 June, 2014
The government says that households claiming benefits should be no better off than the average family in work
DWP capped access to discretionary housing fund
19 June, 2014
Discretionary housing help held back to stop bedroom tax 'buy out'
Welfare cuts one year on: Now Britain's poorest are on par with former Eastern bloc
18 June, 2014
Ros Wynne-Jones meets the people who are suffering a year after Bedroom Tax as rent arrears have rocketed
Quantifying the extent of space shortages: English dwellings
18 June, 2014
Lack of internal space is a problem in UK homes, and is often linked to a lack of space standards for housing in the UK
Fife Council accused of 'morally bankrupt' use of 'bedroom tax' refunds
17 June, 2014
Fife Council has been branded 'morally bankrupt' after clawing back 'bedroom tax' refunds from tenants
Welfare Reform: The Impact on Homelessness and Tenancy Sustainment for Scottish Housing Associations
17 June, 2014
The cumulative impact of the 'bedroom tax', benefit sanctions and problems accessing financial assistance at times of crisis is likely to result in an increase in homelessness in Scotland
HB A12/2014
16 June, 2014
Contains information on universal credit: Change of circumstances affecting Housing Benefit
Benefit blunder apology to evicted Pulborough family
16 June, 2014
A housing benefit service said the district council 'may have made incorrect judgements' on a housing benefit claim resulting in a Pulborough family's eviction
More than £400,000 distributed to meet cost of 'Bedroom Tax'
16 June, 2014
More than £400,000 has been distributed to 1,537 households across Angus in financial assistance to help meet the cost of the 'Bedroom Tax'
Secretary of state's behaviour during bedroom tax meeting riles tenant
13 June, 2014
A social housing tenant from Cardiff has told Inside Housing that he was deeply upset by the way he was spoken to by David Jones
Tribunal tells councils to end tax on empty homes
13 June, 2014
Housing associations win case against London boroughs charging tax
The state of that bedroom
12 June, 2014
This is a rather unusual bedroom tax First Tier Tribunal decision from Islington
Quarterly survey of private registered providers
11 June, 2014
Rent arrears in the English housing association sector fell for the second successive month
MPs claiming £millions to rent second homes
10 June, 2014
Over 250 MPs are claiming more in expenses to pay rent on their second homes than the maximum a normal person living in Westminster is allowed to claim in housing benefit
Housing benefit bill for working families soaring by £1.1billion despite Tory pledges to curb spending
10 June, 2014
The figures from the House of Commons library are a damning indictment of the Government inaction
Bedroom Tax - Gambling with our Futures
09 June, 2014
Tenants Working Together is a group of like minded social housing tenants who come together to campaign about social inequity, welfare reform and the draconian Bedroom Tax
Housing benefit bill set to rise by £1 billion, warns Labour
09 June, 2014
The housing benefit bill will rise by £1 billion by 2018, the Labour Party has warned
Council apologises to nearly 2,000 housing benefit claimants over data leak
06 June, 2014
A council has contacted 1,900 housing benefit claimants to alert them that their personal details has been mistakenly given out
'Stupid' bedroom tax sees tenant threaten to blow up house
05 June, 2014
A man facing eviction due to the bedroom tax has been arrested after threatening to blow up his social home
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners to gather in Manchester
05 June, 2014
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners from across Britain are to gather in Manchester this weekend to decide the next course of action in their fight against Government cuts to benefits
Bedroom tax judicial review fails
05 June, 2014
A recent Judicial Review of the bedroom tax, supported by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has failed
NFA, ARCH and CWAG survey reveals over one third of council tenants are still in rent arrears nine months after 'bedroom tax' introduced
05 June, 2014
Nine months after the introduction of the 'bedroom tax', just over one third of council tenants are still in rent arrears
Bedroom Tax victims tell David Cameron: Visit our home and you'll axe the charge
04 June, 2014
Warren Todd is one of only 100 known cases of Potocki-Shaffer syndrome in the world
Welfare Reform Survey - 2013/14 Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 Update
04 June, 2014
Summary of responses June 2014
The injustice of our council tax system demands redress
04 June, 2014
Advice from the European Commission, one may imagine, does not reach very far inside No 10 Downing Street
Wirral council accused of 'persecution' over bedroom tax
03 June, 2014
Birkenhead Green Party councillor Pat Clearly blasts council decision to appeal tribunal ruling
Money expert Martin Lewis blasts Bedroom Tax and urges David Cameron to scrap hated levy
02 June, 2014
The hated charge means as many as 660,000 people of a working age in social housing who have a spare bedroom will have housing benefit cut by £40 a month
Family loses High Court challenge against bedroom tax
02 June, 2014
The High Court has dismissed a bedroom tax challenge brought by grandparents caring for a disabled child
Government scores bedroom tax own goal
02 June, 2014
As most people will know the bedroom tax came into operation in April 2013
Glasgow Council leads welfare reform 'fight back' with step-by-step guide to winning appeals
02 June, 2014
Glasgow Council's appeals pack
Family of disabled grandchild lose spare bedroom fight
30 May, 2014
The family of a severely disabled teenager from Pembrokeshire have lost their High Court challenge
Council tax hardship payments judgment victory
30 May, 2014
A landmark judgment confirming that Tribunal has unlimited power to overturn decisions by councils which refuse to award DHP
Government scores bedroom tax own goal
30 May, 2014
As most people will know the bedroom tax came into operation in April 2013
Caring through the night
30 May, 2014
The latest challenge to the bedroom tax focuses on overnight carers for disabled children
Bedroom tax pushes households into debt and fear of eviction
29 May, 2014
A third have cut back on food and a quarter have cut back on heating
A fair start for everyone
29 May, 2014
Benefit cuts to trap five million UK children in poverty by 2020
'Bedroom tax' hitting North hard
28 May, 2014
Households in the North of England hit by controversial cuts to housing benefits are going without basic essentials for fear of falling into arrears
Welsh Ministers savage coalition's child poverty strategy - for including the 'bedroom tax' as part of it
27 May, 2014
Jeff Cuthbert and Vaughan Gething attacked UK Government's strategy for failing to recognise the impact of tax and benefit changes
Council tax arrears become most common debt case at Citizens Advice
27 May, 2014
More people now approach the charity over council tax bills than over difficulties with unsecured loans or credit cards
Bedroom tax a year on - can the evidence speak for itself?
23 May, 2014
Opinion of Alan Humphreys, chief executive, Grand Union Housing Group
Relief for 'bedroom tax' 'victims'
23 May, 2014
People in Inverclyde hit by financial misery through the 'bedroom tax' will now automatically get relief payments under a new council deal
Government proposal to extend benefit waiting days: consultation announced
23 May, 2014
Public consultation on extending number of days claimants must wait before they are entitled to receive certain benefits from three to seven
Four ways to help tenants appeal against bedroom tax
22 May, 2014
By helping tenants in bedroom tax appeals, housing providers can bring more money into communities and minimise arrears
Affordable homes to beat 'bedroom tax' in Telford
22 May, 2014
A total of 44 low-cost homes will be built in Telford in a bid to help those trying to escape 'bedroom tax' by downsizing
Call for bedroom tax scrap for the abused
22 May, 2014
E-petition calling on the Government's Department for Work and Pensions to exempt victims of domestic violence from the bedroom tax
Ukip housing spokesman making a fortune from immigrants on housing benefit
22 May, 2014
The UK Independence Party's housing spokesman has admitted making money from immigrants on housing benefit
One third of Torbay households claiming housing benefits
22 May, 2014
ONE third of households in Torbay are claiming housing benefit and council tax support
The Impact of the Bedroom Tax in Scotland: Devolving the DHP Cap
21 May, 2014
Scottish Affairs Committee - Fourteenth Report
Shapps council bungles bedroom tax leaflet
21 May, 2014
The council that controls the constituency of Tory chairman Grant Shapps has sent out leaflets referring to the government's 'spare room subsidy' as the 'bedroom tax'
MPs call for full mitigation of bedroom tax 'without delay'
21 May, 2014
Powers should be transferred to the Scottish Government to allow full mitigation of the bedroom tax 'without delay'
Scottish Government under pressure to mitigate effects of bedroom tax
20 May, 2014
The Committee calls once more for a clear commitment from the Scottish Government that it will use its chosen method of mitigating the effects of the bedroom tax
Discretionary Housing Payments in Scotland: 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014
20 May, 2014
Councils in Scotland have made more than 87,000 discretionary housing payments
Court battles against the bedroom tax can be won
20 May, 2014
The legislation on taxing 'spare' bedrooms is open to interpretation, and I've seen it successfully challenged so don't suffer in silence
MPs call for Holyrood powers on bedroom tax
20 May, 2014
The UK and Scottish governments need to act quickly to transfer new powers to Holyrood that will allow ministers there to fully mitigate the impact of the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax victims should be represented at appeals by their housing associations
19 May, 2014
The party's housing spokeswoman Jocelyn Davies said ministers should look to form a strategy to support tenants who face losing their homes
Bedroom Tax First Tier Tribunal decisions
19 May, 2014
As decisions by the First Tier Tribunal on bedroom tax appeals seem to be coming in thick and fast, here is a list of them
'Bedroom tax victimising mentally ill patients'
16 May, 2014
The government's controversial bedroom tax is victimising patients with mental health problems
Ending bedroom tax injustice
16 May, 2014
It looks increasingly likely that the introduction of the bedroom tax will be filed as a regret
Breadline licensees could lose tax credits
16 May, 2014
Publicans currently claiming working tax credits could lose the benefit if their pub is not "gainful" under new Government changes
Universal Credit fraud fears raised by MPs
15 May, 2014
Government attempts to cut fraud by introducing the Universal Credit risk being "seriously undermined" by issues with housing benefits
Fraud and error in the benefits system
15 May, 2014
Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee
BPF calls for DWP to assist housing professionals maintain tenancies
15 May, 2014
Government should do its utmost to ensure that its flagship welfare policy, Universal Credit, does not further increase pressure on housing benefit claimants in the private rented sector
Fraud and error: Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support overpayments at lowest levels ever
15 May, 2014
Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support fraud and error overpayments are at their lowest recorded levels
Pembrokeshire grandparents in 'Bedroom tax' row have their challenge heard in High Court
15 May, 2014
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) who represented Paul and Susan Rutherford says it could be weeks before a ruling is made
Bedroom tax facing High Court legal challenge
14 May, 2014
The government's controversial bedroom tax is today facing a judicial review challenge at the High Court
1.66m housing benefit claimants live in private sector
14 May, 2014
A third of all housing benefit claimants live in the private rented sector
Bedroom tax challenge today for children with care needs
14 May, 2014
A judicial review in the High Court today will argue that the bedroom tax unfairly discriminates against children with overnight care needs
New DWP proposal will trap people in their homes, and in debt
14 May, 2014
New DWP proposals to protect landlords' rental incomes are in danger of trapping people in their homes, creating a modern day version of a debtor's prison
Bedroom tax and welfare reforms leave tenant evictions at highest level in over ten years
13 May, 2014
Welfare reforms have helped increase the number of tenants facing eviction to the highest level in over a decade
Tories create new north-south divide in amount of support available for Bedroom Tax victims
12 May, 2014
Labour-controlled Liverpool could only hand out £143 per applicant while Tory-run Westminster could afford to pay £2,038 each
City in grip of housing benefits 'explosion'
12 May, 2014
New figures show that Bradford is in the grip of a low pay crisis - with an explosion in the number of working people surviving on housing benefit
Rent arrears wiped out for Derby mum with disabled son after MP's intervention
12 May, 2014
Rent arrears wiped out for Derby mum with disabled son after MP's intervention
Tenants facing eviction after refusing to pay a penny of bedroom tax
09 May, 2014
A West Midlands ALMO has revealed that 36 of its tenants hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have not paid a penny of it
Councils reject 70,000 crisis fund requests
09 May, 2014
Research reveals north-south divide between DHP allocations and demand for help
In-work housing benefit claims soar by 60%
09 May, 2014
The number of people in work and claiming housing benefit has rocketed by 59%
So-called "bedroom tax" to be fully mitigated in Scotland
09 May, 2014
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, that thanks to Scottish government action, "there will be no need for anyone to fall into rent arrears, or face eviction, as a result of the bedroom tax"
Families with children make up 60% of households hit by benefit cap
09 May, 2014
More than 40,000 households have had their benefits capped by the government since it was introduced last year, according to new figures
Assembly Members call for abolition of the 'bedroom tax' in one-year anniversary vote
08 May, 2014
Plaid Cymru amendment labelled removal of spare room subsidy for social housing tenants as 'penal'
Scottish Parliament Bedroom Tax statement
08 May, 2014
Bedroom Tax and Discretionary Housing Payments
New help with 'bedroom tax' - but you need to apply
08 May, 2014
Fife Council can now offset the full impact of the 'bedroom tax' following confirmation on Friday that the cap on Discretionary Housing Payments will be lifted
'Bedroom tax': Derby's disabled devastated as nine homes available for 170
07 May, 2014
More than 170 homes lived in by disabled people in Derby are being hit by the so-called bedroom tax, despite the property being specially adapted
Putting the 'bedroom tax' in a shallow grave?
07 May, 2014
It seemed no doubt, in the words of a not too successful spin doctor, a good day to bury bad news.
AMs to vote today on new call to scrap the 'bedroom tax'
07 May, 2014
The vote will mark one year since the controversial policy was introduced
Political party opposed to bedroom tax to launch election campaign
07 May, 2014
A political party that has vowed to refuse to implement the controversial bedroom tax is set to launch its local election campaign this Friday
Benefits risk to jobseekers refusing zero-hours contracts
06 May, 2014
Jobseekers risk losing benefits if they turn down certain zero-hours contracts without good reason
Bedroom tax: the penalty for being disabled
02 May, 2014
Since the government introduced the bedroom tax, we have seen substantial and sustained media coverage
Welsh MPs turn guns on UK Government for 'wicked' welfare changes
02 May, 2014
Westminster Hall debate puts so-called bedroom tax and Work Programme under scrutiny
Holyrood offered powers to offset housing benefit changes in Scotland
02 May, 2014
The UK government has offered to devolve the power to set the cap on Discretionary Housing Payments in Scotland
Eviction rate doubles under 'unjust' bedroom tax
02 May, 2014
A council's eviction rate has doubled since the government's controversial bedroom tax came into effect last April
Scottish government given powers to 'offset' bedroom tax
02 May, 2014
Scotland has been given new powers to add more money to a fund that is claimed will offset the cost of the bedroom tax
Liberty granted permission for bedroom tax court challenge
02 May, 2014
Liberty has been given permission to proceed with a judicial review, claiming the policy unfairly affects separated families
New bill seeks to exempt domestic violence victims from 'evil' bedroom tax
30 April, 2014
Victims of domestic violence living in social housing fitted with 'sanctuary rooms' should be exempt from paying the 'evil' bedroom tax
Bedroom tax victim turned to 'spare room' cannabis factory to cope with debts
29 April, 2014
A tenant caught out by the bedroom tax allowed one of her spare rooms to be used as a cannabis factory to cover her loss in benefits
Benefit expenditure and caseload tables 2014
28 April, 2014
Historic and forecast benefit expenditure and caseload data for people receiving benefits, consistent with Budget 2014
The #indyref debate on housing in Scotland needs to go beyond the so-called 'bedroom tax'
28 April, 2014
With less than six months until the independence vote, Scotland needs to decide how it will house its poorest families
Iain Duncan Smith spends £170,000 plugging hated Bedroom Tax
28 April, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has been forced to spend £170,000 promoting the Bedroom Tax - because it's so hated
'Thanks for paying your bedroom tax - here's a Creme Egg'
25 April, 2014
Housing association Valleys to Coast in Bridgend has written to tenants offering the gesture to thank those struggling with financial hardship for their "efforts to pay this shortfall"
Bedroom Tax appeal victory
25 April, 2014
Jayson Carmichael has been successful in appealing his local authority's decision to reduce his housing benefit award as a result of the under-occupancy rules
Bedroom Tax human rights ruling could pave way for 420,000 to launch similar appeals
24 April, 2014
Spina bifida sufferer Jacqueline Carmichael and 24-hour carer Jayson were told the Coalition's hated charge contravened their human rights
Discretionary Housing Payments Guidance Manual
23 April, 2014
DWP guide which includes a Local Authority Good Practice Guide - April 2014
Average housing benefit claim processed a week late
23 April, 2014
Local authorities took longer than three weeks to process housing benefit claims on average, a week longer than their target time
Plea to aid downsizing amid empty rooms glut
22 April, 2014
Seven in 10 households in England and Wales have at least one spare bedroom despite a severe housing shortage, census figures show
Are you borrowing to pay your rent or mortgage?
17 April, 2014
Many feel they have no choice but to borrow in order to pay their rent or mortgage each month
LIN member report April 2014 - One Year On: A Follow-Up Report on the 'Bedroom Tax'
17 April, 2014
This LIN member report is written by Viv Ashley
Even renters who work should be worried about housing benefit changes
16 April, 2014
If you lose your job, benefit changes mean your home is no longer safe. The social safety net is disappearing
SFHA comments on latest Scottish Government welfare reform mitigation statistics
16 April, 2014
From April 2013 to February 2014, local authorities in Scotland made just over 70,000 awards under the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme
Tower Hamlets spends £3 million to protect vulnerable residents from bedroom tax and benefit cap
15 April, 2014
A London council today announced it had spent £3 million protecting the borough's most vulnerable from the bedroom tax and other welfare reforms
Bedroom tax which has left Plymouth people out of pocket has 'failed to reduce waiting lists'
15 April, 2014
A peer once charged with solving the South West's housing crisis says the "bedroom tax" has "failed" to reduce housing waiting lists and save money, and "deprives" families of money they "need"
Discretionary Housing Payments in Scotland: 1 April 2013 to 28 February 2014
15 April, 2014
Scottish local authorities have approved more than £25 million in discretionary housing payment awards
Does Freud care about bedroom tax evictions? Welfare minister faces Lords quiz over under-occupancy policy
14 April, 2014
Lord Freud has been asked if he knows or cares about how many social housing tenants have been evicted as a consequence of the controversial bedroom tax
Grandmother becomes first tenant in Caerphilly to win an appeal against paying bedroom tax
14 April, 2014
A tribunal in Newport ruled her room is not big enough to be deemed a bedroom
Bedroom tax savings to be used to build new homes
14 April, 2014
Grant Shapps has said that the money the government has saved through the bedroom tax will be used to build new homes for people on housing waiting lists
Tower Hamlets bails out 2,500 families hit by 'Bedroom Tax'
14 April, 2014
Thousands of families in London's deprived East End have lost an average of £1,000 since the government's controversial 'Bedroom Tax' was brought in a year ago
Removal of the spare room subsidy: information videos
14 April, 2014
Videos to support local authorities, housing providers and support organisations in communicating the removal of the spare room subsidy
Ministers call for Exemptions for Disabled Tenants with Adapted Homes
11 April, 2014
Five Welsh Government Ministers joined together today to call on Lord Freud to exempt disabled tenants who have had adaptations undertaken to their homes
Challenging the bedroom tax
11 April, 2014
Peter Barker explains the current situation and reminds landlords that there are other ways to challenge the controversial policy
Impact of welfare reform on rent arrears
11 April, 2014
Rent arrears believed to be caused by the bedroom tax in Scotland rose by £570,000 to £5.43 million between September and December
Council launches scheme to rent spare rooms to tenants facing homelessness
11 April, 2014
Mansfield District Council has introduced a new initiative to encourage households to rent spare rooms to those at risk of becoming homeless
Tenants and landlords need clear advice on bedroom tax payment
10 April, 2014
Whilst the Scottish Government has gone a long way to cover the cost of the bedroom tax in 2014/15, it has not given tenants and landlords clear advice about whether or not the liability should be paid
Social landlord's new 'bedroom tax beating' development welcomed
10 April, 2014
A social landlord's new housing development which was designed to 'beat the bedroom tax' has been welcomed by Wirral Borough Council
Whatever you think of the bedroom tax, the policy is causing problems in practice
10 April, 2014
The government's 'bedroom tax' penalises social housing tenants if they are deemed to be under-occupying their homes - with some losing up to 25% of their housing benefit
Bedroom Tax 'forces Falklands war hero to sell his prized medals' after being crippled by benefits cuts
10 April, 2014
Merseysider Jim Pritchard's debts mounted after his state income was cut following the controversial Con-Dem welfare reforms
London's housing benefit claimants being turned away by landlords
10 April, 2014
London's private landlords are becoming increasingly more reluctant to let to housing benefit tenants, affecting a third of claimants across the capital
Housing benefit size criteria: impacts for social sector tenants and options for reform
09 April, 2014
Are the government's housing welfare reforms working?
SNP pledge to reverse benefit reforms after independence
09 April, 2014
Nicola Sturgeon highlights £6 billion of savings the welfare reform programme will deliver in Scotland by 2015/16
High Court to hear Pembrokeshire family's bedroom tax judicial review next month
08 April, 2014
Challenge has been prompted by Paul and Susan Rutherford, from Pembrokeshire, who care full-time for their grandson Warren
New chapter in 'bedroom tax' saga - now councils run out of emergency funds to help worst cases
07 April, 2014
The 'bedroom tax' has resulted in thousands of people being 'driven into destitution' as councils run out of the emergency funds set aside to rescue those worst affected
Families are forced into arrears by bedroom tax
07 April, 2014
Families are struggling to keep up with the widescale changes in the benefit system, with the biggest culprit the bedroom tax, introduced a year ago this week
Bedroom tax: Scottish government's message to council.. we'll give you the cash to cover it for tenants
07 April, 2014
Margaret Burgess told the chief executives of all Scotland's local authorities that money will be available to 'fully mitigate' the Con Dem policy
Tory councillor attacks NHF's 'false representation' of bedroom tax
07 April, 2014
A Tory councillor has accused the National Housing Federation and 'socialist politicians' of ignoring the 'successes' of the government's bedroom tax
Labour mocks Lib Dems as its peers vote to keep bedroom tax
04 April, 2014
Labour questions why only two Lib Dem peers voted against tax during Lords debate, despite Tim Farron's call to oppose it
Time to rethink bedroom tax and offer exemptions to disabled people
04 April, 2014
MPs today urged the government to rethink the bedroom tax and offer exemptions to disabled people
Support for housing costs in the reformed welfare system
03 April, 2014
The aims of the reforms are to reduce benefit expenditure, incentivise people to enter work, or increase their hours, and to make the benefit system fairer
'Beds in sheds' warning from private landlords over benefit changes
03 April, 2014
Private landlords have claimed that more people could be forced into poor quality 'beds in sheds' unless benefit restrictions on new shared housing for young people are eased
NI welfare changes: Peter Robinson warns of 'nuclear options'
03 April, 2014
Mr Robinson claims that if the changes are not implemented as much as £1bn would be lost from Stormont's block grant over the next five years
Number of social housing tenants swapping homes due to bedroom tax up by a quarter
03 April, 2014
The number of social housing tenants using home-swapping services as a result of welfare reform has risen by a quarter in the last 12 months
Vulnerable suffering as result of housing welfare reforms
02 April, 2014
Reforms to the support provided for housing costs - including the Social Sector Size Criteria
Lib Dem president will withdraw party's support for bedroom tax
02 April, 2014
Tim Farron to oppose bedroom tax in speech and say it has caused 'huge social problems'
Bedroom tax 'saves Scottish taxpayers £42 million'
02 April, 2014
The bedroom tax has saved Scottish taxpayers £42 million, the government claimed today as it celebrated the first anniversary of the controversial policy
Housing benefit changes distress disabled people
02 April, 2014
Changes to housing benefit in England, Scotland and Wales are creating 'financial hardship and distress' for disabled people
On the front line of welfare reform
02 April, 2014
Stephen Howlett says his staff are doing their best to mitigate the impact of the government's welfare reforms
Direct Payments Demonstration Projects Landlord Learning Document
01 April, 2014
This publication pulls together key issues and learning that the organisations involved collectively agree on and also provides practical examples.
HB Direct
01 April, 2014
Issue 147 April 2014 - Preparing for Universal Credit and Direct Payment Demonstrations Project and Removal of Spare Room Subsidy Toolkit
Rent arrears soar for bedroom tax-hit tenants
01 April, 2014
Rent arrears among social housing tenants in Merseyside have soared 35 per cent since the introduction of the bedroom tax
'Bedroom tax' - one year on, is it working?
01 April, 2014
It is 12 months since the government removed its spare room subsidy
Bedroom tax driving hungry tenants to food banks
01 April, 2014
Hundreds of social housing tenants on Merseyside are being driven to food banks by the impact of the controversial bedroom tax
Bedroom tax - children who require overnight care
01 April, 2014
CPAG is acting for Paul and Susan Rutherford and their grandson Warren in a judicial review challenge to the bedroom tax
HB A9/2014
31 March, 2014
Contains information on temporary accommodation in Housing Benefit and Universal Credit
Poorest homes face £120 council tax rise as safety net goes
31 March, 2014
More than 670,000 households in UK face increase in council tax from Tuesday
One year after hated bedroom tax families can only watch as debt upon debt piles up
31 March, 2014
Leah Newton lost her job as a care home cook and has lived in her home in Hull for 12 years - but can only watch in horror as her life spirals out of control
More help to go to those hurt by bedroom tax
31 March, 2014
Government is to lift cap on the amount of money councils can spend in discretionary housing payments for tenants
Third of all Newcastle households hit by bedroom tax and welfare reforms
31 March, 2014
A least one third of Newcastle's households have been hit by the Tory-led coalition's raft of welfare reforms that came in last April
Scottish care provider wins tenants 139 bedroom tax exemptions
31 March, 2014
Care provider Blackwood set up a service to guide vulnerable tenants through the changes brought on by the bedroom tax
Housing benefits: Changes 'see 6% of tenants move'
28 March, 2014
About 6% of social housing tenants in Britain affected by changes to benefits partly designed to cut under-occupancy have moved home
Bedroom tax has failed on every count
28 March, 2014
We now know the policy is barely helping overcrowding and the savings are far less than the government hoped
It's official: the bedroom tax causes misery
28 March, 2014
I don't think the increasingly strained Iain Duncan Smith intends to cause suffering, but that's exactly what his bedroom tax does
Councils return more than £1m unspent DHPs
28 March, 2014
Underspending councils will return emergency funding to government
Residents more than £500,000 better off with help from Contour Homes
27 March, 2014
Residents struggling to cope with the benefits system are more than £500,000 better off because of help from one of the North West's biggest housing associations
Bedroom tax tribunal victory for single parent
27 March, 2014
A Northumberland social housing tenant who saw his housing benefit slashed by 25% has won an appeal against the bedroom tax
DWP responds to universal credit payment concerns
27 March, 2014
DWP to change process of social landlords applying for 'alternative payment arrangements' under UC for tenants who are not paying their rent
New homes being built to help 'victims of bedroom tax'
27 March, 2014
Twenty-one new homes are set to be built in Merthyr Tydfil next week to help those struggling with the 'Bedroom Tax'
Local authority led pilots: preparing for Universal Credit implementation
27 March, 2014
DWP Universal Credit Guidance
Real-terms cut in Council Tax for fourth year
26 March, 2014
New official figures show that the average Council Tax bill in England has fallen in real-terms for the fourth year
Energy bill and bedroom tax-besieged tenants get £500,000 boost from landlord
25 March, 2014
Tenants struggling to cope with the government's raft of changes to the benefits system and rising energy bills are more than £500,000 better off thanks to their social landlord
Research to look at impact of welfare reforms in Essex
24 March, 2014
Nationally, the impact of reforms like the bedroom tax and universal credit has already been making the headlines
Union backs protest against private landlords' housing benefit profits
21 March, 2014
GMB has put its support behind a planned protest outside a private residential property management company that received more than £2 million in housing benefits over 2012/13
New twist in bedroom tax loophole saga as DWP reveals more tenants eligible for refunds
21 March, 2014
More people could be eligible for a refund on the bedroom tax following further clarification about the loophole debacle from the Department for Work and Pensions
The Impact of the bedroom tax in Scotland: Plan B - charges, arrears and refunds; incorporating the Government Response to the Committee's Fourth Report of Session 2013-14
21 March, 2014
Ninth Report of Session 2013-14
Over £21.9 million paid out to support housing costs for those in financial hardship
18 March, 2014
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
Housing benefit review helps 283 customers
18 March, 2014
Fife Council's Benefits and Council Tax team have now completed the checking exercise to identify tenants affected by a Department for Work and Pensions error over reduced Housing Benefit
Council tax single person discount 'should be reviewed'
17 March, 2014
Wealthy people living alone in large homes should lose their council tax discount to fund more help for poorer families
Housing Benefit Recoveries and Fraud National Statistics
17 March, 2014
This Statistical First Release contains statistics produced by the DWP on Housing Benefit Recoveries and Fraud
Bedroom tax-hit tenants urged to start business in spare room
17 March, 2014
Tenants could escape the bedroom tax by starting a business in their spare room
Every spare bedroom tells a story
17 March, 2014
Almost a year after its introduction, the bedroom tax has not lost its ability to spring surprises
The bedroom tax is an attack on the living conditions of the poor
17 March, 2014
Peter Brown, chief executive of Herefordshire Housing, looks at five ways to extend the government's 'spare room subsidy'
Bedroom tax victim jailed after setting fire to his own flat 'because of stress'
17 March, 2014
Thulani Dlodlo was jailed for more than a year after causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage to the property
How bedroom tax affects those on domestic violence protection scheme
14 March, 2014
One in 20 of those on the sanctuary scheme, which creates a safe room within a property to protect those at risk of domestic violence, have been forced to pay the bedroom tax
The impact of the bedroom tax on stock management by social landlords
14 March, 2014
CIH Scotland, in conjunction with the Scottish Housing Best Value Network (SHBVN) sample survey of social landlords
Costs for low income PRS households increasingly unaffordable
13 March, 2014
Commenting on the Department for Social Development's report on the impact of changes to housing benefit and local housing allowances on the private rented sector
Bedroom tax - Landlords successful in tackling stock management challenges
13 March, 2014
Scottish social landlords have worked hard to minimise the impact of the bedroom tax on the speed with which property is re-let
'Huge' rise in help for council tax arrears
13 March, 2014
A major debt charity has reported a 'huge' increase in the number of people seeking help for council tax arrears
Would independence make Scotland's welfare fairer?
12 March, 2014
Plans to scrap bedroom tax and other welfare reforms are all very well but a future Scottish government will be constrained by finances
Councils warned to spend millions in bedroom tax assistance money as deadline looms
12 March, 2014
Millions of pounds in funds set aside to help victims of the government's bedroom tax and other welfare reforms are yet to be allocated by local authorities across Scotland
Housing Benefit has made landlords complacent
11 March, 2014
Social landlords have allowed tenants to disconnect from their contractual responsibility to pay rent
IPPR: Devolve certain benefits to 'improve social outcomes'
11 March, 2014
Responsibility for housing benefit and the work programme should be devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Freud and IDS stonewalling bedroom tax fund request
11 March, 2014
Lord Freud and Iain Duncan Smith have been stonewalling Scotland's request to add more money to a bedroom tax fund
£400,000 in housing benefit payments go missing
10 March, 2014
Up to £400,000 in housing benefit has disappeared after being paid to a property agent
Less than four weeks to go for local authorities to distribute millions in 'bedroom tax' help
07 March, 2014
Shelter Scotland
Fife Council leader issues warning to John Swinney on 'bedroom tax' impact
06 March, 2014
Scottish and UK Governments may have underestimated the impact of the so-called bedroom tax on Fife
Barrister predicts bedroom definition 'will' go before Court of Appeal
06 March, 2014
The question of what constitutes a bedroom for the purposes of welfare reform 'will' go before the Court of Appeal this year
Replacing council tax would save poorest £200 finds new research
06 March, 2014
Almost two-thirds of households would see bills fall by more than 10% if council tax was replaced by a progressive national property tax
Bedroom tax protesters take to city streets in Newcastle over benefit cuts
06 March, 2014
Bedroom tax protesters made their voice heard as Newcastle Council met to pass the latest cuts package
After the Council Tax: impacts of property tax reform on people, places and house prices
05 March, 2014
Would taxing property values be fairer than the Council Tax?
Landmark housing benefit ruling provides boost for disabled people
05 March, 2014
Local authorities should now use a wider interpretation of the term 'adapt the dwelling' when deciding housing benefit allocations for disabled people
Councils in England 'plan slight rise' in council tax
04 March, 2014
Councils in England 'plan slight rise' in council tax
Bedroom tax cutting people adrift from their lives
04 March, 2014
Bishop of Swansea and Brecon John Davies will join a protest rally against the tax in Cardiff
Sale of small council homes condemning thousands to bedroom tax
03 March, 2014
Council housing sell-offs forcing vulnerable children into unfit properties in private sector
Household benefit cap and Universal Credit housing costs
03 March, 2014
DWP proposals relating to the new definition of exempt accommodation
Bedroom tax refund delay woe for householders
03 March, 2014
Council chiefs in the North-East say they are struggling to find hundreds of people unlawfully charged the 'bedroom tax' after blunder
West Dunbartonshire Council secures additional funding for struggling tenants
03 March, 2014
West Dunbartonshire Council has secured an extra £500,000 of Discretionary Housing Payments to help residents affected by the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax loophole closes
03 March, 2014
A loophole which allowed thousands of tenants to escape the bedroom tax closes
Lib Dems likely to oppose the bedroom tax in 2015
28 February, 2014
President 'does not expect' support for unreformed policy
Council tax 'higher in Wales than in rich London boroughs'
28 February, 2014
From April, council tax on a Band D property in Cardiff will go up to £1,164. In Kensington and Chelsea, they will be paying £1,071
Bedroom tax 'helping to end child poverty'
28 February, 2014
Ministers claim bedroom tax is cutting child poverty
Recap Bedroom Tax vote: MPs decided against scrapping the controversial levy
27 February, 2014
Labour, with the support of Caroline Lucas, had forced a vote in the House of Commons to enable MPs to express their opposition to the hated Bedroom Tax
DWP: Housing benefit will be sanctioned
27 February, 2014
Part-time workers judged to be doing too little to find full-time work face having their benefit for housing costs sanctioned by the government for the first time under universal credit
Duncan Smith rules out regional benefit cap
26 February, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has dismissed the possibility of introducing a new regional cap on benefits that could have seen payments to families in many parts of Yorkshire slashed further
MPs to vote on bedroom tax as government moves to close loophole
26 February, 2014
MPs are gathered in the House of Commons this afternoon to potentially give a 'vote of no confidence' on the government's bedroom tax
Duncan Smith mocks Labour bedroom tax figures
25 February, 2014
More than 21,500 people have now been identified as wrongly paying the bedroom tax according to figures obtained by the Labour Party
Campaigners fail to overturn bedroom tax court ruling
24 February, 2014
A group of people with disabilities has failed to overturn a court ruling which found the bedroom tax is lawful
Richest MP in Britain slams welfare state but makes £625k a year in housing benefit
24 February, 2014
Tory toff Richard Benyon is worth millions and makes his fortune from the very people he condemns
Largest recipients of housing benefits in Wales pocket £25m in a single year
24 February, 2014
Landed estates, letting agents and private landlords as well as charities and not-for-profit organisations share mammoth benefits cash pot
Why we won't build smaller homes just to clean up the mess of the bedroom tax
24 February, 2014
Ministers want more one-bed homes - but these will last for 100 years while the bedroom tax may already be on its last legs
Victory for government in benefits court challenge as the bedroom tax and cap on handouts are backed by judges as lawful
24 February, 2014
Accusations that the spare bedroom subsidy unlawfully discriminates against the disabled are rejected
Bolton ruling does not define a bedroom
21 February, 2014
The importance of a tribunal ruling that campaigners claim could help tenants overturn bedroom tax decisions has been downplayed by the Chartered Institute of Housing
Five lose housing benefit cut appeal
21 February, 2014
Five disabled social housing tenants have lost their Court of Appeal bid to have benefit cuts for those with spare bedrooms ruled unlawful
Bedroom tax human rights appeal fails
21 February, 2014
The Court of Appeal has upheld an earlier High Court decision that the bedroom tax rules are was not a breach of human rights for disabled adults
Council uses EDMO to help tenants affected by bedroom tax
21 February, 2014
Knowsley Council has taken control of a problem property, allowing a tenant affected by the bedroom tax to downsize
Court to rule on bedroom tax legality
20 February, 2014
The Court of Appeal is due to rule on whether the bedroom tax is legal when applied to disabled people
DWP reveals nearly 500,000 households affected by bedroom tax
20 February, 2014
The DWP has released statistics breaking down the number of households affected by bedroom tax and the average amount deducted from HB
Bedroom Tax Toolkit
20 February, 2014
Coast and Country Housing Association Bedroom Tax appeal toolkit
Bedroom tax boosts activity on home swapping websites
20 February, 2014
One website, House Exchange, said registrations from would-be downsizers were up by 49% year-on-year
Housing Benefit caseload statistics
20 February, 2014
Tables detailing the number of Housing Benefit claimants
'Bedroom Tax' help
19 February, 2014
Nearly 7,000 extra households receive assistance in just one month
Independent Scotland is the only way to scrap bedroom tax for good says Margaret Burgess
19 February, 2014
The only way to scrap the bedroom tax for good is through the powers of an independent Scottish Parliament said Welfare Minister
Housing benefit 'spare room' rebates for 3,000 in West Midlands
18 February, 2014
At least 3,000 tenants in the West Midlands are set to be eligible for rebates after having benefits wrongly cut because of extra bedrooms
Archbishop Nichols: UK welfare system 'seriously wrong'
18 February, 2014
The UK's welfare system is "seriously wrong" in allowing poorer members of society to remain "in a destitute situation"
People urged to take up social housing as bedroom tax leaves properties empty
18 February, 2014
A local authority is set to discuss encouraging more people into social housing as homes sit empty due to the ravages of the bedroom tax
Benefit reforms are hiding the true number of unemployed
17 February, 2014
Universal credit recipients don't appear in jobless figures, linked to jobseeker's allowance
Local Authorities break the law, taking DLA/PIP into account for DHP allocations
17 February, 2014
Lord Freud and the Department for Work and Pensions have issued advice to Local Authorities suggesting that they break the law
Households 'worse off' in benefit reform says Bevan Foundation boss
17 February, 2014
Reaction to claims by a Welsh government report that the nation's economy is losing £930m every year because of welfare reform
Impact of welfare reform on housing associations
17 February, 2014
Early effects and responses by housing associations to the introduction of welfare reforms
CIH Scotland commentary on recent bedroom tax tribunal rulings
14 February, 2014
Second revised edition - February 2014
Government closes bedroom tax loophole
14 February, 2014
An oversight that exempted some of the victims of the bedroom tax from being hit by the policy has been closed by the government
Bedroom tax 'unfair' says housing firm boss
14 February, 2014
The boss of Plymouth's largest social housing provider has supported the National Housing Federation's opposition to the bedroom tax
Tory MP Kris Hopkins says disabled people hit by bedroom tax need to change their ways
13 February, 2014
The housing minister said some were having difficulty adjusting to the 'cultural change' of how they spend their money
Homes fit for energy needs
13 February, 2014
The bedroom tax has its critics, but many tenants rattle around in homes unsuitable for their energy needs
Couple win appeal against 'bedroom tax'
13 February, 2014
A disabled man and his wife are among the first in Wales to win an appeal against the controversial 'bedroom tax' after an Aberystwyth tribunal accepted that they needed separate bedrooms
Bid to scrap bedroom tax to get second Commons reading
13 February, 2014
A Labour MP's bill calling for the bedroom tax to be scrapped will get a second reading after successfully passing its first hurdle
Two thirds of households hit by bedroom tax are in debt as anniversary approaches
12 February, 2014
One in seven at risk of eviction despite support from housing associations
'Bedroom tax' wrongly levied on thousands of homes
12 February, 2014
Labour FOI request suggests as many as 50,000 households have been charged in error
Councils fail to prioritise disabled bedroom tax-hit tenants
12 February, 2014
Councils are ignoring government guidance and failing to prioritise disabled people for payments to help cope with the bedroom tax
HB A1/2014
12 February, 2014
The Housing Benefit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014
'Axe debts' for bedroom tax tenants
12 February, 2014
Tenants in arrears because of the so-called 'bedroom tax' should have their debt written off and 'charges' refunded
'Bedroom tax' rebate on Merseyside to be £560
12 February, 2014
Nearly 2,600 people across Merseyside will be eligible for rebates running into hundreds of pounds after wrongly paying the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Councils ignoring Government 'bedroom tax' advice penalising disabled people
11 February, 2014
Councils are ignoring government guidance and failing to prioritise disabled people for payments to help cope with the bedroom tax according to the Papworth Trust
Housing minister: social landlords should help tenants to move
11 February, 2014
Social landlords should do more to help tenants who want to move home, Housing Minister Kris Hopkins has claimed
Seen and heard
11 February, 2014
Jules Birch blog about the Dispatches documentary on the bedroom tax on Channel 4
Scotland pays out 35,000 hardship grants to poorest families
11 February, 2014
A total of 35,000 emergency hardship payments were paid to some of Scotland's poorest households over the past six months
Early impacts of Welfare Reform on rent arrears
10 February, 2014
Research Report 2 from the Scottish Housing Regulator
Bedroom Tax Tribunal result
10 February, 2014
Nearly Legal - a new bedroom tax First Tier Tribunal decision from Monmouthshire raises some issues on the First Tier Tribunal's approach to room use
Bedroom Tax loophole
10 February, 2014
The Government has closed the bedroom tax 'loophole' with effect from 3 March 2014
Scots 'bedroom tax' arrears amount to £5m
07 February, 2014
Rent arrears of at least £5m are owed to Scottish councils and housing associations as a result of the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Minister renews call for 'bedroom tax' exemptions and announces a further £1.3m to help those affected
07 February, 2014
Carl Sargeant has renewed his call for certain tenants to be exempted from the housing benefit changes
DWP dramatically underestimates 'pre-1996' bedroom tax exemptions
07 February, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions has dramatically underestimated the number of people entitled to refunds due to 'pre-1996' bedroom tax exemptions
Who Pays? -The Impact of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy on Disabled Residents living in Adapted Properties in Wales.
07 February, 2014
'£40m public money set to be wasted in Wales' due to bedroom tax impact on disabled people according to this new report from Wales and West Housing
The minor prophet and the bedroom tax miracle
06 February, 2014
Iain Gray advised his fellow MSPs to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God after speech in regards to Bedroom Tax
'£40m public money set to be wasted in Wales' due to bedroom tax impact on disabled people
06 February, 2014
More than £40m of public money is set to be wasted in Wales due to the removal of the spare room subsidy from disabled people
Housing benefit reforms 'could waste millions' in disability costs
06 February, 2014
Changes in housing benefit payments affecting disabled people could cost the public purse millions of pounds in Wales
Government MPs think disabled people are exempt from bedroom tax
06 February, 2014
The chair of the House of Commons Work and Pensions select committee says coalition MPs are oblivious to the bedroom tax's impact on disabled people
The Housing Benefit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014
06 February, 2014
Amendment of the Housing Benefit Regulations
The bedroom tax loophole: a guide for councils and housing associations
06 February, 2014
A step-by-step guide for identifying cases, challenging decisions and dealing with discretionary housing payments
Funding Matters - Extra Care Housing
05 February, 2014
Housing Learning and Improvement Network Report
Up to 600 homes in Wirral set to receive bedroom tax refunds
05 February, 2014
Up to 600 homes in Wirral could receive refunds of around £1,000 after discovering they should have been exempt from paying the bedroom tax
Localising Support for Council Tax
05 February, 2014
DCLG Document - Vulnerable people and key local authority duties
Bigger council tax rises forced by Liberal Democrats
05 February, 2014
Lib Dem ministers, backed by some Tory council leaders, reject plan to cap council tax rises at 1.5 per cent
Bedroom tax fiasco: 124 Westminster families owed £700 each
05 February, 2014
A total of 124 families living in social housing in Westminster are owed £700 each after wrongly being hit with the government's bedroom tax
Is the 'bedroom tax' the new Poll Tax?
04 February, 2014
The withdrawal of the spare room subsidy has definitely gained an enhanced political salience, beyond its arithmetical and social impact
Scotland pledges to meet full cost of bedroom tax
04 February, 2014
Scotland has pledged to meet the full cost of the bedroom tax by finding an extra £15 million for housing benefit support
Adequate Housing
04 February, 2014
United Nations report on adequate housing and housing benefits in Great Britain
Ministers branded "utterly clueless" over Bedroom Tax's impact on disabled people
04 February, 2014
Campaigners claim up to 400,000 have to pay the £14-a-week surcharge - but when Tory Employment minister Esther McVey was asked she did not know
Duncan Smith: MPs 'cannot run' my department
04 February, 2014
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has told MPs they "cannot run" his department as he defended decisions taken over key welfare reforms
City sees drop in number of bedroom tax victims
04 February, 2014
Bristol City Council has reported a drop in the number of tenants hit by the bedroom tax
NHF calls for overhaul of universal credit payment rules
03 February, 2014
The National Housing Federation has called for an overhaul of universal credit switch-back rules in the wake of concerns from landlords
Bedroom tax will waste £234Million of taxpayers' money if disabled tenants forced to move house
03 February, 2014
The figure is nearly Half the £500million the Government hoped to save this year with the hated rules - ministers estimate around 35,000 claimants will be affected
Freud: Bedroom tax figures 'may indicate people are downsizing''
03 February, 2014
The lower than expected number of people hit by the bedroom tax may be due to people downsizing into smaller properties
Strain for Shoreline over £179k owed in bedroom tax arrears from struggling tenants
03 February, 2014
More than half the Shoreline tenants affected by the so-called bedroom tax are in arrears
Minister Nicola Sturgeon in call over benefit aid cap
03 February, 2014
A further £15m has been found by the Scottish government to help those hit by the so-called "bedroom tax" in the year ahead
U-turn looms over Freud pledge on bedroom tax
31 January, 2014
Peer's plans to exempt vulnerable tenants may derail entire policy
MSPs call for end of 'bedroom tax'
31 January, 2014
A Holyrood committee has called on the UK government to abolish the spare room subsidy or hand powers to the Scottish Parliament
Government pledges £50m more in aid for benefit claimants hit by bedroom tax
31 January, 2014
The Government today promised more than £50 million extra to help London benefit claimants affected by the so-called "bedroom tax"
Payback time
31 January, 2014
DWP acknowledges that social housing tenants who have been claiming housing benefit for same home since 1996 are exempt from the bedroom tax
Iain Duncan Smith Blasts Council Of Europe 'Lunacy' Over 'Inadequate' UK Benefits Warning
30 January, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has lashed out at the Council of Europe's "lunacy" for calling on the UK to raise the amount of benefits paid out
Video: 'Bedroom tax' petition evidence session
30 January, 2014
The Welfare Reform Committee hosted a second evidence session on petition PE01496
Council pledges to help hundreds of tenants wrongly hit by bedroom tax
30 January, 2014
Sheffield City Council has pledged to support hundreds of social housing tenants wrongly charged with the controversial bedroom tax
Disabled childrens bedroom tax amendment defeated
30 January, 2014
An amendment to the bedroom tax exempting disabled children from the bedroom tax was defeated in the Lords by 185 votes to 154
£165m fund to help housing benefit claimants
30 January, 2014
Councils will receive £165 million to support vulnerable claimants who might need extra support next year (2014 to 2015)
S1/2014
29 January, 2014
Details of the government contribution towards DHP for local authorities (LAs) in 2014/15
Scots bedroom tax error answers demanded
29 January, 2014
Clarification over how many people in Scotland may have been wrongly hit by the bedroom tax has been demanded by the Scottish Government
Unspent millions in former Social Fund budget prompts call for 'bedroom tax' help
29 January, 2014
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert confirmed Discretionary Assistance Fund hasn't spent more than half its budget
164 tenants wrongly charged bedroom tax
29 January, 2014
164 of 1,356 tenants affected by the bedroom tax are due a refund because of a major error by the DWP when they drafted the regulations
Court of Appeal to hear benefits cap case
28 January, 2014
An attempt by three vulnerable lone parents to overturn the benefits cap has been allowed to go to the Court of Appeal
Benefit cap 'hits most vulnerable'
28 January, 2014
The Government's so-called "benefit cap" is threatening to cause severe hardship to some of the most vulnerable people in society
Lawyers Granted Judicial Review Against Councils 'Unfair' 'Bedroom Tax' Housing Policy
28 January, 2014
Lawyers acting on behalf of a disabled couple, have been granted permission to bring a judicial review
Crooked grandmother evicted from council home
28 January, 2014
A woman who fraudulently claimed £42,000 in benefits has been evicted from her council home
Bedroom tax builds: HAs must develop smaller homes to win grant share
28 January, 2014
Housing associations are being advised to deliver one and two-bed homes if they want to win a share of the latest affordable housing grant
Explain benefit reform error, Scots minister Burgess demands
28 January, 2014
The Scottish government has demanded to know how many "vulnerable people" in Scotland have incorrectly lost out
Judicial review sought over council's 'unfair' housing policy
27 January, 2014
A Black Country council is facing a judicial review over its handling of a housing benefits claim
Drive for more one and two bedroom homes in HCA prospectus
27 January, 2014
Affordable housing providers will be expected to deliver more small homes to help bedroom tax tenants downsize
Exempt accommodation discussion paper
27 January, 2014
NHF discussion document to develop a proposition on what a new system should look like and what principles should under pin it
DHP spend in Scotland increases by £11m in a year
24 January, 2014
More than £15.3 million in discretionary housing payments has been claimed in Scotland between April and November 2013, with 11 councils spending more than estimated
UK Government defends so-called 'bedroom tax' after Welsh MPs raise concerns
24 January, 2014
More than £1bn is paid in housing benefit each year in Wales to support 250,000-plus people
Benefit claimants will find it harder to rent, warn landlords
24 January, 2014
People on welfare are likely to find it harder to rent unless the government offers greater certainty over when housing benefit will be paid to landlords, claims the RLA
Bedroom tax victory for Army mother
24 January, 2014
A mother of two British soldiers has overturned a decision by her council who said she would have to pay 'bedroom tax' while her sons lived in barracks
Bedroom tax appeal allowed based on space standard legislation
23 January, 2014
An unused room under 50 square feet should not lead to tenants being penalised by the bedroom tax
'Chilling' impact of the bedroom tax revealed in Newcastle
23 January, 2014
Newcastle council has published a report into the 'chilling' impact of the bedroom tax and other welfare changes on the city
DWP stands by low loophole estimate
23 January, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions has revealed how it calculated just 3,000 people might be affected by a bedroom tax loophole
'Bedroom tax' help given to 45,000 in Scotland
22 January, 2014
More than 45,000 households in Scotland have received special financial help from councils since changes to housing benefit were made in April
Charity slams coalition's 'ill-conceived' plan to cut benefits for under-25s
22 January, 2014
Birmingham YMCA has slammed the coalition's 'ill-conceived' proposals to reduce or completely remove housing benefit for 16 to 25-year-olds
The Real Cost of The Bedroom Tax
22 January, 2014
For Scottish Housing Associations and Co-operatives
Bedroom tax home swap campaign signs up 50,000 properties
22 January, 2014
Circle's website to help social tenants swap houses is thriving after being shortlisted at Guardian Public Services Awards
Bedroom tax takes toll on grieving parents
22 January, 2014
The Mirror's Real Britain columnist Ros Wynne-Jones describes how some councils are finding ways around penalising people with the hated tax
More landlords turn away housing benefit claimants
21 January, 2014
A survey finds that of the landlords who currently let to people on benefits, more than half say they won't after the roll-out of universal credit
SNP warn hundreds of Dundee children would pay price of housing benefit cuts
21 January, 2014
Westminster proposals to cut housing benefit for people under 25 will affect more than 1,500 young people and around 700 children in Dundee
Six in 10 private landlords refuse benefit claimants
21 January, 2014
Only 18% of the UK's private landlords currently let to tenants receiving housing benefit, and only 35% have done so in the past
Bedroom tax: Scotland's local authorities dish out £15m in emergency housing payments
21 January, 2014
Local authorities in Scotland have handed out more than £15 million in emergency housing payments during the first eight months of the bedroom tax
Cuts to council tax support increase numbers seeking debt advice
21 January, 2014
Four in five English local authorities reduced entitlements to council tax support this financial year
Housing benefit ban for jobless migrants
20 January, 2014
Jobless migrants from within the European Union will be denied access to housing benefit from April this year
Disabled campaigners take fight against hated bedroom tax to Court of Appeal
20 January, 2014
Judges will listen to evidence about the devastating impact of the charge up and down the country
Benefits claimants are shortchanged by £5bn a year
20 January, 2014
One million people a year do not receive full housing benefit, rebutting argument that they are being overindulged
Challenge to bedroom tax ruling today
20 January, 2014
Disabled men and women will today challenge in the Court of Appeal a ruling that the bedroom tax is lawful
No housing benefit for unemployed EU migrants from April
20 January, 2014
Unemployed European Union migrants will no longer be able to claim housing benefit from April
New rules to stop migrants claiming Housing Benefit
20 January, 2014
New migrant jobseekers from the European Economic Area (EEA) will no longer be able to get Housing Benefit from April 2014
'Unintended' housing benefit cuts hit tenants
17 January, 2014
Councils are cutting off housing benefit payments to tenants who are entitled to receive them, as an unintended consequence of sanctions applied to other benefits
Confusion on extent of bedroom tax loophole
17 January, 2014
Housing experts are split over how many tenants they think could temporarily escape the bedroom tax as a result of a technical error by the Department for Work and Pensions
Bill proposed to protect bedroom tax victims from eviction
17 January, 2014
A consultation on a member's bill launched by a member of the Scottish parliament to protect bedroom tax victims from the threat of eviction has closed
Proposed Protection from Eviction (Bedroom Tax) (Scotland) Bill
17 January, 2014
Proposal for a Bill to protect Scottish secure tenants from eviction as a result of rent arrears attributable to under-occupancy deductions of housing benefit
RLA encourages landlords to back those on housing benefit
17 January, 2014
RLA consultant Bill Irvine reassures landlords that there is no need to follow the lead of Fergus Wilson
Thousands in court for council tax arrears as benefit cuts hit home
16 January, 2014
Many people who were formerly exempt from paying now face court, as the bedroom tax adds to spiralling debt burden
Councils have until February to apply for additional DHP
16 January, 2014
Councils hoping to bid for a share of £20 million in additional emergency hardship funding have until February to apply
Will landlords evict benefit tenants?
16 January, 2014
The NLA announced in December 2013 that half of landlords say they will not consider letting to tenants on benefits
Resident speaks of outrage at 'bedroom tax' confusion
16 January, 2014
There are warnings tonight that the so-called 'bedroom tax' is causing chaos and confusion, as thousands of people who thought they were liable to pay it are discovering they're not
Lord Freud takes a pasting in bedroom tax 'cock-up' debate
15 January, 2014
Lord Freud has confirmed that a policy oversight that means thousands of social housing tenants are exempt from paying the bedroom tax will be closed in March
Pioneering pair launch a new service for landlords
15 January, 2014
Two entrepreneurs with years of experience of dealing with housing benefits and recovering rent arrears have launched an innovative letting agency for landlords with tenants on benefits
The bedroom tax error explained
15 January, 2014
A newly discovered bedroom tax loophole could see tens of thousands of households paid back millions in housing benefit payments. But who will be affected by it and what happens next?
Has bedroom tax caused housing trust's lettings struggle?
15 January, 2014
Perplexed housing chiefs say there has been an enormous and unaccountable drop in the number of people in need asking for trust homes
Call for more welfare reform support
15 January, 2014
Housing experts have called for the Government to increase the amount of cash it has pledged to support people affected by welfare reform
Plan to cut housing benefit for under-25s to hit 20,000 Scottish children
14 January, 2014
Over 20,000 Scottish children will be affected if the Chancellor follows up on plans to stop housing benefit for under-25s
MP questions bedroom tax debacle as council slams 'administrative nightmare'
14 January, 2014
An MP has asked questions in Parliament concerning the recent revelation that some social housing tenants are legally exempt from the bedroom tax
Why landlords are shunning profitable benefit tenants
13 January, 2014
Benefit claimants are more profitable than many types of tenants, but landlords are turning them away
First council announces bedroom tax refunds since revelation of legal loophole
13 January, 2014
Exeter CC has revealed that "a small of number" of tenants are due bedroom tax refunds after a recent revelation
Tory MP Anne McIntosh joins revolt against bedroom tax
13 January, 2014
One of the North's Conservative MPs yesterday joined the revolt against the 'bedroom tax' - calling for an exemption for rural areas
Housing benefit cuts for under-25s: young people again feel the worst of it
13 January, 2014
Far from living the life of Riley, most of this group are parents in a generation already facing social exclusion
Property tycoon Fergus Wilson hits back after criticism of mass evictions
13 January, 2014
Controversial landlord spells out why his housing benefit tenants had to go - and northerners must get on their bikes
What the housing benefit tenants say
13 January, 2014
The Guardian asked tenants to tell them about trying to rent while claiming housing benefits
House building versus Housing Benefit: what are we spending?
13 January, 2014
England has a housing shortage. That much, at least, is agreed by both government and opposition
Bedroom Tax suicide victim Stephanie Bottrill was exempt from losing her housing benefit
13 January, 2014
Her son, says Iain Duncan Smith has "blood on his hands" - people are calling for the Work and Pensions Secretary to apologise
Liverpool mayor pledges support for tenants hit by bedroom tax error
13 January, 2014
The Mayor of Liverpool has pledged to support residents who have been wrongly hit by the bedroom tax
Landlords 'may turn away people on benefits when universal credit comes in'
13 January, 2014
Private landlords warn that many are considering rejecting tenants on benefits amid fears of increasing rent defaults
DWP: 'Less than 5,000 are exempt from paying bedroom tax'
10 January, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions said the number of housing benefit recipients who are exempt from paying the bedroom tax due to a legal loophole is estimated to be "less than 5,000"
Opinion: The bedroom tax - chaos and misery
10 January, 2014
Phil Morgan, housing consultant and former TPAS chief executive
Property boss shocked by landlords' "short-sighted and self-defeating" move to turf out housing benefit claimants
10 January, 2014
A property boss has said he his shocked by a landlord couple's decision to evict all of their tenants who are in receipt of housing benefit
Pickles denies large-scale PRS rejection of housing benefit tenants
09 January, 2014
Eric Pickles has told an MP who raised that private rented sector landlords are refusing to accept tenants who claim housing benefit to 'get out more'
The bedroom tax on bereavement: Grieving families to face spare-room benefit cut within three months
09 January, 2014
Families will be hit by the bedroom tax if a room remains unoccupied for just three months after the death of a family member
DWP confirms temporary bedroom tax loophole
09 January, 2014
Thousands of social housing tenants will be temporarily exempted from the bedroom tax as a result of a 'technical error' in legislation
Tory MP attacks OAP exemption from Bedroom Tax - saying they could downsize to free up family homes
08 January, 2014
Julian Brazier wrote that it was akin to the government 'subsidising people to live in accommodation that is too big for their needs'
Housing benefit removal regulations upheld by judges
08 January, 2014
It is lawful to discriminate against tenants with disabilities by removing their housing benefit if their home is left unoccupied for more than a year
Money owed to Gwent landlords soars in 2013
08 January, 2014
Money owed to housing associations across Gwent increased by 14 per cent in 2013 from last year
Cameron branded 'out of touch' over housing benefit answer
08 January, 2014
David Cameron failed to tackle private sector landlords refusing tenancies to people on housing benefit during prime minister's questions today
Five reasons why HB should not be stopped for our young tenants
08 January, 2014
George Osborne announced that for the first time the Government will set a cap on the overall welfare budget so that it can be properly controlled
First tenant to be threatened with eviction over 'bedroom tax' in court
08 January, 2014
Unemployed Michael Lindsey, 37, has racked up more than £650 in unpaid rent since the government introduced the charge
Welfare cuts 'hurt those in work'
07 January, 2014
Most of the welfare cuts announced by the Government are affecting people in work, including those on low pay
Nigel Farage calls for five-year ban on migrant benefits
07 January, 2014
UKIP leader Nigel Farage has called for immigrants to be barred from receiving any benefits until they have been resident in the UK for five years
Government beefs up rules to hamper EU migrants' entitlement to benefits
07 January, 2014
The government has introduced new rules it says will ensure that migrants to the UK cannot take advantage of the benefits system
NLA statement on evicting housing benefit tenants
07 January, 2014
In light of the recent news regarding the landlord in Kent issuing eviction notices to his tenants on welfare, the NLA has released the following statement
Refurbished bedsits in Hull relieve some of those hit by bedroom tax
07 January, 2014
Previously boarded-up homes on estate provide one-bed social housing - but nowhere near enough to meet demand
The 'Unrentables'
07 January, 2014
It might sound like a bad cartoon movie, but it's becoming real life: the 'unrentables' are a subset of the 10 million renters in Britain
Early impacts of Welfare Reform on rent arrears
07 January, 2014
Survey on rent arrears and the impact of Welfare Reform on the social housing sector in Scotland
Back to Rising Damp? One million rented homes in private sector are substandard
06 January, 2014
Taxpayers' money is going to private landlords who keep their housing benefit tenants in slum-like conditions
Buy-to-let tycoon evicts tenants on benefits in favour of Eastern Europeans - because 'they are better at paying rent'
06 January, 2014
A buy-to-let tycoon has banned housing benefit tenants in favour of Eastern European migrants who he says are more likely to pay their rent on time
Eviction of tenants on welfare 'will create benefit blackspots'
06 January, 2014
A big landlord's decision to reject housing benefit claimants is the latest symptom of a trend that could see the low-paid excluded from whole areas of the country
Bedroom tax slammed by minister after costing more than saving
06 January, 2014
The controversial bedroom tax is costing more than it is saving, according to the Scottish government
Five years to rehouse all of Westminster's bedroom tax victims
06 January, 2014
It will take over five years for Westminster Council to re-house all of its social housing tenants hit by the government's bedroom tax in smaller flats
How to make the 2015 spending review work for all of Britain
06 January, 2014
Councils should become more proactive in the private rented sector and use housing benefit money to improve standards
Good samaritan to pay bedroom tax bill for Merseyside mum and disabled daughter
03 January, 2014
Anonymous donor steps in after reading Dawn Lennon's story on Echo website
Bedroom Tax - the protected pre 1996 regulations - sources and comment
02 January, 2014
If you have been in receipt of HB since before 1 January 1996 then you are exempt from the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax hits 60,000 families with carers
02 January, 2014
About 60,000 families living in council homes where there is someone caring for an elderly or disabled relative have been caught out by the 'bedroom tax'
Housing Management via Housing Benefit? Really?
02 January, 2014
Challenge to the legality of the housing benefit social sector size criteria
Bedroom tax loophole offers hope for some tenants
02 January, 2014
Over the last few days an interesting loophole in the bedroom tax rules has been identified
Bedroom tax may be on the brink of collapse
02 January, 2014
Experts expose legal loophole that could spark wave of appeals against cruel policy
Tough new migrant benefit rules come into force
31 December, 2013
From 1 January 2014, tough new rules come into force to ensure that migrants don't take advantage of the British benefits system
Bedroom tax 'costing more than saving'
27 December, 2013
The bedroom tax and benefit sanctions are disproportionately affecting Scotland's most vulnerable citizens, Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess has said
70% of English councils spend less than half DHP pot
24 December, 2013
Official government figures show 70% of councils committed to pay out less than half their emergency hardship fund pots by the midpoint of the financial year
Bedroom tax problem 'will last a generation'
24 December, 2013
Preston's bedroom tax problem will take at least 18 years to sort out, councillors have been told
High rents and benefit cuts putting young at risk of homelessness
23 December, 2013
More young people are at risk of homelessness due to high rents, low benefits and a lack of decent housing, homelessness charity Crisis has warned
How the Discretionary Housing Payment fund has been spent by region
23 December, 2013
How the Discretionary Housing Payment fund has been spent by region - April to September 2013
Jubilant Fife mum urges more to fight 'bedroom tax'
23 December, 2013
A jubilant Fife mother and her disabled son have become the latest family to win their appeal against the so-called 'bedroom tax’
Millions of pounds still available in housing fund
20 December, 2013
Tens of millions of pounds specifically ring-fenced to help people adapt to welfare reforms this year is still available through local authorities
Bedroom Tax First Tier Tribunal decisions
20 December, 2013
Information from the Nearly Legal website
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments
20 December, 2013
Analysis of mid-year returns from local authorities
Vulnerable cut off from bedroom tax relief as demand for emergency help triples
19 December, 2013
Just one in ten disabled people hit by tax in parts of Kent get discretionary housing payments
Councils could be banned from using 'bedroom tax' phrase in move to veto contentious language
19 December, 2013
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles could be given power to put a blue pencil through any language with which he disagrees
Disabled tenants come off worse in bedroom tax DHP lottery
19 December, 2013
Social housing tenants hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have wildly varying chances of receiving financial help
A third of disabled people refused DHP
19 December, 2013
Nearly a third of disabled people hit by the bedroom tax have been refused discretionary housing payments
Bedroom tax: one-third of disabled applicants refused emergency grants
19 December, 2013
In some councils as few as 14% are given help from fund intended to smooth introduction of bedroom tax
Support for Housing Benefit claimants to meet any rent shortfall
19 December, 2013
Documents to assist local authorities with their support for HB claimants affected by the size criteria for social sector tenants
Letter to claimants affected by removal of the spare room subsidy
19 December, 2013
A suggested letter for local authorities to send to claimants affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy
Curbs on EU benefits to come into force on 1 January
18 December, 2013
New rules on how long EU jobseekers will have to wait to claim benefits are to be brought in early
Two-thirds of single parents skipping meals to feed children
18 December, 2013
Gingerbread says fifth of lone parents are at least £100 a month worse off since benefit reforms were introduced in April 2013
DWP chops 35,000 Scots' benefits in last eight months
18 December, 2013
The DWP's Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions have led to over 35,000 Scots having their benefits stopped or reduced in the last eight months
Call For 'Bedroom Tax' To Be Scrapped
18 December, 2013
In a pointed report, the Scottish Affairs Committee has called on the government in London to scrap the reforms
Government committee calls for bedroom tax to be abolished
17 December, 2013
The Commons Scottish Affairs Committee has called on the government to abolish the bedroom tax
Freud: 'Why should we hurry with universal credit?'
16 December, 2013
The rollout of universal credit for the most vulnerable people will take 'as much time as it takes'
The impact of the Bedroom Tax in Scotland: Interim Report
16 December, 2013
The Scottish Affairs Committee wishes to see the bedroom tax repealed
Duncan Smith's welfare reforms give flavour of election
13 December, 2013
It's difficult to think of a more divisive subject than welfare reform
Direct Payment Demonstration Project: Learning and Payment figures
12 December, 2013
Feedback and payment figures on direct payments of Housing Benefit to tenants in Direct Payment Demonstration Projects areas - December 2013
25% of housing benefit payments switched back to landlords
12 December, 2013
One in four tenants on the UC direct payment demonstration projects have had their benefit switched back to their landlords due to rent arrears
Council tax frozen for seventh year in a row
12 December, 2013
Scotland's council tax will remain frozen for the seventh year running
England's 'economic recovery' pushing hundreds of working people onto housing benefit daily
11 December, 2013
Though parts of England might be showing signs of economic recovery, conditions are pushing 310 people a day onto housing benefit
Disabled people are worst affected by bedroom tax and welfare reforms
11 December, 2013
Benefit cuts leave disabled people facing decreasing incomes, postcode lotteries and threats to their independence
Surge in numbers asking for help with housing costs
11 December, 2013
Region has seen a 99 per cent rise in working people claiming housing benefit since 2009 and also the smallest increase in new businesses
Iain Duncan Smith confronts claims DWP staff given targets to stop benefits
10 December, 2013
Whistleblower says staff warned they would be disciplined unless they increased number of claimants coming off register
Families Facing 'Heat or Eat' Dilemma This Christmas
10 December, 2013
Ten housing providers have united to investigate how changes to the benefits system and Welfare to Work initiatives are affecting their customers
Universal Credit will threaten rent setting freedom
10 December, 2013
A greater proportion of social housing tenants will be on benefit under Universal Credit than is currently the case under Housing Benefit
Touchbase DWP e-zine
09 December, 2013
December 2013 - Contains information on the change to the Spare Room Subsidy size criteria to allow for children with severe disabilities to have a room of their own
Benefits capped in almost 1,000 Scottish households
09 December, 2013
Almost 1,000 households have already had their benefits capped in Scotland since the introduction of benefit changes
Proposed benefit and pension rates 2014 to 2015
09 December, 2013
A list of the proposed benefit and pension rates for 2014 to 2015
Around 50% of households affected by benefit cap in London
06 December, 2013
A government report has revealed today that 47 per cent of households affected by the benefit cap to October were in London
Universal Credit has become the one-eyed mother-in-law of the Coalition
06 December, 2013
Universal Credit has now become the one-eyed mother-in-law of the Coalition government
Bedroom tax could be a 'perverse disincentive to work,'
05 December, 2013
The government's controversial bedroom tax could discourage people from working
DWP allows £45 million LHA increase
05 December, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has committed £45 million to allow housing benefit for private tenants to rise in certain areas
Benefit changes 'penalising tenants'
05 December, 2013
Housing benefit changes are penalising tenants and putting substantial pressure on landlords' resources
'Immoral' bedroom tax penalises my disabled son
03 December, 2013
Looking at the spare room in Hayley Sims' Mickleover home, you could easily mistake it for a hospital storage cupboard
Withdrawal of council tax support leads to 30% increase in court proceedings
02 December, 2013
Councils that passed on government's cut to means-tested council tax relief report doubling in rate of liability orders sent to non-payers
Charities Turn 'Bedroom Tax' Attack On PM
02 December, 2013
David Cameron says disabled people who need the extra room are exempt from the subsidy - but organisations claim this is not true
Benefits sanctions a 'ticking timebomb' for the homeless
29 November, 2013
Warnings are growing that the effects of another aspect of welfare reform could be far worse
Hastings 'under pressure' from London benefit families
29 November, 2013
An East Sussex council says it is concerned about the number of benefit dependent families being moved out of London into Hastings
Bedroom tax: stress and struggle as benefits clawback hits home
28 November, 2013
Claimants explain how the policy has forced changes, from heating cutbacks to fruitless hunts for smaller homes
Will council crisis funds last the winter?
28 November, 2013
As local assistance schemes take over from the social fund, families may have to choose between 'heat and eat'
Association tenants 'working but claiming benefit'
28 November, 2013
The majority of London's housing association tenants are in work, but still require housing benefit to pay their rent
Majority of employed London tenants still require housing benefit
28 November, 2013
The majority of London's housing association tenants are in work but still require housing benefit to pay their rent
Council's 'Feeling the Pain' report shows majority of bedroom tax victims now in arrears
27 November, 2013
Sixty-five percent of Salford's social housing tenants hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have fallen into arrears
SNP: Independent Scotland 'would remove housing benefit from universal credit'
27 November, 2013
An independent Scotland would remove housing benefit from universal credit and maintain direct payments to landlords, an SNP white paper has said
Government to tighten housing benefit rules for new migrants
27 November, 2013
David Cameron has announced migrants will not be entitled to housing benefit immediately upon arriving in the United Kingdom
DBC demands bedroom tax exemptions for disabled people
27 November, 2013
The Disability Benefits Consortium is calling on the Government to take immediate action to exempt disabled people, their families and carers from the 'bedroom tax' changes to HB
CIH Scotland commentary on recent bedroom tax tribunal rulings
26 November, 2013
A short account of recent UK tribunal rulings on the bedroom tax has been produced by CIH Scotland
White Paper: Health, wellbeing and social protection
26 November, 2013
Eleanor Bradford analyses the part of the White Paper that looks at health, wellbeing and social protection
DWP issue guidance on Bedroom Tax in Universal Credit
26 November, 2013
This memo gives guidance on changes introduced by the Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Regulations 2013
Scotland pledges to end bedroom tax and PIP
26 November, 2013
An independent Scottish Government pledges to abolish the bedroom tax, stop PIP and Universal Credit roll out
Bedroom tax is plunging tenants into debt spiral
25 November, 2013
Families in Central Bedfordshire are among some of the hardest hit by the government's 'bedroom tax' in the whole of the country with many unable to move or pay to stay
Victory in shared care bedroom tax tribunal
25 November, 2013
A disabled man who spends two or three nights a week at his mother's house occupies the property for bedroom tax purposes
Bedroom tax is 'costing more than it will save'
25 November, 2013
Local government body Cosla claims the policy will cost about £58-60 million this year, which outweighs the estimated savings of £50m on the benefits bill
Welfare reform setbacks
25 November, 2013
The UK Government has issued new regulations which outline the conditions when a disabled child can be exempted from sharing with a sibling
Victory in shared care bedroom tax tribunal
22 November, 2013
A disabled man who spends two or three nights a week at his mother's house occupies the property for bedroom tax purposes
Half of bedroom tax victims failing to apply for help
22 November, 2013
Nearly half of Edinburgh's council tenants hit by the bedroom tax have not applied for extra help to pay their rent
Paying Housing Benefit direct to tenants in social rented housing
22 November, 2013
Council tenants receive Housing Benefit as a rent rebate. Housing associations invariably require tenants' HB be paid direct to them
Bedroom tax may be axed if review questions effectiveness
22 November, 2013
The controversial 'bedroom tax' could be scrapped if a Coalition-ordered review finds it is not saving any money, a Cabinet Minister has suggested
Council urges bedroom tax hit tenants to apply for DHP
21 November, 2013
Only half of Edinburgh's council tenants affected by the bedroom tax have applied for discretionary housing payments
MSPs reject plea for national bedroom tax no eviction policy
21 November, 2013
SNP and Conservative MSPs rejected a plea for a national 'bedroom tax' no evictions policy
Only 3% of Welsh bedroom tax tenants able to downsize
21 November, 2013
Just 3 per cent of the 22,000 housing association tenants hit by the bedroom tax in Wales have been able to downsize leaving landlords with £1 million of arrears
Labour: We'll scrap benefits for under 25s
20 November, 2013
Only those in 'purposeful' training or carrying out an 'intensive' job search would be eligible for the allowance
Bedroom tax causing 'misery across Wales'
20 November, 2013
Housing chief warns £2m of rent arrears could put 1,000 homes under threat
Wolverhampton MP speaks out against impact of bedroom tax
20 November, 2013
New figures reveal more than 3,000 households in Wolverhampton are being "clobbered" by the measure
Housing benefit reform: Housing associations struggle to let 700 homes
20 November, 2013
Changes to benefits payments have led to difficulties letting affordable homes and may stop hundreds more being built every year
Bedroom tax traps Welsh tenants into arrears and misery
20 November, 2013
Wales is hit harder by the bedroom tax than any other part of the UK - with a lack of smaller homes for families
Bedroom tax-driven small property development begins
20 November, 2013
A £6.3 million development of 75 smaller properties designed to tackle the impact of the bedroom tax has begun in Liverpool
Bedroom tax must be kept under review, says RICS president
20 November, 2013
The government must review its welfare reforms to prevent them unfairly penalising people who are unable to move to cheaper accommodation
The kidney patient subject to bedroom tax - even if room is used for dialysis machine
19 November, 2013
Plight of MP's brother raises questions about fairness of controversial welfare reform
Welfare reforms are needed urgently, but the bedroom tax is still unfair
18 November, 2013
Social housing has contributed to the dangerous rise of welfare dependency and it must stop. But not with the bedroom tax
Labour Bedroom Tax absence an 'insult' to victims says MP
18 November, 2013
The Scottish National Party has called on Scottish Labour to explain the absence of ten MPs at a vote in the House of Commons
Fury at Glasgow woman's Bedroom Tax eviction
18 November, 2013
A woman from Glasgow has become the first in Scotland to be evicted due to the Bedroom Tax after falling behind with her rent
DWP response to SSAC over bedroom tax
18 November, 2013
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions explains why the DWP rejected the SSAC recommendations on size criteria exemptions for disabled children
DWP claims welfare savings are on track
15 November, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted it is on track to achieve its planned bedroom tax savings
Landlords with high voids monitored by HCA
15 November, 2013
The regulator is monitoring landlords which are losing rental income as a result of bedroom-taxed properties becoming hard to let
Sheltered housing tenant sent massive bedroom tax bill in error
15 November, 2013
A tenant living in a one-bed sheltered housing block was sent a bedroom tax bill for over £1,200 in error by Westminster Council
Council says feared benefit cap 'exodus' has failed to materialise
15 November, 2013
An 'exodus' that was predicted in a London borough as a consequence of the benefit cap has failed to materialise, Hammersmith and Fulham council has claimed
Under-occupation of social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement
14 November, 2013
Parliamentary briefing - Updated November 2013
Bedroom tax affected more than 522,000 people
14 November, 2013
The government has released the first statistics showing the impact of the controversial subsidy withdrawal in August
Saying the unsayable?
14 November, 2013
Mick Kent, CEO at Bromford, has written an open letter sharing his opinion on the implementation of Welfare Reforms and the battle to repair deep rooted cultural damage caused by years of dependence on the state
'No evictions' petition is sending out wrong message on rent arrears
14 November, 2013
A 'well-intended' move to cripple the implementation of the bedroom tax by outlawing evictions for the arrears it causes has backfired
Labour loses housing benefit U-turn vote
13 November, 2013
The government has seen off a Labour challenge to its housing benefit changes in the House of Commons
Bedroom tax tenants should act like biblical disciples
13 November, 2013
Benefits claimants should act like 'disciples' and move to the 'promised land' to protect themselves against the welfare reforms
The 'bedroom tax'; what the public think
13 November, 2013
During the party conference season it was reported that Lord Ashcroft said that Labour was on the wrong side of public opinion
Two Lib Dems rebel over the bedroom tax
13 November, 2013
Two Liberal Democrat MPs have rebelled against their Conservative coalition partners and voted to scrap the bedroom tax
Glasgow hardest hit by the bedroom tax
13 November, 2013
Glasgow has the most people hit by the bedroom tax, according to government figures released today
Housing Benefit: data published on reforms to restore fairness
13 November, 2013
New figures released today show the number of households claiming Housing Benefit that have been affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy
Social housing boss: I'm a big supporter of welfare reform... but the bedroom tax is simply unfair
13 November, 2013
Ministers must radically reform welfare, says a top housing association chief
DWP Quarterly Statistical Summary - Focus on Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy
13 November, 2013
This Statistical Summary aims to give users a structured overview of the benefit National and Official Statistics, published by the DWP
Labour criticises Iain Duncan Smith for missing bedroom tax debate
12 November, 2013
Labour says coalition is out of touch on bedroom tax, which it says is unfair and will result in 'perverse consequences'
Government's 'bedroom tax' could cost more money than it saves
12 November, 2013
The bedroom tax could eventually cost more than it saves
Abolition of the Bedroom Tax
12 November, 2013
In April 2013, the UK Government implemented under-occupation restrictions for tenants of social landlords who are in receipt of Housing Benefit
Calls for bedroom tax to be scrapped ahead of debate today
12 November, 2013
Charities and sector figures have called on MPs to scrap the 'unworkable and unfair' bedroom tax
Affordable homes facing demolition because of bedroom tax
11 November, 2013
Housing associations say change to benefit rules means tenants cannot afford to rent three-bed maisonettes
Nick Clegg's promise of bedroom tax review is a 'sham,' says Harriet Harman
11 November, 2013
Criticism comes as it emerges evaluation will take two years and will not include public consultation
Bedroom tax leaves properties standing empty, North East MPs claim
11 November, 2013
Tenants are scared to move in to larger properties because of the under-occupation penalty, according to North East MPs
Council plans not to evict bedroom tax tenants unless they turn down offers to move
11 November, 2013
Tenants in arrears as a result of the bedroom tax will not be evicted unless they decline two offers of alternative accommodation
Poll shows support for removal of spare room subsidy
11 November, 2013
New independent research shows there is strong public support for reducing under-occupation and overcrowding in social housing
RCT Homes in bedroom tax evictions row
08 November, 2013
A Welsh housing association is at loggerheads with a council over the association's refusal to adopt a 'no-evictions' policy for tenants hit by the bedroom tax
DWP criticised for tribunal 'panic'
08 November, 2013
An urgent Department for Work and Pensions bulletin issued to councils shows it is 'panicking' in the wake of nine successful bedroom tax tribunal challenges by tenants
Protests planned to coincide with bedroom tax debate
08 November, 2013
Tenants and disabled people's groups will be protesting at the parliament next Tuesday as MPs debate abolishing the bedroom tax
Public perceptions of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy (RSRS)
08 November, 2013
A report of research carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions
Bedroom tax law fails disabled children
08 November, 2013
Disability Rights UK is disappointed that the Government has failed to extend protection from the 'bedroom tax' to all disabled children
New sanctions see more benefits cut, DWP figures show
07 November, 2013
More than 400,000 people have lost Jobseeker's Allowance under new government sanctions aimed at ensuring they actively seek work
Housing minister grilled over bedroom tax
07 November, 2013
A group of cross party MPs, including the shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds, grilled Kris Hopkins on the bedroom tax yesterday
Yet more bedroom tax-linked rent arrears discovered
07 November, 2013
The number of English council households in rent arrears has risen by 21% since the April introduction of the bedroom tax
Benefit cap: 36,000 accept work help
07 November, 2013
New figures show almost 36,000 people potentially affected by the benefit cap have accepted support to get into work
Labour plans to challenge Lib Dem MPs with bedroom tax vote
06 November, 2013
The party's announcement that it will hold a Commons vote next Tuesday on scrapping the measure is a test of those in Clegg's party
Bedroom tax begins to bite on council house tenants
06 November, 2013
Seven months after welfare reform, two thirds of council tenants affected are behind with rent
Coalition's 'bedroom tax' pushes poorest into debt, research finds
06 November, 2013
The UK Government's 'bedroom tax' puts basic rights at risk and pushes vulnerable people into debt
Parents under pressure as rising rents add to cost of living crisis
06 November, 2013
The lack of affordable housing is adding to the country's cost of living crisis with private rents in England set to rise another 44% by 2020
Benefit sanctions - ending the 'somthing for nothing' culture
06 November, 2013
Latest figures show Jobseeker's Allowance claimants who failed to do enough to find work had their benefits payments suspended 580,000 times
Single mothers lose legal challenge to benefit cap
05 November, 2013
Three single mothers and their children have lost a legal challenge to the government's benefit cap
Government IT systems 'main reason' for increased benefit fraud, auditor says
05 November, 2013
Soaring housing benefit fraud in Northern Ireland was a result of new IT systems introduced by the UK government, an auditor's report has said
Lords debates affordable housing
04 November, 2013
Members of the Lords discussed the availability of affordable housing in the United Kingdom and the impact of the under-occupancy charge
Single parents bear brunt of benefits changes
04 November, 2013
Universal credit and a new childcare voucher forecast to hit struggling lower-income households hardest
Disabled children now exempt from the 'Bedroom Tax' - DWP Amends its policy
04 November, 2013
The Government has amended its controversial 'under-occupation penalty' scheme, commonly known as the 'bedroom tax.'
Bedroom Tax pensioner killed himself over fears he could not afford his home
04 November, 2013
A pensioner hanged himself after telling pals he was worried about how he would afford the Bedroom Tax
Bedroom tax sparks council rent arrears surge
01 November, 2013
Around three-quarters of all city tenants dragged into the bedroom tax saga are now debt-ridden and behind in their rent
DWP issues 'urgent bulletin' about bedroom tax tribunal decisions
01 November, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has issued an 'urgent bulletin' calling on councils to notify it about any tribunal decisions relating to the bedroom tax
Council Tax policy information note
01 November, 2013
This note sets out the allocation of 2014 to 2015 localised Council Tax support administration subsidy to local authorities in England
Bedroom Tax: Just 38 one bedroom properties for let in five Gwent housing associations
31 October, 2013
Five Gwent housing associations have as few as 38 one bedroom properties to rent but have 331 households requesting a move because of the so-called bedroom tax
Tenants in rent arrears offered six-month bedroom tax 'holiday'
31 October, 2013
A Welsh housing association is offering tenants a six-month 'holiday' from the bedroom tax, as arrears soar across the country
Housing bodies call for repeal of 'bedroom tax'
30 October, 2013
Two of Scotland's major housing bodies have launched a joint call for the repeal of the 'bedroom tax'
Deaf and blind man fears losing home over 'bedroom tax' as disabled legal challenges mount
29 October, 2013
Martin Styles, whose wife and son are also deaf, needs his 'spare' room to keep equipment that he needs to communicate
Lord Freud says Bedroom Tax term is misleading... then refers to it as Bedroom Tax himself
28 October, 2013
David Cameron will hit the roof because he insists the hated measure is called the spare room subsidy to make it sound less cruel
Barrister warns bedroom reclassification could lead to refinancing
28 October, 2013
A top housing barrister warned landlords could trigger a repricing of their stock by reclassifying the number of bedrooms in their property
Bedroom tax tenants hit by rising rent arrears
25 October, 2013
Rent arrears for council tenants hit by the bedroom tax have shot up at an 'alarming rate'
North Lanarkshire Council claims sharp rise in rent arrears
25 October, 2013
More than 2,000 people in one part of Scotland have got into rent arrears for the first time since changes to housing benefit were made in the spring
Rent arrears soar under bedroom tax
25 October, 2013
The amount of households in rent arrears soared by 21% between March and June
51% of Welsh housing association tenants pushed into arrears due to bedroom tax
24 October, 2013
The majority of tenants in Wales affected by the bedroom tax in 22 housing associations have been pushed into arrears
Bedroom tax drives massive rise in rent arrears
24 October, 2013
The government's widely condemned bedroom tax has driven an explosion in rent arrears across Wales
Benefit cap 'not encouraging work or saving money'
23 October, 2013
The government's benefit cap will struggle to meet its aims of encouraging people into work and saving taxpayers' money
Experiences and effects of the benefit cap in Haringey
23 October, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the independent voice for housing and the home of professional standards
Benefit cap has 'failed in its main objectives'
23 October, 2013
The government will struggle to make the benefit cap encourage people into work
10% more housing associations see rises in rent arrears after bedroom tax
23 October, 2013
The number of Scottish housing associations experiencing a rise in rent arrears in the first three months of the bedroom tax has risen by ten percentage
The benefit cap just shunts welfare costs on to councils
23 October, 2013
My fears are confirmed: the benefit cap fails to address the real problems of a lack of jobs, training and affordable housing and childcare
Benefit cap will struggle to save taxpayers' money
23 October, 2013
The government's benefit cap will struggle to save taxpayers' money and encourage people into work
Single man granted tenancy of three bedroom house due to impact of 'bedroom tax'
23 October, 2013
In a recent case, a local housing association brought trespass proceedings against a single man occupying a three bed roomed property
Government admits it does not know how well benefit cap is working
23 October, 2013
Work and pensions minister condemns report that found cap not working but is unable to offer official figures
Can't stay, can't go
23 October, 2013
Tenants who are affected by the Bedroom Tax are still facing an impossible choice, according to a new report released by Grand Union Housing
Scottish tenants are 'resisting' downsizing for the 'bedroom tax'
22 October, 2013
Research published by the Scottish Parliament's Welfare Reform Committee said that despite the financial pressure of the 'bedroom tax'
Report highlights people opting to stay and pay bedroom tax
22 October, 2013
An examination of the bedroom tax in Scotland has found that the 'pull factors' keeping people in their current homes and communities outweighed the 'push driver' of the charge
Viridian publishes new bedroom tax research
22 October, 2013
New research published by Viridian Housing Association
£20m to help bedroom tax victims next year
21 October, 2013
Nicola Sturgeon has announced an additional £20 million will be made available for Scottish tenants hit by the bedroom tax next year
EU report 'misleading' and 'one-sided'
21 October, 2013
A Scottish homelessness charity has condemned a European Union report into the UK's housing as 'misleading and one-sided'
Salmond pledges to axe bedroom tax
21 October, 2013
The leader of the Scottish National Party Alex Salmond has pledged to axe the bedroom tax in Scotland should the country gain independence
Bedroom tax hits tenants in Wales harder than anywhere in Britain
18 October, 2013
The bedroom tax hits tenants in Wales harder than anywhere else in Great Britain, a select committee has found
SNP conference: John Swinney says independence 'will protect needy'
18 October, 2013
Finance Secretary John Swinney has told the SNP conference Scotland has to have independence to protect the needy
Incentives would encourage bedroom tax tenants to pay up
18 October, 2013
Incentives such as vouchers for essential items and rent holidays are most likely to be effective in getting bedroom tax-hit tenants to pay rent on time
The bedroom tax: only fair to private tenants?
18 October, 2013
Of all the arguments made for the bedroom tax, the most slippery is the one about it being 'only fair to private tenants'
'Bedroom tax costs could heat family home for a week'
17 October, 2013
The average financial loss faced by social housing tenants as a result of the government's controversial bedroom tax could heat a family home for almost a week
Housing benefit changes: Report warns of 'problems' for Wales
17 October, 2013
Changes to housing benefit - described by critics as the 'bedroom tax' - will cause potential problems in Wales
Rise in working families claiming benefit for housing
17 October, 2013
As early as Christmas working households claiming support for private sector rent could outnumber those in which nobody works
Nick Clegg orders independent study into Bedroom tax
16 October, 2013
Research is underway to examine impact of controversial Government policy
Volunteer pleas to help Coventry families facing eviction due to 'bedroom tax'
16 October, 2013
Coventry Against the Bedroom Tax create 'anti-eviction network' to support those threatened with eviction or a possession order
Clegg admits bedroom tax creates 'real dilemmas''
16 October, 2013
Nick Clegg has admitted the bedroom tax creates 'real dilemmas' and could vary 'enormously' between different parts of the country
Housing benefit changes defended
16 October, 2013
A Wales Office minister has defended changes to housing benefit described by critics as the 'bedroom tax'
'Affordable rents are driving up costs and housing benefit'
16 October, 2013
Policy and practice officer Laura Shimili looks at the new statistics on fixed term tenancies and affordable rents for 2012/13
Salmond challenges cameron on bedroom tax
15 October, 2013
ALEX Salmond is to raise the impact of the Coalition's bedroom tax at a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron this week
Housing benefit cheat must pay back double
15 October, 2013
A fraudster who cheated himself to over £4,000 in housing benefit has been ordered to pay back over £8,000
Bedroom tax: savings likely to be '£160m less than official projections'
15 October, 2013
Analysis suggesting savings could be £160m less than official projections of £480m dismissed as 'vested interests' by employment minister
Testing DWP's assessment of the impact of the social rented sector size criterion on Housing Benefit costs and other factors
15 October, 2013
Research questions bedroom tax's ability to make savings - The government may have significantly over-estimated the savings likely to be generated by the bedroom tax
Bedroom Tax minister Lord Freud admits 'not enough one-bedroom homes' bungle
14 October, 2013
But he brazenly tried to shift responsibility for the logjam to local authorities as he defended the tax in the House of Lords
Housing benefit reform savings 'lower than planned'
14 October, 2013
The amount of money saved by a controversial housing benefit change may be considerably less than expected
Bedroom tax deal to be announced 'within weeks'
11 October, 2013
A deal to pave the way for the introduction of the bedroom tax in Northern Ireland is due to be announced 'within weeks'
Not granting second bedroom to couple with disabilities is discrimination
11 October, 2013
A tribunal found a couple, who had been assessed as having one bedroom and a spare room, should qualify for local housing allowance under the two bedroom rate to avoid discrimination
Up to 450,000 face court over council tax arrears
11 October, 2013
156,500 people in England have received summonses in response to the changes to benefits six months ago
Welsh Labour MPs launch attack on Government's 'bedroom tax' policy
10 October, 2013
But Montgomeryshire Conservative MP Glyn Davies argued the Welsh Government could not escape blame for the situation
Families rehoused to avoid bedroom tax penalty
09 October, 2013
A London council said it has helped nearly 190 local families avoid the impact of the bedroom tax by getting them rehoused in more suitably sized accommodation
David Davies tells 'bedroom tax' teenager to 'go home'
08 October, 2013
Monmouth MP David Davies became involved in an argument with a 17-year-old girl when he told her that she should move back to her mother's home
David Davies: Housing benefit reform working better outside Wales
08 October, 2013
Changes to housing benefits - mainly so-called bedroom tax - are not working as well in Wales as other parts of the UK
A Monmouth MP sees effects of 'bedroom tax'
08 October, 2013
A Welsh Conservative politician says that the under occupancy charge - which Labour calls the "bedroom tax" - does not work as well in Wales
Bedroom tax means more tenants face eviction
07 October, 2013
Shortage of available smaller homes means tenants cannot move to avoid the charge
How many young single parents are claiming Housing Benefit?
07 October, 2013
After Cameron hinted at a new 'earn or learn' policy whereby under 25s would lose their Housing Benefit if they refuse to work or stay in education
Bedroom tax: rehoused victims of domestic violence face eviction
07 October, 2013
Local authorities must exempt victims of domestic abuse from the under-occupancy charge
Benefits cuts for under 25s could increase homelessness
07 October, 2013
This week Framework is hosting a special seminar in Mansfield on its work with vulnerable young people
Bedroom tax: Queen helps desperate victim by sending his letter to David Cameron
07 October, 2013
Bedroom tax: Queen helps desperate victim by sending his letter to David Cameron
Disabled woman wins bedroom tax appeal
04 October, 2013
Couples who cannot share a bedroom because of one partner's disability have been given fresh hope of being able to escape the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax deal wins Northern Ireland a four-year reprieve
04 October, 2013
The effect of the notorious 'bedroom tax' is likely to be mitigated in Northern Ireland under a deal reached with the Treasury over benefit changes
Disabled teenager's family seek 'Bedroom Tax' judicial review
04 October, 2013
Warren, 13, has a rare chromosome disorder, Potocki-Schaffer Syndrome, and his grandparents are his full-time carers
£20m fund to help bedroom tax victims allocated
03 October, 2013
The Scottish government has announced where it will allocate the £20 million pot to help households affected by the bedroom tax
SNP 'unlikely'to back bedroom tax legislation
03 October, 2013
The Scottish National Party is 'unlikely' to back a piece of Labour legislation designed to protect Scottish tenants from the bedroom tax
Removing benefits from under-25s could increase homelessness
03 October, 2013
Homeless charities have spoken out against David Cameron's proposals to remove benefits from under-25s if they are re-elected
No bedroom tax eviction policy would save taxpayers money
02 October, 2013
Plaid Cymru's shadow housing minister said yesterday that a 'no evictions' policy could protect vulnerable families as well as saving Welsh taxpayers money
Outlawing bedroom tax evictions will send the wrong messages, says CIH Scotland
02 October, 2013
The proposed Bill to outlaw bedroom tax evictions is well intended but will send all the wrong messages to tenants, according to CIH Scotland
What impact will the PM's 'earn or learn' strategy have?
02 October, 2013
The Prime Minister wants the under 25s to 'earn or learn', rather than opting for a life on benefits
Billions more to be cut from welfare cash before 2020 in Tory pledge for budget surplus
01 October, 2013
George Osborne said surplus would be 'insurance against difficult times ahead'
Payday loans being used to feed desperate families, charity says
01 October, 2013
Christians Against Poverty says some lenders are not even checking whether people are in work and able to pay loans back
Bedroom tax drives £2m arrears increase in Merseyside
01 October, 2013
Rent arrears have increased by £2.2 million in Merseyside in the six months since the introduction of the government's controversial bedroom tax
Spare room rules 'not working' in Oxfordshire
01 October, 2013
An Oxfordshire charity says rural families are suffering since housing benefit rules changed six months ago
Glasgow judge finds bedroom tax breaches human rights
01 October, 2013
Applying the bedroom tax to a couple who cannot share a room because of one partner's disability is a breach of their human rights
Bedroom tax tribunal victory 'likely to be followed', law firm say
30 September, 2013
Tenants who claim spare rooms have never been used as bedrooms could escape the bedroom tax following a tribunal decision
How six months of benefits changes hit hard in Blackpool
30 September, 2013
At this time of year, Blackpool's illuminated mile sparkles with neon self-confidence
Salmond under pressure to outlaw bedroom tax evictions
30 September, 2013
Alex Salmond has been challenged to support moves to outlaw bedroom tax evictions amid angry claims he has been exploiting the benefits cut
Benefit cuts hitting social tenants' mental health
30 September, 2013
The government's raft of benefit cuts is has having a negative effect on people's mental health, a major study has revealed
Housing benefit cap will be 'kept under review'
30 September, 2013
The minister in charge of UK welfare reform has reiterated a pledge that a cap on housing benefit payments to the rate of inflation will be monitored
Council to take £1m out of housing budget to help bedroom tax victims
27 September, 2013
Southwark Council is to take £1 million out of its housing revenue account to support tenants hit by the government's wide-ranging welfare reforms
Bedroom tax guidance panned
27 September, 2013
'Bizarre' government guidelines place onus on landlords not local authorities to define a bedroom
Plan to divert benefits of troubled families scrapped
27 September, 2013
A plan to put benefits paid to some of Britain's most troubled families under their caseworker's control has been shelved
Bill 'protects' against UK welfare change
27 September, 2013
A Labour backbench bill which aims to protect people from UK-wide housing benefit changes has been lodged at the Scottish Parliament
DWP to appeal groundbreaking Fife 'bedroom tax' judgments
27 September, 2013
The UK Government is seeking leave to appeal against landmark rulings exempting tenants from the controversial "bedroom tax"
SFHA Statement: Scottish Labour 'Bedroom Tax' Bill
27 September, 2013
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), which has been actively campaigning for months for the repeal of the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Benefit cap successfully in place nationwide
27 September, 2013
The £500 a week benefit cap is in place across the country and a major welfare reform has been successfully delivered
Luton woman fined almost £12,000 for unlawfully claiming housing benefits for house in Harrow
25 September, 2013
A woman who cheated Harrow Council out of nearly £12,000 in housing benefit has been ordered to carry out community work and repay the falsely-claimed money
Bedroom Tax: 3,200 people fighting for just 45 homes in one city 24 Sep 2013 19:22
25 September, 2013
Housing bosses admit to a chronic shortage of single bedroom properties as 7,000 are hit with benefit cuts
The bedroom tax: echoes of the poll tax
24 September, 2013
The bedroom tax represents everything about the governing party that voters say they most dislike. Ed Miliband's pledge to ban it gives Labour delegates a boost on the doorstep
Full details of first bedroom tax tribunal rulings
23 September, 2013
The first tribunal rulings on bedroom tax appeals have emerged - and Inside Housing is now able to reveal the full details
Miliband pledges to reverse social housing changes
23 September, 2013
Labour has said it will reverse controversial changes to housing benefit if it wins the next election
Research published on impact of welfare reform
23 September, 2013
New research published on the impact of the proposed housing benefit reforms on the social rented sector
The woman from Brazil
20 September, 2013
UN special rapporteur Raquel Rolnik ruffled plenty of feathers last week after rubbishing UK housing policy
One in three 'behind on rent' since housing benefit changes
19 September, 2013
One in three council tenants affected by a recent cut to housing benefit has fallen behind on rent since the policy took effect
More than half of families hit by bedroom tax pushed into debt
19 September, 2013
Half of families hit by the bedroom tax have been pushed into rent arrears in the first three months of the controversial policy
Should the bedroom tax be scrapped?
19 September, 2013
More than half of families hit by bedroom tax are in debt after three months of the policy
CIH advises councils to collect data on the size of bedrooms
19 September, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing is advising councils to ensure they gather data about room sizes from social landlords
How to beat the 'bedroom tax'
19 September, 2013
Social housing tenants in Fife are using housing law from the 1980s to successfully challenge demands for extra rent under the so-called bedroom tax
'Bedroom tax' marchers takes to the streets
18 September, 2013
Campaigners chanted "axe the bedroom tax" at a protest against the controversial charge held in Bolton town centre
Bedroom Tax: Lib Dem members demand review of levy for 'discriminating against vulnerable'
17 September, 2013
Nick Clegg has personally defended the £14 a week raid on some of the poorest families
Miliband urged to take a stance on bedroom tax policy
17 September, 2013
The Labour leader is being urged to take a stance on whether the party would scrap the bedroom tax if they came into power
What's wrong with the bedroom tax?
17 September, 2013
Whether you call it the 'bedroom tax' or the 'spare room subsidy', it's the wrong prescription, based on a faulty diagnosis
'Vigorous' examination of bedroom tax after landslide vote
17 September, 2013
The Liberal Democrats will 'vigorously evaluate' the impact of the bedroom tax, after a motion slamming it passed by a landslide at conference yesterday
Lib Dem conference: Members back review of housing benefit changes
17 September, 2013
Lib Dems have backed a review of the government's controversial housing benefit shake-up
Touchbase DWP e-zine
16 September, 2013
September 2013 - report on the roll out of the benefit cap to the final 40 local authority areas which began on 12 August and will be completed at the end of September
Can you be a buy-to-let landlord and still be ethical?
16 September, 2013
Landlord investors aren't all known for putting people ahead of profit - but there are ways to strike the right the balance
Labour disputes 'bedroom tax' claim by Jackie Baillie
16 September, 2013
Labour has said it has not pledged to reverse housing benefit changes
Housing benefit by region
16 September, 2013
Every region in Great Britain saw increases in the number of housing benefit claims
Social housing unites in Nottingham to oppose bedroom tax-linked evictions
16 September, 2013
Nottingham's largest social housing providers have agreed to take an anti-eviction policy against people who fall into rent arrears due to the bedroom tax
Leaked email outlines bedroom tax defence for Lib Dems
16 September, 2013
An email outlining how Liberal Democrat members should defend the bedroom tax in interviews was accidentally leaked to the media this morning
'Party politics' stopping tenants from getting bedroom tax discretionary payments
16 September, 2013
Local councils are 'playing politics' by not granting discretionary payments to tenants affected by the bedroom tax
Benefit fraud could lead to 10-year jail terms,
16 September, 2013
Benefit cheats in England and Wales could face longer jail terms of up to 10 years, following new guidance from the director of public prosecutions
Longer sentences for benefit fraud: will it work?
16 September, 2013
The latest effort to 'get tough' on benefit fraud will see maximum sentences increased to ten years
DWP mulls fresh bedroom tax advice
13 September, 2013
The DWP is considering issuing fresh guidance to councils and tribunals following four successful appeals against the bedroom tax
UN expert says UK government 'most aggressive' in 11 missions
13 September, 2013
An under-fire UN inspector said she had never faced such an 'aggressive' reaction from a government, after a report she wrote was branded an 'absolute disgrace' by a senior Tory politician
'Bedroom tax for the better off' possible in Wales if stamp duty is devolved
13 September, 2013
Devolving stamp duty powers to Wales could be used to create a 'bedroom tax for the better off'
£20m to help bedroom tax victims in Scotland this year
13 September, 2013
The Scottish Government has announced in its draft budget that £20 million will be made available this year to help those struggling from the effect of the bedroom tax
Less than 5% of landlord's households affected by bedroom tax willing to downsize
13 September, 2013
Peabody has said less than five per cent of its households hit by the bedroom tax are willing to downsize
UN official will urge government to fund social housing
13 September, 2013
A United Nations investigator will recommend the government starts funding social housing again, to avoid breaching international treaties on housing
DWP mulls fresh bedroom tax advice
13 September, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions is considering issuing fresh guidance to councils and tribunals following four successful appeals against the bedroom tax
Nottingham landlords draw up bedroom tax eviction protocol
13 September, 2013
Nottingham's largest social landlords are introducing a city-wide eviction prevention protocol for dealing with tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Grant Shapps should reconsider his ill-informed UN 'bedroom tax' outrage
13 September, 2013
Raquel Rolnik acted within her remit and did meet the government despite the Tory chairman's claims to the contrary
It's an extra room, but does it count as a bedroom?
13 September, 2013
Four council tenants have had a cut in their housing benefit reversed, after a tribunal in Fife ruled that an extra room in their home was not a bedroom
Housing association backs UN official's slamming of 'abhorrent' bedroom tax
12 September, 2013
Coast & Country Housing has welcomed the findings of a United Nations' special rapporteur, which branded the bedroom tax a 'shocking' policy that should be abolished
7,000 Scottish tenants to get grants to curb bedroom tax effects
12 September, 2013
An extra 7,000 households hit by the bedroom tax in Scotland can receive hardship grants as result of the Scottish Government more than doubling funding in its budget
The bedroom tax is a bad idea - but welfare reform is necessary
12 September, 2013
If you want to give people the chance of a future that's better than a life on benefits you have to change this mess of a system
Cuts Watch Cymru: Mitigating the Impact of Changes to Housing Benefit in Wales
12 September, 2013
The UK Government has embarked on radical changes to Housing Benefit
Shapps requests investigation into UN housing expert's actions
12 September, 2013
The Conservative chair has requested an investigation into the actions of the UN special rapporteur for housing Raquel Rolnik today in a letter to Ban Ki-Moon
'Shocking' bedroom tax should be axed, says UN investigator
11 September, 2013
Housing expert Raquel Rolnik says policy could constitute a violation of the human right to adequate housing
Conservatives protest to UN over 'bedroom tax' report
11 September, 2013
Conservative chairman Grant Shapps has condemned as an "absolute disgrace" a UN official's critical comments on the government's housing benefit changes
Protestors gather at parliament to banish bedroom tax 'monster'
11 September, 2013
Protestors against the coalition's bedroom tax are congregating today at the Scottish parliament, as housing charity Shelter Scotland steps up its campaign against the widely-hated policy
UN tells government to abolish 'shocking' bedroom tax
11 September, 2013
The United Nations' special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing has told the Tory-led coalition that it should abolish its controversial bedroom tax
Bedroom tax is a human rights issue
11 September, 2013
The UN special investigator's shock over bedroom tax exposes the low status social rights are afforded in Britain
Bedroom tax effect questioning continues
10 September, 2013
The committee probing the effect of the bedroom tax in Scotland will continue their examination today
Size matters - Fife rulings could have national implications for future of 'bedroom tax'
10 September, 2013
The UK Government's controversial "bedroom tax" policy could be thrown into disarray following a decision by a top QC
Bristol council tenants in arrears 'may be evicted'
10 September, 2013
Council tenants in Bristol who have fallen into arrears due to housing benefit changes may have to be evicted, the city's mayor has admitted
Liverpool housing association will pay Bedroom Tax
09 September, 2013
South Liverpool housing trust says it will cover people's bedroom tax shortfall if they make an effort to get a job
Landlord to pay tenants' bedroom tax while they train
09 September, 2013
SLH has started a scheme to try to help its tenants hit by the government's bedroom tax - paying for their housing benefit losses while they train for work
Tenant wins appeal against the bedroom tax
09 September, 2013
A tenant has won one of the first tribunal appeals against the bedroom tax
Tax paid for tenants in training
06 September, 2013
A Liverpool landlord is covering bedroom tax shortfalls for tenants to incentivise take-up of a training and employability programme
'Escalating human cost' of welfare reform highlighted in Manchester
06 September, 2013
Manchester housing providers have highlighted the 'escalating human cost' of welfare reform, five months after the bedroom tax came into effect
Speed dating event for downsizers
06 September, 2013
Ealing Council is to host a 'speed dating' house swap event for tenants looking to move to smaller or larger homes
Homelessness stats reveal housing benefit cuts hitting home
06 September, 2013
Official statistics released today show deep cuts to housing benefit are to blame for a dramatic increase in people becoming homeless because they can no longer stay in their private rented accommodation
Statement of intent on up-rating for pensioners on Council Tax support
06 September, 2013
Statement of intent on amendments to the prescribed requirements regulations to up-rate the allowances, premia and non-dependant deductions for pensioners for 2014 to 2015
Revealed: Human cost of hard-hitting welfare cuts in Manchester
05 September, 2013
New research warns of overcrowding, new social ghettos, soaring levels of debt and mental illness - with minorities bearing the brunt
Charity's campaign to banish the bedroom tax 'monster'
04 September, 2013
Housing charity Shelter Scotland has launched a campaign to get the UK government's controversial bedroom tax abolished
Bedroom tax investigated by UN housing official
04 September, 2013
Raquel Rolnik on two-week tour of UK cities to assess general housing policy as well as impact of bedroom tax on human rights
Elderly residents to receive lodger support under council scheme
03 September, 2013
A scheme to keep elderly people in their own homes for longer by having a lodger move in to provide low-level support is set to be introduced by the Royal Borough
Tenant slashes wrist in housing office after being driven to despair by bedroom tax
03 September, 2013
Tormented former miner attempted suicide in front of staff because he couldn't cope with running up rent arrears as a result of the hated tax
Council tenants in B&Bs; slashed to zero
03 September, 2013
The number of families living in bed and breakfast accommodation in Westminster for more than six weeks has been slashed to zero
Bedroom Tax: Ed Miliband says Labour will scrap hated levy
02 September, 2013
In a sensational victory for the Sunday People's campaign, the Labour leader could unveil his plan as early as this month in his Brighton conference speech
Landlord is ordered to repay housing benefit
02 September, 2013
A landlord who lives in London but owns properties in Salford has been heavily fined by a residential property tribunal at a hearing which he did not attend
Labour pledges £50m to battle 'bedroom tax'
02 September, 2013
Labour will pledge to find £50 million in Scotland's budget in order to negate the impact of the so-called 'bedroom tax' in Scotland
UN to investigate bedroom tax
30 August, 2013
A United Nations representative is to take part in a meeting to hear how the bedroom tax is affecting the UK's social housing tenants
Bedroom tax could cause Christmas homelessness crisis
30 August, 2013
Landlord repossession claims and court orders issued after the introduction of the tax in April saw double digit rises in the three months to June
Frozen out
30 August, 2013
When the government announced its controversial welfare reforms, it promised that supported housing would be protected from the impact. So why are some providers still left out in the cold?
£40,000 to get tenants online
29 August, 2013
Tenants of Fabrick Housing Group and the Vela Group are to be helped to get online with £40,000 in government funding
Motion opposing bedroom tax could be a threat to party leadership, MPs warn
29 August, 2013
Liberal Democrat MPs have warned the party they could face defeat over a motion opposing the bedroom tax tabled for next month's conference
The bedroom tax's impact on one of the UK's hardest hit towns
29 August, 2013
Two-thirds of affected tenants fail to keep up with payments and face years on waiting lists for smaller homes in Hartlepool
North East sees highest increase in demand for foodbanks
29 August, 2013
New figures from Newcastle CAB show a sharp rise in inquiries about foodbanks in the past six months, with an increase of 216%
Proportion of UK workless households falls to record low
29 August, 2013
Official figures show 17.1% of all households have no adult aged 16-64 in work, down from 17.9% a year earlier
Fraudster claimed benefits despite having thousands in savings
29 August, 2013
A benefit cheat who claimed almost £14,000 in job seeker's allowance while having undeclared savings of £16,000 tied up in a property has been prosecuted
Why the bedroom tax penalises council tenants in the north
28 August, 2013
Northern tenants are being hit particularly hard because few smaller properties exist and most tenants have nowhere to go
Bedroom Tax costing more than it saves as housing benefit bill soars by £1.5bn
28 August, 2013
Figures from the Commons library show the amount of housing benefit paid to private landlords will rise from £7.9billion to £9.4billion
Weaver Vale housing team sort out money matters
28 August, 2013
WVH Trust's Money Matters team is helping tenants get on top of their finances with advice on a number of problems: debt, budgeting, housing benefit and welfare reform.
Number of benefit claimants in work nears 1 million landmark
28 August, 2013
The proportion of housing benefit claimants who are in work has soared, approaching the 1 million mark for the first time
Pickles to slash 'unfair' council tax charge for extended families
28 August, 2013
Eric Pickles has announced plans to help extended families by abolishing an "unfair" council tax surcharge on annexes and home improvements
New Council Tax cut for families staying together
27 August, 2013
Ending unfair 'family tax penalty' will support extended families and provide more affordable housing
Drinkers lose share of housing benefit help
27 August, 2013
Edinburgh City Council is the first in the country to assess how much people spend on 'luxuries' when deciding whether to give them extra funding
'No homelessness' policy protects tenants affected by bedroom tax
27 August, 2013
Residents who fall behind on rent will be guaranteed alternative accommodation under housing association's new policy
Bedroom Tax is postcode lottery as it is revealed residents in some areas avoid levy
27 August, 2013
A survey of local authorities shows that what you pay depends on where you live, with some local authorities using a loophole to exempt tenants with tiny bedrooms
Cambridgeshire councils see rent problems increase after benefit changes
27 August, 2013
The number of people asking for help with rent payments in the last few months has quadrupled in some areas, Cambridgeshire councils' data shows
Bedroom tax boosts arrears for Welsh housing associations
23 August, 2013
Housing associations in south Wales have seen more than half their tenants affected by the bedroom tax fall into rent arrears
Benefits swindler spared jail
23 August, 2013
A benefits fraudster has been spared jail after an investigation revealed she had swindled £24,000 in welfare payments
Bedroom tax activists to take part in mass sleep out
23 August, 2013
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners across the country will take part in a mass sleep out tomorrow night
Council calls for power to double council tax on empty homes
23 August, 2013
Camden Council is urging the government to allow it to double the council tax charge on empty properties in the borough
Cut back on fags and booze to get DHPs, council says
23 August, 2013
Edinburgh denies tenants emergency housing cash if they spend on 'luxuries'
Bedroom tax MPs claim child housing subsidy
23 August, 2013
MPs criticised for taking extra public money so children can stay over
Disabled single mother becomes first Scottish victim of bedroom tax
22 August, 2013
A severely disabled mother of two is to become the first tenant in Scotland to be evicted from her home as a result of the bedroom tax
'Speed dating' homes swap event for Oxford tenants
22 August, 2013
A 'speed dating' event is being held for council and housing association tenants in Oxford who want to swap their homes
Drag artist Mark Hawthorn jailed for benefits fraud
22 August, 2013
A drag artist who fraudulently claimed about £90,000 in benefits has been jailed for six months
Lib Dems to revolt against bedroom tax
22 August, 2013
Liberal Democrat grassroot supporters are planning a revolt against the coalition's controversial bedroom tax
Tenants may beat 'bedroom tax' with new bathrooms
21 August, 2013
Hundreds of people who could fall victim to the "tax" are to benefit from new plans to convert spare bedrooms into bathrooms.
Bedroom tax forcing previously paid-up tenants into arrears
21 August, 2013
Shocking new figures appear to suggest that social housing tenants who previously kept up with their rent payments have been forced into arrears since the introduction of the widely condemned bedroom tax
Error leads to councils receiving wrong DHP sum
21 August, 2013
A 'departmental error' has led to Scottish councils receiving incorrect discretionary housing payment allocations
'Bedroom tax will destroy rural communities'
20 August, 2013
The government's bedroom tax will lead to the break-up of rural communities, a pressure group has warned
Bedroom tax putting thousands into debt
20 August, 2013
Thousands of the most deprived people in St Helens are being sent into a vicious spiral of debt and hardship
Gwent tenants owe £190,000 after housing benefit changes
20 August, 2013
Tenants of four Gwent housing associations who were hit by changes to housing benefit now owe more than £190,000 despite previously making the rent,
Supporting vulnerable people back into society requires time, Patience and commitment, not punitive measures
20 August, 2013
Abigail Scott Paul reveals how benefits changes are affecting people on the front line of poverty in the North East
Housing association pledges to rehome bedroom tax victims
20 August, 2013
A housing association has pledged to rehome anyone who goes into arrears and is evicted due to the bedroom tax
Foodbank demand increase 'shocking', says Bradford charity boss
19 August, 2013
The number of hard-pressed people seeking help from foodbanks has risen 78 per cent in the last six months
Boomerang Generation: the young adults living back with parents
19 August, 2013
One man's struggle to lead an independent life has been thwarted by high rents and hefty bills, like thousands of others
Bedroom tax putting thousands into debt
19 August, 2013
Thousands of the most deprived people in St Helens are being sent into a vicious spiral of debt and hardship by the government's controversial "bedroom tax"
Bolton at Home becomes first association in country to make 'no homelessness' pledge over 'bedroom tax'
19 August, 2013
Bolton at Home has become the first housing association in the country to introduce a "no homelessness" policy
Housing staff 'may be target of bedroom tax protests'
19 August, 2013
Staff at a housing association have been warned against wearing their uniforms outside working hours for fear of being attacked by anti-bedroom tax protesters
Making Discretionary Housing Payments work for disabled people
15 August, 2013
According to this report from the Papworth Trust 1 in 3 disabled people are refused DHPs
More than 40,500 new housing benefit claims in a year
15 August, 2013
Statistics published by the Department for Work and Pensions revealed that the number of people claiming housing benefit as of May 2013 was 5,072,264
Experimental Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit flows data: November 2008 to present
14 August, 2013
DWP Statistics
FOI reveals effects of bedroom tax in Wales
14 August, 2013
More than half of Welsh councils received more requests for additional housing payments in the first two months of the bedroom tax than for the same period last year
Rise in hardship payments across Wales as effects of 'bedroom tax' kick in
13 August, 2013
Councils report seeing huge increases in applications for hardship payments since the introduction of the 'bedroom tax' in April
Plaid Cymru concern at rent payment help claims after benefit changes
13 August, 2013
Big increases in people applying for help to pay their rent have been reported following changes to housing benefit
Benefit cap - final stage starts
12 August, 2013
The benefit cap started in the final council areas on 12 August 2013 and will be completed nationally by the end of September
For those eyeballing benefits as a one-way ticket to easy street, I have a wake-up call for you: those days are over! Says Iain Duncan Smith
12 August, 2013
The last stage of the benefits cap roll-out has begun with claimants across the country having their benefits capped to a maximum of £26,000 a year
Benefit cap completes roll-out
12 August, 2013
The government's benefits cap begins its roll-out into the country's final council areas
3,000 families affected by benefit cap
08 August, 2013
Nearly 3,000 households have had their incomes slashed as a result of the total benefits cap trialled in four London boroughs
Scotland secures £3.5m extra for DHP
08 August, 2013
The Scottish Government has secured a further £3.5 million of financial help for its rural communities to adjust to housing benefit changes
Direct payment of housing benefit
07 August, 2013
Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing is one of the organisations taking part in the direct payment demonstration projects. Neighbourhoods manager Chris Shepherd talks about the experience so far
Evictions loom as social landlord reports 86% arrears rise since bedroom tax
07 August, 2013
A Northumberland social landlord has warned that evictions might be on the cards after seeing its rent arrears shoot up by 86% since the introduction of the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax: Huge rise in tenants in arrears
07 August, 2013
The number of social housing tenants plunging into rent arrears in the Scottish capital soared in the two months following the introduction of the bedroom tax
Scottish charity plots bedroom tax challenge
06 August, 2013
A charity is pulling together a working group to plot a legal challenge to the bedroom tax in the Scottish courts
Benefits cap to be applied if Scots vote yes
06 August, 2013
The amount of money households can claim in benefits would be capped in an independent Scotland
96% of bedroom tax victims have nowhere to downsize to
06 August, 2013
The vast majority of social housing tenants affected by the bedroom tax have no smaller properties available to them to downsize to
Bedroom tax judgment will increase demand for scarce emergency payments
05 August, 2013
A reliance on temporary discretionary housing payments to protect residents from the bedroom tax will not go far enough
'Big lie' behind the bedroom tax: Families trapped with nowhere to move face penalty for having spare room
05 August, 2013
The Government's justification for its controversial "bedroom tax" has been debunked by new figures showing that up to 96 per cent of those affected have, in effect, nowhere to move
Bedroom Tax: Neighbours form ring of steel to help foster mum ruined by levy
05 August, 2013
Irene Lockett could not pay the extra £23.24 per week docked from those with empty rooms under new welfare rules.
£35million DHP top-up futile
02 August, 2013
A £35 million boost to discretionary housing payments will not relieve the worst effects of the bedroom tax, housing sector figures have warned
Bedroom Tax: Council spent £40,000 making home fit for disabled daughter.. now they say it's too big
02 August, 2013
Daily Mirror case study
Tax boost for existing tenants
02 August, 2013
Sinn Fein is 'confident' the bedroom tax will not apply to existing tenants in Northern Ireland, a representative has said
How the Bedroom Tax differs from the Local Housing Allowance of 2008.
31 July, 2013
A blog predominantly about things to do with bedroom tax, by Rob G
'Bedroom tax will hit the poorest' says minister disappointed at High Court ruling
31 July, 2013
The Scottish government's welfare minister has expressed her disappointment at the High Court ruling over the bedroom tax
Government comes up with £35m to assist housing benefit cut victims
31 July, 2013
The government has announced an extra £35 million in funding to help claimants in the social sector affected by the cuts to housing benefit
The bedroom tax court judgment has thrown up some puzzling anomalies
31 July, 2013
Disabled people are left wondering how a policy which leads to such significant discrimination and hardship can ever be justified
Disabled families await housing benefits cuts ruling
30 July, 2013
The High Court is to rule on whether cuts to housing benefit for social housing residents with spare bedrooms discriminates against disabled people
High Court rejects disabled tenants bedroom tax challenge
30 July, 2013
The High Court has just rejected ten families' challenge against the bedroom tax. The families plan to appeal
Housing benefit challenge dismissed by High Court
30 July, 2013
Disabled families have lost a court challenge to social housing benefit cuts for residents with spare bedrooms in England, Wales and Scotland
Housing groups slam bedroom tax ruling
30 July, 2013
Housing groups and charities have been left 'deeply disappointed' after the High Court dismissed a legal challenge to the government's bedroom tax
'Bedroom Tax' leads to rise in Glasgow rent arrears
30 July, 2013
Rent arrears are rising across Glasgow since the 'bedroom tax' was introduced almost four months ago
Bedroom tax legal challenge dismissed by high court
30 July, 2013
Ten families who argue the tax discriminates against those with disabilities vow to appeal as campaigners warn that ruling puts such families at 'real risk of homelessness'
Housing benefit challenge cases
30 July, 2013
A group of 10 disabled people have lost a legal challenge to government plans to cut housing benefit. They are from various parts of the UK all say they are being badly affected by the benefit changes. Here are the arguments of four of them.
Bristol City Council may relax rules on tenants in rent arrears
29 July, 2013
Council tenants in arrears in Bristol could be allowed to move home after the council said it may relax its regulations on those who owe rent
Bothered by the bedroom tax? Try speed dating
29 July, 2013
A council's speed dating experiment has proved successful in helping social housing tenants beat the bedroom tax
No bedroom tax evictions, TUC leaders demand
26 July, 2013
TUC leaders in Manchester have urged the city council not to evict any tenants who fall into arrears as a result of the bedroom tax
Government must change the rules on night shelter housing benefit claims, says Salford mayor
24 July, 2013
The Mayor of Salford has called on the Government to support homeless people by scrapping changes to housing benefit rules
The sector needs a new vision to mitigate risk
24 July, 2013
From the introduction of Universal Credit to the decline in government funding, less reliable income streams are becoming more critical
MPs call for rural bedroom tax exemption
24 July, 2013
The bedroom tax should be scrapped in smaller villages to prevent under-occupying tenants being forced out of the countryside
Iain Duncan Smith's benefit cap beggars belief
23 July, 2013
The benefit cap is probably the government's most popular policy, but the case for recipients must be made
Bedroom tax: Samaritans called in to train housing staff as levy sparks suicide attempts
22 July, 2013
Demand for training sessions with experts from the emotional support charity has shot up 48% in the past three months
'Vacant' homes checked for occupants in council tax avoidance clampdown
19 July, 2013
Vacant homes across Exeter are to be examined to make sure that they truly are unoccupied, as the local authority tries to mop up council tax avoiders
Large turnout for food bank plan for town
19 July, 2013
Organisations and members of the public turned out in force to hear about a bid to establish an emergency food bank in Whitby to feed the town's poor
Porsche-driving housing benefit cheat must pay back £30,000
19 July, 2013
A housing benefit cheat who swindled £30,000 from the taxpayer must pay back her ill-gotten gains
Council rehouses just 28 of 440 tenants hit by bedroom tax
16 July, 2013
Just 28 of 440 social housing tenants hit by the bedroom tax in Westminster have been rehoused by the council
MPs continue to examine the implications of the Bedroom Tax in Scotland
16 July, 2013
The impact of the Bedroom Tax & other changes to housing benefit in Scotland Inquiry
PM urged to tighten teenage mum benefit rules
15 July, 2013
Tories in the most marginal seats in parliament are urging David Cameron to bring in tougher conditions on housing benefit for some teenage mothers
Applications to hardship fund surge by 300%
12 July, 2013
English councils received more than 13,272 extra applications for an emergency hardship fund in the first month of the bedroom tax
Welfare reform - how are landlords preparing?
12 July, 2013
A summary of findings from a CIH/Circle Housing survey
Council slammed by Ombudsman after failing homeless people
12 July, 2013
Bristol City Council has been failing in its legal duty to provide homeless people with the chance to appeal against its decisions not to house them
Landlords win reprieve on renewable heat scheme
12 July, 2013
Social landlords will be able to benefit from a scheme to encourage the use of renewable heating equipment
Homelessness applicants denied right to appeal
12 July, 2013
The local government watchdog has criticised a council for denying people the chance to appeal against decisions not to house them
Disabled benefit claimants forced to cut food bills
11 July, 2013
Nine in 10 disabled people hit by the bedroom tax who have been refused a discretionary housing payment are cutting back on food or bills to make ends meet
Landlords struggle to rehouse bedroom tax tenants
11 July, 2013
Most social landlords will only be able to rehouse less than a fifth of tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Government's bedroom tax forces carers to cut back on food
10 July, 2013
Carers are being forced to cut back on essentials such as food and electricity because of the so-called bedroom tax
East Midlands sees £15m housing benefit cuts
10 July, 2013
Housing benefit payments in the East Midlands are being cut by more than £15m this year under the government reform of the welfare system
Carers facing debt and eviction because of bedroom tax
10 July, 2013
Carers UK says cash promised by ministers to help vulnerable carers does not meet demand
Councils face £25m loss through bedroom tax
09 July, 2013
Local authorities saw rent arrears in Scotland increase by £2 million during April, compared with the same period last year
Tenants hit by bedroom tax get lifeline
09 July, 2013
Hundreds of tenants hit by the government's major changes to the benefits system are being urged to seek advice to help them cope
Housing crisis: The poor struggling to pay rent
09 July, 2013
Since April about 660,000 people living in social housing have been told they may only claim benefit for what is judged to be an appropriate number of bedrooms
The bedroom tax and disabled tenants
09 July, 2013
Following Lord Freud's appearance at Housing 2013, Sue McCafferty details the impact of welfare reform on sick and disabled people
Bedroom tax's 'appalling aftermath' behind massive rise in rent arrears
08 July, 2013
The Scottish government has slammed the coalition's welfare reforms, as 75% of Scotland's councils report that the bedroom tax is directly responsible for a massive increase in rent arrears
Rent arrears jump by £2m after introduction of 'bedroom tax'
08 July, 2013
Social housing rent arrears increased to £2m during April, compared with the same month in 2012, following cuts to housing benefit
Bedroom tax sparks surge in rent arrears
08 July, 2013
Six thousand households in housing association properties in Merseyside fell behind on rent payments for the first time within weeks of the bedroom tax coming into force
Evidence of bedroom tax causing debts and homelessness
08 July, 2013
The controversial bedroom tax has left thousands of social housing tenants in the region behind on their rent
Housing benefit cuts 'lead to thousands in Merseyside in debt'
05 July, 2013
Thousands of families on Merseyside have 'spiralled into debt' in the 100 days since the government introduced housing benefit cuts
Leeds Council ignores Freud threat
05 July, 2013
A council has pledged to legally challenge the government over its stance on bedroom tax reclassifications
Landlords could demolish bedroom-taxed homes
05 July, 2013
Social landlords have warned the bedroom tax could lead to the demolition of homes as larger properties become increasingly hard to let in some parts of England
The Bedroom Tax in Merseyside
05 July, 2013
Our report highlights the impact of the bedroom tax after 100 days
The bedroom tax has left me constantly sick with fear
05 July, 2013
Years ago I sold my house to a housing association. Now I am ill and would move to a smaller flat, but there are none to be had
Lessons learned from the Torfaen direct payment demonstration project
05 July, 2013
Bron Afon has been taking part in a national demonstration project to test a range of different payment triggers and levels of support for Housing Benefit claimants
Going private
05 July, 2013
Finding a private rented home in Oxford has become increasingly hard for working families, but the council thinks it can help by donning the hat of a private landlord
IDS claims bedroom tax is 'a success'
04 July, 2013
The shadow work and pensions secretary said the government should be 'taxing mansions not bedrooms' in a heated exchange with Iain Duncan Smith in the House of Commons this week
Duncan Smith accused of 'living on a different planet' after hailing success of bedroom tax
03 July, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has been accused of 'living on a different planet' after hailing the controversial bedroom tax 'a success' in a House of Commons debate
'Bedroom tax' costs Dundee City Council more than £250,000
03 July, 2013
Non-payment of the 'bedroom tax' has already cost Dundee City Council more than a quarter of a million pounds in the three months since it began
Work minister Lord Freud: Demand for food banks 'has nothing to do with benefits squeeze'
03 July, 2013
A wealthy Conservative minister provoked anger last night after questioning the connection between the soaring use of food banks and the Government's squeeze on benefits
Government urged to act as food poverty hits 18% of UK
03 July, 2013
Charities last night urged the Government to act over the millions of tonnes of food wasted each year
Northumberland housing firm sees arrears soar as bedroom tax bites Northumberland housing firm sees arrears soar as bedroom tax bites
03 July, 2013
A Housing organisation in Northumberland has reported a massive increase in tenants falling behind with their rent since the introduction of the bedroom tax
Food poverty children facing hungry holidays
03 July, 2013
One in five parents in the UK is struggling to feed their children - skipping meals and relying on handouts from friends and family
Struggles of benefit recipients 'must be told'
02 July, 2013
Housing professionals must focus on telling the 'personal' and 'deeply emotional' experiences of people receiving housing benefit
Benefit changes 'causing chaos and saving no money'
02 July, 2013
Rent arrears are soaring in many areas and some properties are being left empty because tenants cannot afford to move in as a result of cuts to housing benefit
Northumberland housing firm sees arrears soar as bedroom tax bites
02 July, 2013
A housing organisation in Northumberland has reported an 86% rise in rent arrears since the introduction of the bedroom tax
Family Mosaic identifies illegal sublets and spare bedrooms through data project
02 July, 2013
Housing association Family Mosaic has worked with Landmark Information Group to access a range of address matching, data cleansing and property analysis services
Bedroom Tax: Government breaks promise to exempt military families in 'ultimate betrayal'
01 July, 2013
It comes despite ministers promising to spare 'adult children in the Armed Forces' from the tax if they lived at home when they signed up
Impact of housing benefit changes 'worse than feared'
01 July, 2013
The consequences of the housing benefit cut introduced in April are worse than feared
Bedroom tax compounds direct payment problems
01 July, 2013
The implementation of the bedroom tax has left landlords with a 'crisis just around the corner'
Housing benefit rules for night shelters 'have not changed' despite court judgement
01 July, 2013
The government has moved to clear up confusion around the payment of housing benefit to people staying in night shelters
Government steps in over night shelter payments
01 July, 2013
The government has written to councils saying they can still pay housing benefit to the majority of night shelters to try to clear up confusion caused by a case in Wales
LIN Press Release - Freud: Universal Credit protection for tenants and landlords
28 June, 2013
Universal Credit and Direct Payments information
Scottish parliament considers bedroom tax petition
28 June, 2013
The Scottish Parliament's Petition Committee has agreed to remit Govan Law Centre's (GLC) bedroom tax petition to the Welfare Reform Committee for full
Freud: Bedroom tax will keep down interest rates
27 June, 2013
Lord David Freud has defended the bedroom tax by saying it is needed to keep interest rates low
One in four tenants need extra support under government benefit plans
27 June, 2013
Landlords warned over income levels as housing associations reveal extent of unpaid bedroom tax and return of rent collectors
'It's not a bedroom tax' claims Freud as he faces angry protests from within and without
27 June, 2013
Lord Freud has faced a room full of social housing officials angry over the government's bedroom tax policy at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference
Shelter responds to Comprehensive Spending Review
27 June, 2013
Housing benefit could face further cuts from 2015
Social landlords handed new formula for rents
26 June, 2013
Social landlords will be able to increase rents by the consumer price index of inflation plus 1 per cent for up to 10 years
Government to limit spending on housing benefit
26 June, 2013
The government will set an overall cap on the amount that can be spent on key welfare payments, including housing benefit
Protesters call for bedroom tax leniency
26 June, 2013
Campaigners called on housing staff not to enforce the bedroom tax in a picket outside the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference today
Most of London's new housing benefit claims are from working families
26 June, 2013
Study debunks myth claimants are 'workshy', and finds benefit cap is driving poorer families to suburbs as rents spiral up
Renfrewshire Council moves to mitigate housing benefit cuts
25 June, 2013
A Scottish council is considering moves to mitigate the impact of controversial changes to housing benefit
North East homeless are hit by Government's bedroom tax
25 June, 2013
THE head of the North East's biggest homeless charity has revealed the Government's bedroom tax is even affecting those who sleep on the streets
Government warns Leeds City Council on bedroom tax
24 June, 2013
Leeds City Council has been warned it could lose money after it reduced the number of bedrooms it said were in some council homes
Unison: Members must collect bedroom tax arrears
24 June, 2013
Unison is advising its members to co-operate in collecting rent arrears resulting from the bedroom tax or risk putting their jobs at risk
Bedroom Tax: Ed Miliband slammed for not promising to scrap the tax
24 June, 2013
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson says he is ashamed his party's leader would not make the vow
Housing benefit changes and how one man downsized
24 June, 2013
A single man explained how he moved from a three-bedroom house to a flat after his children moved out and changes to housing benefit, which were introduced in April, cut his income
LIN Member Report June 2013 - Still money to spare: how councils are failing to make the most of discretionary housing payments
21 June, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Bedroom tax debt mounts
21 June, 2013
As housing providers across Britain scrabble to get to grips with the bedroom tax, Inside Housing asks a focus group of 10 social landlords how painful it has been so far
Benefit Cap rollout
21 June, 2013
National implementation of the benefit cap will be managed over a 10 week period split into two tranches:
Halton social landlord says house exchange schemes helping tenants hit by bedroom tax
21 June, 2013
Home swaps are helping tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax' to relocate
Cuts and bruises
21 June, 2013
Over the past two-and-a-half years, Inside Housing has carried many warnings about the likely dire impacts of welfare reform on tenants and social landlords
ACHA Raises Concerns about the Bedroom Tax
20 June, 2013
Two months after the introduction of the bedroom tax by the UK Government 583 of its 5000 tenants are affected by it
Freud issues bedroom tax reclassification warning
20 June, 2013
Freud has threatened to withdraw or restrict housing benefit subsidy to councils which 'inappropriately' reclassify properties for bedroom tax purposes
Bedroom tax protest storm brewing for Freud at CIH conference
20 June, 2013
Lord Freud is due to walk into a bedroom tax storm when he attends next week's Chartered Institute of Housing conference
Housing association urges government to abolish bedroom tax and create jobs
20 June, 2013
Wakefield and District Housing's chief executive has claimed that the bedroom tax is creating a "false economy"
Council considers reclassifying bedrooms
19 June, 2013
A Hertfordshire council is considering reclassifying small bedrooms in at least 100 homes to help tenants avoid the bedroom tax
Affordable rent model under threat
19 June, 2013
Tenants living in homes built under the affordable rent scheme are in greater poverty than those living in already existing social homes
Benefit changes see council tenants rent arrears rise
19 June, 2013
More than a third of council tenants in Cornwall affected by an extra charge for spare rooms are already behind on their rent
Mayor 'shamed' by Labour Party stance on bedroom tax
18 June, 2013
The Mayor of Liverpool has said that he is 'absolutely ashamed' of the Labour Party leadership's stance on the bedroom tax
Discretionary Housing Payment includes DLA
18 June, 2013
Irwin Mitchell challenge local authority's decision to take Disability Living Allowance into account when considering Discretionary Housing Payments
Bedroom can be any size for bedroom tax
18 June, 2013
West Berkshire Council rule that a bedroom is not a bedroom because it is only 49 square feet
Bad landlords face licensing crackdown
17 June, 2013
With multiple tenants crammed into decrepit properties, one London borough is taking direct action
Mark Prisk teams up with Church and defends bedroom tax
17 June, 2013
Housing minister Mark Prisk last week joined with representatives from churches and housing organisations for the "Mobilising the Church" conference in Bradford
Bedroom Tax - heads in the sand?
17 June, 2013
Funny how you can stomach a rotten meal if you keep telling yourself it's not actually that bad
UK rents rise again in May
17 June, 2013
The advertised rent for properties in the UK rose by 0.45% in May, reaching an average of £970 per month
The poor are still paying more for basic utilities and financial services
17 June, 2013
Payment structures and price plans in utilities and financial services continue to inflict higher costs on the poorest in society
Welsh minister lobbies Freud over welfare reform
17 June, 2013
The number of people asking for emergency help with their rent has risen by more than 800 per cent in one area of Wales
Bedroom tax hits 500 Westminster council tenants as rent arrears shoot up 16%
14 June, 2013
Nearly 500 social housing tenants have been hit by the bedroom tax in a London borough that has seen rent arrears jump by 16% in a single month
SNP government would axe bedroom tax
14 June, 2013
A Scottish National Party government would axe the bedroom tax north of the border within a year of Scottish independence
East Lothian to pay bedroom tax bills
14 June, 2013
East Lothian Housing Association is paying the bedroom tax for some of its tenants - having developed an assistance scheme for households it feels are particularly unfairly hit
Bedroom tax protest in memory of suicide victim
14 June, 2013
A protest is being staged in Birmingham on Saturday 15 June in memory of a woman who committed suicide over the bedroom tax
CIH urged to invite anti-bedroom tax tenant to speak at conference
13 June, 2013
Social tenants across the country have signed a letter to the Chartered Institute of Housing opposed to the bedroom tax
Under-occupying tenant's 'emotional attachment' to home no defence against eviction
13 June, 2013
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a tenant has no right to remain in her social home simply because she has an 'emotional attachment' to it
The social tenant's guide to taking in a lodger
13 June, 2013
With the changes in benefits about to come into force on 1st April 2013, there are new rules about under-occupancy
Leeds council proposes plan to combat poverty and payday loans
13 June, 2013
More than 2,400 council tenants have fallen behind on their rent in Leeds since changes to housing benefit came into effect
Bedroom tax campaigners protesting outside court as landlord seeks mother's eviction
12 June, 2013
Bedroom tax campaigners are currently protesting outside Manchester's Civil Justice Centre on behalf of a single parent who is facing eviction by her housing association
Three ways to curb the impact of the bedroom tax on the most vulnerable
12 June, 2013
Tackling low pay, building more houses and changing how the under-occupation charge is calculated will make a big difference
36 councils call on government to abolish bedroom tax
12 June, 2013
Councillors representing 36 local authorities have urged the government to abolish its controversial bedroom tax policy
Collecting Rent is Crucial for Housing Associations
12 June, 2013
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations has re-stated that the Federation and its members do not support a headline 'no evictions' policy
As bedroom tax bites housing arrears in Newcastle soar
11 June, 2013
The bedroom tax has left Newcastle facing more than £250,000 of debt just weeks after hard-hit families were told to pay up
MPs to examine the implications of the bedroom tax in Scotland
11 June, 2013
The Scottish Affairs Committee is today publishing written evidence ahead of the first hearing tomorrow
Bedroom tax is a cut not a reform
11 June, 2013
The bedroom tax should not be thought of as a 'welfare reform' but simply as a cost-saving measure
Scottish independence: 'Retain welfare set-up for transitional period'
11 June, 2013
The administration of pensions and benefits in an independent Scotland should be shared with the rest of the UK for a transitional period
Labour councillor apologises for 'crass' bedroom tax eviction letters
11 June, 2013
A bedroom tax-protesting Labour councillor who sent out bogus eviction letters to all 28 of a council's Tory councillors has apologised for his actions
Labour to examine housing benefit and retirement age in event of election win
10 June, 2013
Ed Balls clarifies Labour's plan for curbing welfare spending via three-year cap in event of a general election victory in 2015
Costs soar as wealthy councils rehouse families in hotels and B&Bs;
10 June, 2013
Bill to house the homeless in Westminster rises by 63.5% as thousands of people moved to temporary accommodation
£50m upgrade to bring cheaper energy costs for social housing tenants
10 June, 2013
Thousands of social housing tenants in Plymouth could soon be enjoying lower energy bills thanks to a £50 million scheme to upgrade their homes
Tenants struggling to pay the 'bedroom tax' fall £22,500 behind in rents in just 8 weeks
10 June, 2013
Just half of all Cambridge council tax tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax' are paying the extra bills - running up combined arrears of £22,500 in just eight weeks
Hard-up families offered computers for £24
10 June, 2013
Millions of less well-off families not on the internet are to be offered computers for just £24
Universal credit docked to recover rent arrears
10 June, 2013
A mechanism to automatically recover rent arrears is to be introduced alongside the direct payment of housing benefit to tenants
Councils want power to negotiate private rents
07 June, 2013
Six councils want to negotiate private rents on behalf of benefit recipients and put the money saved into house building
Emergency payments cause staffing headache
07 June, 2013
Inconsistent councils put pressure on landlords over rent support
'Bedroom tax' failing, says housing associations' report
07 June, 2013
The government's policy on homes has come under fire in a report by the University of Cambridge and seven housing associations across the eastern region
Majority of Brits want government to tackle root causes of housing benefit bill
07 June, 2013
The majority of the British public believe the government should be tackling the root causes of the country's high housing benefit bill
Council convenes bedroom tax summit
06 June, 2013
Thirty councils are expected to come together at a summit on Friday to discuss how to help tenants faced with bedroom tax cuts
Bedroom Tax: Early Impacts
06 June, 2013
The UK government said the changes "bedroom tax" would total £50m in Scotland this year. But the SFHA said only £10m had been made available to help tenants
Miliband to support welfare spending limit and pledge to tackle high rents
06 June, 2013
Ed Miliband seeks to bring down rising housing benefit bill as PM accuses opposition of using 'policy altering substances'
People with electric heating 'to pay £282 more' a year
06 June, 2013
Millions of people who use electricity to heat their homes may have to pay £282 more a year by 2020, it is being claimed
England's spare bedroom owners sitting on £69 billion goldmine
06 June, 2013
England's spare bedrooms could generate £5.8 billion a month if homeowners rented them out, according to easyroommate.co.uk
Tory MP: Food poverty is growing, food banks are not the answer
06 June, 2013
Laura Sandys says the government needs to tackle supermarket dominance and get a grip on food policy if it is to address the UK's food crisis
Homelessness and B&B; use rise again
06 June, 2013
The number of applicants accepted as homeless by councils leapt up by 6 per cent in the past year and those placed in bed and breakfasts by 14 per cent, according to government statistics
Downsizing tenants face 24-year wait for homes
06 June, 2013
It would take 24 years to rehouse everyone hit by the bedroom tax in the east of England who needs a one bedroom home
'No-eviction' policies to tackle the bedroom tax won't work
05 June, 2013
Council's would be better advised to offer practical help for low-income households than take this problematic approach
Spending review could help councils build homes
05 June, 2013
Communities minister Don Foster has hinted the government may unveil plans to help councils build homes in the spending review
Benefit cap implementation schedule
05 June, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced details of the benefit cap roll out
Service to prevent prisoners becoming homeless
05 June, 2013
A new service to provide support and advice to newly released prisoners to prevent them becoming homeless and reoffending has been launched in Scotland
Direct payment pilot launches IT scheme
04 June, 2013
A Scottish landlord piloting the direct payment of benefit to tenants has launched a scheme to provide IT access and computer training in community centres
Universal Credit will cost taxpayers £12.8bn
04 June, 2013
The government's recent review of major projects revealed that the flagship Universal Credit welfare programme will cost nearly six times more than previously billed
Housing association continues PRS drive
04 June, 2013
Thames Valley Housing Association's private rented sector subsidiary has completed its third acquisition, buying 45 units in Poplar, east London
Housing group calls the Samaritans as welfare reforms take their toll
04 June, 2013
Housing group Riverside has enlisted the help of the Samaritans to train its customer service centre staff after an alarming jump in the number of calls from distressed tenants
Bedroom tax plunges thousands of Greater Manchester residents into debt hell
04 June, 2013
Many tenants who had their housing payments cut on April 1 are already falling behind with rent, with one housing association saying up to 70 per cent are affected
Council reclassifies homes and offers refunds to help residents hit by bedroom tax
03 June, 2013
More than 800 homes in Leeds are being reclassified by the city council to help residents cope with the bedroom tax
Councils to provide extra assistance for homeless
03 June, 2013
.Councils in Scotland now have a legal duty to support unintentionally homeless households in the country to help them sustain tenancies and stop repeat homelessness
Chancellor urged to rethink welfare reforms
03 June, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing is calling on the government to review the impact of its welfare reforms when the chancellor announces his future spending plans later this month
Samaritans called in over Liverpool bedroom tax suicide risk
03 June, 2013
City's housing associations say one tenant attempted suicide, with more people becoming distressed and overwhelmed
Monitoring the impact of changes to the Local Housing Allowance system of Housing Benefit
03 June, 2013
This is a summary of the interim report from the independent review, commissioned by the DWP
Size Criteria ('bedroom tax') briefing
03 June, 2013
An updated briefing on the Government's under-occupation penalty, which came into effect on 1 April 2013
NHF: Lack of affordable housing destroying economic recovery
31 May, 2013
Sky-rocketing rents and house prices are stifling local businesses and making it difficult for them to recruit staff
Bedroom tax madness as mum faces eviction from home housing chiefs spent £60k making fit for her disabled son
31 May, 2013
LOUISE Rennie and her son Luis, 7, who has cerebral palsy and is registered blind, are facing eviction from the specially adapted home
Leeds council tackles bedroom tax with semantic solution
30 May, 2013
Reclassifying spare rooms as 'non-specific rooms' should help tenants in social housing avoid reduction in housing benefit
How to avoid paying your bedroom tax - get it reclassified as a study
30 May, 2013
Councils and housing associations are reclassifying thousands of bedrooms across Britain as box rooms, studies or non-specific rooms so that tenants can avoid the so-called "bedroom tax".
'Bedroom tax': More tenants apply for financial help
30 May, 2013
Bedroom tax or spare room subsidy? The politicians may argue over the title but one fact can't be ignored. That's the growing evidence of council tenants facing real financial difficulties
Direct payment offered in exchange for regulation
29 May, 2013
Housing benefit could be paid direct to private landlords in return for greater regulation of the sector, under proposals published by the Labour Party
Rape victim legally challenges bedroom tax
29 May, 2013
A victim of rape, assault, harassment and stalking has launched a legal challenge against the bedroom tax on the grounds it is 'discriminatory'
Ten lessons landlords should learn about the bedroom tax
29 May, 2013
Shelter Cymru's Jennie Bibbings explains the best and worst ways in which housing providers have handled the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax 'should be scrapped'
29 May, 2013
A group that influences the Labour Party's housing policy has called for housing benefit caps to be regionalised and the bedroom tax to be scrapped
'Bedroom tax': More tenants apply for financial help
29 May, 2013
Bedroom tax or spare room subsidy? The politicians may argue over the title but one fact can't be ignored
Rural communities hit by bedroom tax
24 May, 2013
Community Housing Cymru has warned that welfare reforms will adversely affect thousands of tenants in rural Wales
Benefits cap will have catastrophic effect on families, court will hear
24 May, 2013
Vulnerable families challenging £500-a-week cap say it may force victims of domestic violence to return to their abusers
'Ill-thought-out bedroom tax draining £25,000 out of Rochdale economy each week'
24 May, 2013
The bedroom tax is draining money out of the Rochdale economy, according to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing
Coventry council apologises to families told they could not appeal against 'bedroom tax' cuts to benefits
24 May, 2013
Council accepts letters to tenants were wrong after challenge by campaign group Coventry Against the Bedroom Tax
Reclassification 'will not hit rent hard'
24 May, 2013
A leading academic has claimed that landlords reclassifying their properties to protect tenants from the bedroom tax would only suffer 'very limited' losses
Council tax benefit cuts leading to 'more bailiff visits' for poor households
24 May, 2013
Citizens Advice says there has been a big rise in the number of people using its services following introduction of new scheme
'Boom time for bailiffs' warning as cuts to council tax support hit most vulnerable
24 May, 2013
Bailiffs are set to profit from cuts to council tax support as stretched households struggle to cover the extra costs and local authorities take action to collect people's debts, Citizens Advice warn
Council 'sorry' for empty room letter to disabled woman
23 May, 2013
A disabled woman who was wrongly told she had to pay an under-occupancy charge has received an apology from the council for "causing her distress"
DWP faces legal challenge over benefit cap
23 May, 2013
Four families have launched a legal challenge against the government's benefit cap on the grounds it is 'discriminatory and unreasonable'
Bedroom Tax Snapshot
23 May, 2013
The best and the worst of landlord and local authority practice, as experienced through Shelter casework
Homes 'standing empty' because of bedroom tax
23 May, 2013
The shadow work and pensions secretary has claimed homes are being left empty because of the bedroom tax, and called for the controversial policy to be axed
Social landlord's new phone app has bedroom tax calculator
22 May, 2013
One vision Housing revamped smart phone app now comes with a bedroom tax calculator - so tenants can work out if their HB will be cut
Homes 'standing empty' because of bedroom tax
22 May, 2013
The shadow work and pensions secretary has claimed homes are being left empty because of the bedroom tax, and called for the controversial policy to be axed
Benefit cap: 7,000 families in London will lose over £100 a week
22 May, 2013
Campaigners fear that many families will be unable to avoid the cap or cope with the drastic loss of income - and will face eviction and homelessness as a result
Bedroom tax picnic protest planned
21 May, 2013
Margate campaigners against the government's bedroom tax are holding a picnic protest against the policy this Sunday
Council apologises over tenant 'bedroom tax' eviction letter
21 May, 2013
A Scots council has apologised for threatening to evict a tenant over the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Social landlords team up and offer speed-dating to tackle bedroom tax
21 May, 2013
Four housing associations in the Bristol area have teamed up to offer their tenants a housing speed-dating event, in an effort to help combat the bedroom tax
Too many questions about welfare changes remain unanswered
21 May, 2013
The UK Government's welfare changes are throwing a question mark over the Welsh Government's ability to deliver support to some of Wales' most vulnerable people, Tackling Poverty Minister Huw Lewis warned
Tenants fail to pay the bedroom tax
20 May, 2013
A large proportion of tenants hit by the bedroom tax have so far failed to pay the resulting shortfall in their rent
Liverpool City Council issues advice to tenants challenging the bedroom tax
20 May, 2013
Liverpool City Council is issuing guidance to help its tenants beat the bedroom tax
Housing chief issues second warning over 'unfair and incompetent' bedroom tax
17 May, 2013
A housing chief has issued a second warning to government over its reforms of the benefits system
Direct Payments Demonstration Projects:Learning the lessons, six months in
16 May, 2013
DWP Direct Payments Report
Direct payment pilots extended to test bedroom tax
16 May, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has extended pilots testing the direct payment of housing benefit to tenants to assess the impact of the bedroom tax
Universal Credit direct payment pilots to be extended for further six months
16 May, 2013
The Universal Credit direct payment demonstration projects will be extended for a further six months, Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud has announced
Universal Credit direct payment demonstration projects - latest findings
16 May, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions today published its latest report into the Universal Credit demonstration projects testing the payment of housing benefit direct to social housing tenants
LIN Press Release - Direct Payment projects extended for 6 months
16 May, 2013
DWP Direct Payment Projects extended for 6 months
Lord Freud: Bedroom tax suicide 'desperately sad'
16 May, 2013
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has described a suicide linked to his controversial bedroom tax policy as a "desperately sad event"
Bedroom tax victims begin High Court challenge
16 May, 2013
Ten claims being brought against the government's bedroom tax have begun to be heard at the High Court
Direct payment pilots extended to test bedroom tax
16 May, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has extended pilots testing the direct payment of housing benefit to tenants to assess the impact of the bedroom tax
UKIP would scrap the bedroom tax
16 May, 2013
The UK Independence Party would scrap the bedroom tax if it came into power
Disabled families at High Court in housing benefit challenge
15 May, 2013
Disabled people and their families are challenging the government's decision to cut housing benefit for recipients living in properties deemed too large
Families hit by bedroom tax 'can go out to work or use a sofa bed', says senior Tory
15 May, 2013
Lord Freud's comments to Welsh Affairs committee branded 'deeply offensive' by Labour
Poor hit hardest by financial crisis and welfare cuts will make it worse
15 May, 2013
After taxes, the richest 10 per cent earned 9.5 times the income of the poorest 10 per cent in 2025
Tenants shoulder cost of welfare reforms
15 May, 2013
Housing benefit claimants in the private rented sector have had to meet 94 per cent of the shortfall caused by local housing allowance cuts
Full impact of housing benefit reforms in private rented sector 'still to happen'
15 May, 2013
The impact of housing benefit reform on tenants living in the private rented sector has been 'geographically limited' but London has been hardest hit
Welsh Questions, TV's Michael Fabricant and sofabeds
15 May, 2013
Michael Fabricant found time in his busy schedule to drop in on Welsh Question Time
Councils swamped with demand for welfare fund
14 May, 2013
More councils across Britain are reporting a surge in demand for an emergency hardship fund following the introduction of the bedroom tax
Welfare reform is the first test of the mutual housing model
14 May, 2013
The bedroom tax is placing strain on a new model of housing management
Bedroom Tax suicide: Brave driver who tried to save Stephanie Bottrill begs Coalition to scrap charge
14 May, 2013
He begged David Cameron to scrap the tax to prevent any more householders taking their lives as Stephanie did because she could not afford to pay
Birmingham 'facing a housing crisis as the bedroom tax hits home'
14 May, 2013
Authorities in city and Solihull warning they will struggle to cope with effects of benefit changes after gran's suicide
Welfare reform is the first test of the mutual housing model
14 May, 2013
The bedroom tax is placing strain on a new model of housing management. It's a tough challenge in racially-divided Rochdale
Monitoring the impact of changes to the Local Housing Allowance system of Housing Benefit: Interim report
14 May, 2013
This Interim Report forms part of the DWPs independent review in evaluating the impact of changes to the LHA system of HB, which were introduced from April 2011
Bedroom Tax suicide: Grieving son of Stephanie Bottrill hits out at David Cameron
13 May, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith's punishing new payments were the last straw for the tragic 53-year-old who killed herself to avoid plunging into further poverty
Fighting talk from anti-Bedroom Tax protestors as Benefit Justice summit declares day of action
13 May, 2013
Campaigners planning a national day of protest against the bedroom tax and other welfare reforms have accused the Government of waging war against ordinary Britons
LIN Member Report May 2013 - Direct Payments to Tenants and the Impact on Rent Arrears
13 May, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Vivienne Ashley
Council secures £2m in funding to help council tax victims
10 May, 2013
Victims of the government's welfare reforms in Birmingham will be assisted by extra funding to help with council tax costs
Providers warned over temporary housing plan
10 May, 2013
Housing associations pulling out of managing temporary accommodation due to benefit caps risk reducing the amount of available stock for homeless households, London Councils has warned
High Court to consider tenants' claims against Bedroom Tax
09 May, 2013
The High Court is to consider 10 claims being brought against the government's Bedroom Tax
Bedroom tax tenants failing to pay rent
09 May, 2013
South Yorkshire Housing Association has revealed that half of its tenants affected by the bedroom tax have failed to cover the resulting shortfall in their rent
105,000 Scots to be hit by bedroom tax - new figures
07 May, 2013
More than 100,000 people living in Scotland will be affected by the bedroom tax
How the bedroom tax unfolds: the letters and home visits people are getting
07 May, 2013
We're talking to people who have been told they must pay the bedroom tax and we're following their stories, to see how this frightening tax unfolds
Family in fully occupied house hit by bedroom tax
07 May, 2013
A family say they are being asked to pay the controversial 'bedroom tax' - despite living with four children in a three bedroom house
Bedroom tax: Domestic violence victim may lose home after panic room is classed as spare bedroom
07 May, 2013
The mum-of-one was abused by the thug, also arrested for attempted murder of a police officer
Housing association apologises for 'eviction' letter
03 May, 2013
Housing association Genesis has apologised for any distress it may have caused by a letter it sent out that appeared to threaten tenants with eviction
How housing providers are beating the bedroom tax
03 May, 2013
Faced with a huge increase in arrears as a result of the under-occupation penalty, some housing providers have taken major steps to protect their residents and themselves
Opinion: It's not too late to save struggling families from devastating cuts
01 May, 2013
Bob Taylor, chief executive of Knowsley Housing Trust argues that people must be given a sense of hope
Diabetic man says dialysis room is 'not a spare bedroom'
30 April, 2013
A man who uses a room of his house for daily dialysis treatment says the government's changes to housing benefits are unfair
Council pledges £1m fund to help bedroom tax victims
30 April, 2013
Doncaster Council has created a £1 million fund to help residents hit by the government's bedroom tax
Under-occupancy charge: More than 200 tenants want to downsize
30 April, 2013
More than 200 council tenants in Northampton have applied to transfer to smaller homes because of the charge on under-occupied rooms
Universal credit: Major benefits shake-up begins
29 April, 2013
A massive shake-up in the UK benefits system starts with the first claims being made for the new universal credit payment
Law group warns against mass appeals
26 April, 2013
A wave of mass appeals against bedroom tax decisions risks leaving people in limbo due to tribunal delays, law centres have warned
LIN Welfare Benefits Rates Card for 2013-2014
26 April, 2013
LIN members Welfare Benefits Rates card 2013-14
Rights law is an asset
26 April, 2013
Without article 8, those in bedroom tax disputes will have an uphill struggle, according to Giles Peaker, solicitor at Anthony Gold
Social hearted, commercially minded
25 April, 2013
Housing associations must forge new relationships with their tenants to help with increasingly squeezed finances, according to a report from the think tank The Smith Institute
Charity warns 'bedroom tax' will push up homelessness
25 April, 2013
A Swansea mother has told ITV News that she sufferes sleepless nights and has even considered suicide due to changes to the benefits system
Bedroom tax drove tenant to create cannabis cake factory in shed
24 April, 2013
A social housing tenant who turned his shed into a cannabis factory has claimed he did so to raise funds to pay the bedroom tax
Housing association re-designates size of properties to help tenants hit by bedroom tax
23 April, 2013
A housing association has re-designated the size of some of its properties in an attempt to help tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Edinburgh confirms no eviction policy
23 April, 2013
Edinburgh Council has adopted a 'no eviction' policy for tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax'
High Court upholds bar on migrant benefits
23 April, 2013
A legal advice agency has vowed to appeal a High Court decision which upholds regulations barring migrant parents from mainstream benefits
Bedroom tax protestors hit councillors with 'eviction notices'
22 April, 2013
Bedroom tax protestors have hit the homes of Poole councillors with 'eviction notices' and police tape
London's private rents soar by 1.3% during March
22 April, 2013
Private rents in London soared by 1.3% during March to a record average of £1,106 per month
Rising costs and falling wages squeeze life at home
22 April, 2013
The deterioration in household finances sped up last month as rising living costs and falling income continued to take their toll on cash reserves
Benefits cap pilots claim DWP cash is not enough
19 April, 2013
The first four councils to test the government's new benefit cap have warned they have not received enough money to implement the changes
Bedroom tax protestors target Lord Freud's house
18 April, 2013
Around 200 UK Uncut and Occupy London activists held a bedroom tax protest outside the London home of welfare reform minister Lord Freud
£2m development brings affordable homes to village
18 April, 2013
The residents of a Staffordshire village have been invited to view plans to develop 21 new affordable homes in the area
Rent control is not the answer
18 April, 2013
Richard Blanco, National Landlords Association explains why the UK must not return to Rent Control
Welfare reform: where now for social housing?
18 April, 2013
Tim Brown has advice for housing organisations preparing to manage fallout from the bewildering array of changes to benefits
Bedroom tax will empty homes and end up costing the taxpayer more, say housing providers
18 April, 2013
Housing providers have warned the UK Government of the damaging effects of welfare changes
Half of privately owned homes are 'under-occupied'
18 April, 2013
Research from Naionwide shows 49% of owned homes have two or more spare bedrooms, while in the private rental sector only 16% do
Council to use HRA funds to limit bedroom tax
17 April, 2013
Swindon council has got permission from the housing minister to use money from rental income to set up a £420,000 fund to support tenants affected by welfare cuts
Benefits diaries: Meet the authors
16 April, 2013
Meet the writers behind the benefits diaries - telling the real story behind the government's welfare reforms
Housing benefit change 'complete madness'
16 April, 2013
UK government changes to housing benefit are "complete madness", a Welsh government minister has told MPs
Call to dodge 'bedroom tax' by reclassifying box rooms as studies
15 April, 2013
Housing chiefs will debate whether to reclassify 'box rooms' in council houses to limit the impact of the Government's welfare reforms
GPs advised not to help Glasgow 'bedroom tax' appeals
15 April, 2013
GPS in Glasgow are being advised not to help patients who could be exempt from the 'bedroom tax'
Thousands in Scotland have no hope of avoiding 'bedroom tax'
15 April, 2013
Councils wouldn't have enough single bed properties to cope with demand if every tenant facing cuts in their housing benefit asked to downsize
The bedroom tax is already ruining Welsh communities
15 April, 2013
BBC has today unearthed evidence demonstrating the extent of the impact of the bedroom tax
Top tips: lessons from the direct payment pilot schemes
15 April, 2013
How can you prepare for the introduction of direct payment? Our panel of experts involved in the government's pilot schemes share their advice
Council urged to limit impact of bedroom tax
15 April, 2013
Councillors in Cambridge will this week discuss measures to limit the impact of the government's 'bedroom tax' including reclassifying some properties
Benefit cap: in defiance of logic
15 April, 2013
If you had set out to make children poorer for being born into large families, then this might be a sensible way to do it
Council urged to limit impact of bedroom tax
15 April, 2013
Councillors in Cambridge to discuss measures to limit the impact of the 'bedroom tax' including reclassifying some properties
Minister claims benefit cap is boosting employment
15 April, 2013
The cap on benefit payments coming into force today has already prompted 8,000 people to move into work, the employment minister has said
Benefit change: Tenants outnumber available Wales homes
12 April, 2013
There are not enough suitable homes available for tenants in Wales who want to downsize amid changes to the benefit system, BBC Wales research shows
Housing bodies slate bedroom tax mass appeals
12 April, 2013
Chartered Institute of Housing warns campaign may risk strong cases
Labour MPs stage bedroom tax protest outside Chequers
11 April, 2013
Three Labour MPs have staged a bedroom tax protest outside the gates of Chequers, the Prime Minister's palatial country home
Housing bodies slate bedroom tax appeals
11 April, 2013
Housing bodies have warned mass appeals against the bedroom tax are unlikely to work and could lead to strong cases not being heard as quickly
Labour MPs stage bedroom tax protest outside Chequers
11 April, 2013
Three Labour MPs have staged a bedroom tax protest outside the gates of Chequers, the Prime Minister's palatial country home
Knowsley saves 200 households from bedroom tax
11 April, 2013
Knowsley Housing Trust has so far succeeded in exempting up to 200 tenants from the bedroom tax
Welfare reform is needed but the bedroom tax will end badly
10 April, 2013
The 'bedroom tax' does little for either benefits claimants or the public purse and is likely to become the poll tax of 2013
Northern focus: will the bedroom tax hit northerners the hardest?
10 April, 2013
Housing policy historically meant the building of bigger family homes, now residents in the north will be penalised by the bedroom tax because of a shortage of smaller ones
Charity wins appeal over bedroom tax for Sheffield family
10 April, 2013
A Charity has secured exemption from the 'bedroom tax' for a Sheffield family - and say others could have success too
Housing sector aiming to get tenants on the internet with 'Spring Online'
09 April, 2013
Housing providers across the UK are to help their tenants get internet access as they take part in this year's 'Spring Online' campaign
Live discussion: direct payment demonstration pilots
08 April, 2013
The government's pilot schemes have seen arrears double in the first four months, but what can be learned from the six schemes' progress so far?
Bedroom tax to cost Northern Ireland '£21m'
08 April, 2013
The bedroom tax will cost Northern Ireland more to implement than it will save in housing benefit
Bedroom tax is a 'complete failure'
08 April, 2013
The bedroom tax has been a "complete failure" in Westminster
Benefit changes: Leeds City Council could 'reclassify' bedrooms
08 April, 2013
Plans to "reclassify" bedrooms in more than 800 council homes are being considered in Leeds, in response to housing benefit changes
A slice of life
08 April, 2013
Over the next year, Inside Housing will track the impact on their businesses and lives through this new welfare reform focus group
Discretionary Housing Payments Guidance Manual
05 April, 2013
April 2013 Good Practice Guide for DHP's
Housing benefit changes may prompt return of rent collectors
05 April, 2013
Nine in 10 housing professionals predict increased arrears under universal credit, requiring landlords to rethink rent collection methods
A better future
05 April, 2013
April heralds a number of changes across housing benefits, so it seems timely to reflect on those changes that have already come into effect, and the changes that come in this month
Bedroom tax to cost more than it can save
05 April, 2013
The bedroom tax will cost Northern Ireland more to implement than it will save in HB, according to new figures released by CIH and the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations NIFHA
Changes to council tax on empty homes introduced this week
04 April, 2013
Information from the Empty Homes Agency Limited
'Chaotic' council tax changes may lead to rent rises
04 April, 2013
The government's council tax changes could lead to a rise in rents, a lettings agent had warned
Chancellor George Osborne to defend benefits changes
03 April, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne is to defend benefits and tax changes, saying "this month we will make work pay"
Benefit changes devastating - Welsh minister Huw Lewis
03 April, 2013
Huw Lewis believes that people will lose their homes because of the latest reforms
Welfare system reforms are fair
03 April, 2013
Changes to the UK's welfare system are fair, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has insisted, as some of the new measures came into effect
The Bedroom Tax isn't funny - and we're not April Fools
03 April, 2013
People are being funnelled into a private rented sector that is too often insecure, indecent and unaffordable
The bedroom tax's authors were either careless or cruel - it must be fought
03 April, 2013
Campaigners against the bedroom tax will be responding with similar inflexibility to the government
Thousands of families 'facing debt nightmare over the bedroom tax'
03 April, 2013
Town hall chiefs have warned that thousands of families across Greater Manchester could sink into debt as the bedroom tax kicks in this week
Bedroom Tax: Some Home Truths
03 April, 2013
Bedroom tax could cost taxpayers more, not less, according to new NHF report
The Bedroom tax map of Britain: where will it hit hardest?
03 April, 2013
The National Housing Federation has worked out what this will mean per year for claimants in each constituency across the country
An open letter to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister about the impact of the bedroom tax on our tenants
03 April, 2013
Riverside Housing Association
£40 million for council tax cuts
03 April, 2013
The Scottish Government has pledged to protect vulnerable residents from increased council tax bills by launching a £40 million fund to bridge the gap
LIN Member Report April 2013 - Bedroom Tax Appeals
02 April, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Claire Turner
Scottish government says law to prevent 'bedroom tax' evictions is unnecessary
02 April, 2013
The Scottish government has rejected Labour's call for emergency legislation to prevent tenants being evicted as a result of arrears caused by the so-called "bedroom tax".
Bedroom tax could increase housing benefit bill
02 April, 2013
The annual housing benefit bill will increase by £143 million a year if tenants affected by the government's under-occupation penalty downsize
Impact of Welfare Reform on Social Landlords in the South-West
28 March, 2013
A new study has revealed that 56 percent of housing associations and almost 30 percent of councils are worried that their tenants still know hardly anything about the welfare changes
LIN Press release - Information for private and social sector members
28 March, 2013
DHP and underspend
Government lose Bedroom Tax challenge decision
28 March, 2013
The Government fails in its attempt to prevent legal action against its controversial Bedroom Tax
Tenants choose to stay and pay bedroom tax
28 March, 2013
Just 1 per cent of households affected by the government's 'bedroom tax' have moved home to avoid the controversial under-occupancy charge, which comes into effect on Monday
Minister defends bedroom tax but accepts life will be 'very difficult'
27 March, 2013
Nick Boles has defended the government's 'spare room subsidy' and challenged Labour MPs to come up with a better solution to cutting the housing benefit bill
Housing association visits 4,000 tenants on bedroom tax mission
27 March, 2013
A housing association has visited over 4,000 of its tenants to make sure they understand the implications of the imminent bedroom tax
Scottish Labour seeks emergency law change to avoid 'bedroom tax' evictions
27 March, 2013
Labour is calling on the Scottish government to pass emergency legislation to ensure no tenants are evicted as a result of arrears
Brick up doors and knock down walls to defy bedroom tax, MP urges
27 March, 2013
A Labour MP has called on social landlords to "brick up" doorways and "knock down the walls" to defy the government's forthcoming bedroom tax
Draconian bedroom tax will cause severe hardship
27 March, 2013
A housing chief has slammed the government's bedroom tax as a draconian policy
4 out of 10 families cut back on food to stay in their homes
27 March, 2013
4 out of 10 families with children have cut down on what they spend on food to help pay for their housing costs in the past year
Council hits out: bedroom tax will strike the most vulnerable
27 March, 2013
A council has claimed that government's bedroom tax will hit families in low paid job, disabled occupants and children living in poverty particularly hard
Bedroom tax: Wasted £700m fund could have helped victims of vicious tax
25 March, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith's Department for Work and Pensions underspent while also cutting £500million from housing benefits
Bedroom tax sting for kidney patient with dialysis machine in spare room
25 March, 2013
A grandad suffering from chronic kidney disease is facing a bedroom tax benefits cut despite his spare room being specially fitted with a dialysis machine to treat his condition
Scotland's councils body Cosla says 'don't blame us' for 'bedroom tax'
25 March, 2013
Councils have urged the public not to blame them for carrying out what they have dubbed "extreme and ill thought-out" welfare reforms
Bedroom tax: Mayor declares no resident to be evicted until help agreed
25 March, 2013
No residents in Bristol affected by the bedroom tax will be evicted from their homes until the council has decided on the best way to help those at risk, the city's mayor has announced
Government should raise bedroom tax threshold
25 March, 2013
The government should concentrate its efforts to tackle under-occupation on households with two spare bedrooms and remove the exemption for pensioners
LIN Member Report March 2013 - Help available to poorer households to pay council tax
25 March, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Under-occupation of social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement
22 March, 2013
Parliamentary briefing
Potential human rights violation sees government face fresh bedroom tax legal challenge
22 March, 2013
The government is facing another legal challenge against its imminent bedroom tax policy
Ministers may increase direct payment exceptions
22 March, 2013
More people might be switched from direct payment of benefit under universal credit than ministers first thought, a civil servant has said
Bedroom tax faces second legal challenge
21 March, 2013
Human rights group Liberty is launching legal action against the government's penalty for under-occupation of social housing
Housing benefit bill forecasts raised by £3.7bn
21 March, 2013
The Office for Budget Responsibility is predicting further increases in housing benefit despite government attempts to cut the bill
The bedroom tax is an intrusion into the most private family space
21 March, 2013
This attack on the vulnerable ignores the fact that the bedroom is regarded by all classes as more than just a place to sleep
Liberty: Bedroom tax breaches right to family life
21 March, 2013
Today Liberty announced it will seek Judicial Review of the Government's controversial new 'bedroom tax' policy based on the impact on separated families with shared custody of children
Budget 2013: Ministers deny 'second home subsidy'
21 March, 2013
A row has erupted over whether a Budget initiative aimed at helping people get on the housing ladder could be used to fund the purchase of second homes
Campaigners plan next wave of bedroom tax unrest
20 March, 2013
Labour Left has announced details of a further 27 protests against the bedroom tax on 30 March
One city to see over three thousand disabled tenants hit by bedroom tax
20 March, 2013
Up to 3,400 disabled tenants are due to be hit by the government's forthcoming bedroom tax in one city alone
'Bedroom tax' to cost Scottish tenants on housing benefit £53m a year
20 March, 2013
Changes to housing benefit which have been dubbed a "bedroom tax" could cost Scots council and housing association tenants £53m a year
'No evictions because of bedroom tax' in Darlington, says council leader
20 March, 2013
No council tenant will be evicted from their home because they can't afford to pay the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Brighton's Greens declare 'no Bedroom Tax evictions here'
19 March, 2013
Green Party councillors in Brighton and Hove have declared that council tenants won't be evicted just because they can't afford to pay the Bedroom Tax
Young social tenants get help with bedroom tax and benefits cap
19 March, 2013
Young social tenants are to receive help with money management ahead of the government's bedroom tax and benefits cap
Former prime minister attacks bedroom tax
19 March, 2013
Former prime minister Gordon Brown has waded into a debate on the bedroom tax
Universal credit threatens eviction amnesty
19 March, 2013
Councils that have pledged not to evict tenants who run up arrears as a result of the government's 'bedroom tax' could struggle
Housing association infuriates tenants with 'disgusting' bedroom tax 'no cigs, no bingo' newsletter slur
19 March, 2013
A Manchester HA has apologised to its tenants after a piece in its latest newsletter appeared to mock those who will be hit by the coming bedroom tax
How will the housing benefit changes work?
18 March, 2013
A forthcoming change in housing benefit rules has been dubbed the "bedroom tax" by Labour and, for many, the name has stuck
Council: no tenant to be evicted over bedroom tax
18 March, 2013
A council has declared that none of its social tenants will be evicted if they cannot afford to pay the government's forthcoming bedroom tax
Eviction fears over universal credit housing changes
18 March, 2013
The government says it'll empower tenants, but there's growing concern that changes to the way housing benefit works could lead to more evictions
Thousands protest against bedroom tax
18 March, 2013
Thousands of people have gathered at demonstrations across the UK to protest against the government's 'bedroom tax' penalty for under-occupation of social housing
'Bedroom tax' set to hit thousands of East Lancs families
18 March, 2013
Controversial 'bedroom tax' cuts set to hit thousands of families have been slammed as a 'shambles'
Bedroom tax: drastic u-turns, partial concessions, and spin
15 March, 2013
The most significant - and potentially most politically damaging - bodyswerve on the bedroom tax this week was slipped out without fanfare
Birmingham landlord finds just 6% of tenants will downsize
15 March, 2013
A survey of residents by a Castle Vale Community Housing Association has found that only 6 per cent intend to move to a smaller house as a result of the 'bedroom tax'
Courts will fill up with tenants, lawyers warn
15 March, 2013
Lawyers expect courts to be inundated with 'thousands' of legal cases following the introduction of the government's 'bedroom tax' next month
Bedroom tax: why you should march against this heartless, pointless 'reform'
15 March, 2013
Mass evictions of the most vulnerable are no way to tackle the housing benefit bill, and we must do all we can to stop them
Foster carers with more than one child will still face 'bedroom tax'
14 March, 2013
Carers' exemption from under-occupancy charge does not extend to more than one 'spare bedroom', ministers reveal
Welsh seek control of welfare cuts support budget
14 March, 2013
The Welsh housing minister has called for the UK government to devolve discretionary housing payments to the Welsh administration
What will be the impact of the bedroom tax in Northern Ireland?
13 March, 2013
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive manages three-bedroom homes. It faces unique pressures over benefit reform
Bedroom tax 'in chaos' after Iain Duncan Smith announces exemptions
13 March, 2013
Work and pensions secretary says foster carers and parents with children in armed forces will not have to pay for spare bedrooms
How will the housing benefit changes work?
13 March, 2013
A forthcoming change in housing benefit rules has been dubbed the 'bedroom tax' by Labour and, for many, the name has stuck
Universal credit pilots issue digital access warning
13 March, 2013
Three projects testing aspects of the government's universal credit welfare reform have warned there are serious flaws in the way people access the scheme
Westminster Council under attack over bedroom tax claims
12 March, 2013
A councillor has written to Westminster City Council's cabinet member for housing to complain that of over 500 tenants due to be hit by the bedroom tax, only 8 have so far been downsized
IDS pledges to protect disabled children
12 March, 2013
The work and pensions secretary has pledged to protect disabled children who will be hit by the bedroom tax
Charity launches spare rooms campaign
12 March, 2013
Depaul UK is calling on UK households with spare rooms to offer them to homeless young people
Council's bedroom tax avoidance house swap event creates 200 viewing requests
12 March, 2013
Croydon Council's house swapping event has led to almost 200 requests to view properties.
LIN Press Release - Partial U-turn over bedroom tax
12 March, 2013
Partial U-turn over bedroom tax announced by Iain Duncan Smith
HB/CTB U2/2013
12 March, 2013
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Circular - Court of Appeal judgement: Burnip, Trengove and Gorry
Welfare reform trial sees rent arrears rise in Torfaen
11 March, 2013
Tenants in south Wales taking part in a trial of the UK government's benefits reforms have seen rent arrears rise seven-fold to £140,000 in seven months
Archbishop of Canterbury attacks Government welfare reforms
11 March, 2013
The Archbishop of Canterbury is supporting a campaign to derail a key part of the Government's welfare reforms
IDS on warpath after Archbishop attacks 'immoral' welfare reforms
11 March, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has hit back after his welfare reform plans were attacked as "immoral" by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Scottish Government pledges £2.5 million support for households hit by bedroom tax
11 March, 2013
The Scottish government have announced £2.5 million in extra funding for social landlords to help their tenant cope with the bedroom tax and other welfare reforms
Occupancy Analyser
11 March, 2013
Wirral Partnership Homes has launched a new 'occupancy analyser' toolkit to help assess the financial impact of the bedroom tax on its future income
These 'spare' bedrooms are far from empty, Mr Shapps
11 March, 2013
If 'we're all in this together', let's have escalating council tax bands based on bedroom size
Three quarters of bedroom tax tenants won't move
11 March, 2013
Three quarters of tenants who will be affected by the bedroom tax would refuse to move even if smaller properties were available, according to research conducted by Aspire HA
80,000 People in London fall foul of Bedroom Tax
11 March, 2013
Thousands of low-income families across the capital will be forced to pay more rent or move out of their homes when the bedroom tax comes in according to NHF
Labour 'spreading fear over bedroom tax', says IDS
08 March, 2013
The Labour Party is deliberately spreading fear among housing benefit claimants over Coalition changes to the treatment of spare rooms
Bedroom tax fact check
08 March, 2013
Following Prime Minister's Questions this article looks at the claims made about who will be exempt from the bedroom tax
Tenants asked to sign bedroom tax disclaimer
08 March, 2013
A Liverpool-based housing association is asking tenants to sign forms that say they accept they will be hit with legal action if they don't pay their rent as a result of the 'bedroom tax'
Anger on the streets
08 March, 2013
Protests against the government's controversial bedroom tax are being staged across the country ahead of the policy's implementation on 1 April
Minister casts doubt on PM's housing benefit claim
08 March, 2013
A senior Conservative has cast doubt on claims by David Cameron that severely disabled children are exempt from what critics have dubbed the "bedroom tax"
'Bedroom tax will stop new homes being built'
07 March, 2013
The forthcoming bedroom tax will limit the amount of new homes social landlords are able to build, according to a speaker at a CIH South East Conference
'Under-occupancy charge is not a tax' says PM
07 March, 2013
The Prime Minister has been defending the coalition's "under-occupancy charge", which has been dubbed "bedroom tax", at Prime Ministers Questions
Welfare Reform Bill: the impact of underoccupation proposals on neighbourhoods
07 March, 2013
Housing Futures Network Report
Universal Credit: Proposal for Direct Payments trigger
07 March, 2013
CIH has joined forces with the National Housing Federation and Community Housing Cymru to advise the government
PMQs: David Cameron and Ed Miliband clash over 'bedroom tax'
07 March, 2013
Ed Miliband goes on the attack over the so-called 'bedroom tax' but the Prime Minister defends the policy, saying vulnerable people are exempt
DWP sets date for national benefit cap roll-out
07 March, 2013
The national roll-out of the benefit cap will begin on 15th July announced the Department for Work and Pensions
Figures show where bedroom tax will hit hardest
06 March, 2013
The NHF has calculated which constituencies will be hit hardest by penalties for under-occupation of social housing that come into force on 1 April
HB/CTB A4/2013
06 March, 2013
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Circular - DWP change to support the abolition of Council Tax Benefit
Ministers urged to exempt foster carers from 'bedroom tax'
06 March, 2013
Leaders of 11 children's charities say new rules will make it more difficult for people in social housing to become foster carers
Benefit changes: Residents look to 'swap properties'
06 March, 2013
People in Croydon who may lose out of benefits as the government changes its rules on spare bedrooms have said the changes will have a big impact on their lives
Bedroom tax to be introduced before legal challenge
06 March, 2013
A legal challenge to the government's penalty for the under-occupation of social housing will not go ahead until after the policy is introduced on 1 April
Lord Palmer criticises bedroom tax
05 March, 2013
Lord Palmer warns Parliament that the bedroom tax would lead to some people facing unaffordable rent prices
Bedroom tax: ministers given 14 days to make case against judicial review
05 March, 2013
Legal challenge claims disabled people will be disproportionately affected by change to benefit rules
The perfect storm: 'There will be an almighty crash in the autumn'
05 March, 2013
The bedroom tax, the benefit cap, the new council tax regime and a range of other welfare cuts are upon us. Throw in cuts to legal aid, advice services and the state of the UK economy and we're faced with two powerful weather fronts and a hurricane
New 'bedroom tax' will affect 30,000 people in Devon and Cornwall
05 March, 2013
People in the South West hit by the so-called 'bedroom tax' will lose around £780 a year - the biggest reduction outside of London
Children's rights cited in legal challenge launched against 'bedroom tax'
05 March, 2013
Change in benefit rules expected to lead to a reduction in benefits for hundreds of thousands of people
New bedroom tax figures show local impact
05 March, 2013
New figures estimating the numbers of people hit by the bedroom tax at constituency level have been released by the National Housing Federation
Children launch legal challenge to 'bedroom tax'
04 March, 2013
Ten disabled and vulnerable children have launched legal proceedings against work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith to fight penalties for the under-occupation of social housing
Bedroom tax will cost disabled people £100m
04 March, 2013
The introduction of the government's 'bedroom tax' will cost disabled people £100 million, the National Housing Federation has found
Disabled people short changed over bedroom tax
04 March, 2013
Government help for the most vulnerable people hit by the bedroom tax is falling so far short of what is needed to help them it will leave people struggling to make ends meet
Bedroom tax savings don't add up
04 March, 2013
Two Rivers has warned that the Government's plans for a spare bedroom tax for housing benefit claimants has hidden costs that the community will struggle to cope with
'Bedroom tax' will hit single parents and disabled people hardest
04 March, 2013
Research shows that 150,000 of those affected by new tax are single parents, who will lose an average £728 each
300% rise in demand for youth emergency accommodation
04 March, 2013
Depaul UK's campaign is calling on the 7.5 million households nationwide that have spare rooms to consider making it available to a young homeless person
Case study considers effect of bedroom tax on disabled tenants
01 March, 2013
A housing association has conducted a case study on one of its tenants to gauge the effect that the Government's bedroom tax might have on disabled people
Nationwide to stop lending to landlords with Local Housing Allowance tenants
01 March, 2013
Mortgage provider Nationwide, which provides mortgages for over a third of the buy-to-let market, has withdrawn from lending to new landlord customers with LHA tenants
41% of local authorities planning council tax rises
01 March, 2013
Over a third of England's local authorities are planning to raise council tax rates in April
Benefit cap will force more children to move schools mid-year, says thinktank
01 March, 2013
RSA warns that poorer children are more likely to have their education disrupted if they are forced out of affluent areas
'Bedroom tax' legal challenge
01 March, 2013
A disabled couple have gone to the High Court to take legal action against the Government's so-called bedroom tax
Exclusive: Benefit claimants offered £6,500 to move out
28 February, 2013
Labour-run Brent LBC will offer 150 benefit recipients with large families a one-off payment of £6,500 to move out of the borough, under a proposed £1m 'new start' scheme for those hit hard by welfare cuts
Northern Ireland households almost twice as likely to be hit by bedroom tax
28 February, 2013
Almost two-thirds of Northern Ireland's working age housing benefit claimants in the social sector will be hit by the bedroom tax
62 percent of Northern Ireland's social housing benefit claimants to be hit by bedroom tax
28 February, 2013
The bedroom tax will hit nearly two thirds of Northern Ireland's housing benefit claimants in the social sector
Opposition MPs fail in bid to scrap bedroom tax
28 February, 2013
A last ditch attempt to derail the government's 'bedroom tax' has failed
Bedroom tax should be scrapped
28 February, 2013
The UK Government should abandon its plan to introduce a bedroom tax, Scotland's Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said today
The Bedroom Tax Will Drive Up Food Poverty in the UK
28 February, 2013
When my constituents started writing to me with their fears about the impact of the 'bedroom tax' I was shocked
Landlord backs tenants' bedroom tax protest
28 February, 2013
A housing association is backing more than 100,000 social tenants in the north east of England to launch a 'mass protest' against the government's 'bedroom tax'
Housing benefit claimants increasingly excluded from private rented sector
28 February, 2013
Taxpayers will pick up the bill for expensive emergency accommodation amid further mortgage lender restrictions. It's time for the government to think again
Rent arrears rise predicted by housing associations
28 February, 2013
The vast majority of Scotland's housing associations are predicting that rent arrears will rise next year because of changes to benefits
Sleepless nights for the families hit by the threat of new 'bedroom tax'
27 February, 2013
Is it right to 'tax' people who are not using all of the bedrooms in their home all of the time?
MPs mount last ditch challenge to bedroom tax
27 February, 2013
Welsh, Scottish and Green Party MPs are making a final attempt today to get the government to scrap its plans to introduce penalties for the under-occupation of social housing
Housing provider organising mass bedroom tax protests
27 February, 2013
A social landlord is harnessing the voice and power of 100,000 tenants across the North East to launch a mass protest against the bedroom tax
The bedroom tax - a prime example that class politics are still relevant
27 February, 2013
The 'bedroom tax' is not only a vicious attack on some of the poorest people in society, it is also an example that the politics of class is still relevant in Britain today
Bedroom tax will cost taxpayers more
26 February, 2013
The coming bedroom tax will end up costing Scottish taxpayers more not less, Shelter Scotland has warned.
Scottish charity calls for £50m bedroom tax fund
26 February, 2013
A housing charity has told the Scottish Government it needs to set aside £50 million to protect social tenants from the impact of the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax protestors to target One Vision Housing
26 February, 2013
Protestors against the forthcoming bedroom tax are to converge on One Vision Housing's offices this Thursday
Bedroom tax protests planned across UK
26 February, 2013
A left-wing thinktank is organising protests across the country as part of a 'day of action' against the government's bedroom tax
Tenants exempted from bedroom tax after landlord reclassifies properties
26 February, 2013
Nearly 600 households will escape the bedroom tax as Knowsley Housing Trust takes a bold management decision
Riverside urges MPs to keep the pressure up on bedroom tax
26 February, 2013
Riverside has written to all MPs in constituencies where it has over 50 homes
DWP: bedroom tax will not be changed
25 February, 2013
There will be no changes made to the bedroom tax according to the Department for Work and Pensions
Bedroom tax protestors joining 'benefit justice summit'
25 February, 2013
Tenants protesting against the bedroom tax and other welfare cuts are to join a 'benefit justice summit'
The bedroom tax ignores the link between home and health
25 February, 2013
The emotional costs of 'bedroom tax' could far exceed savings in housing benefits according to JRF
Coast & Country launches mass protest against the bedroom tax
25 February, 2013
Coast & Country is harnessing the voice of tens of thousands of social housing tenants from across the North East to launch a mass protest against the bedroom tax - speaker from LIN Director Claire Turner opens this event
Bedroom tax will hit poorer students
25 February, 2013
The bedroom tax could hit students already struggling to survive without financial support from their parents
Top tips: managing the bedroom tax in social housing
25 February, 2013
How can housing providers protect tenants and their bottom lines from the impact of the under-occupation penalty? Our experts share their advice
DWP rules out changes to bedroom tax
22 February, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted there will be no change to the bedroom tax following reports that Iain Duncan Smith has asked officials to look at how the policy will affect disabled people
Home swap service to tackle welfare reform
22 February, 2013
Social landlords are to set up a national mobility scheme to help tenants move to avoid the impact of the government’s welfare reforms and to find work
Challenging Times, Changing Lives
22 February, 2013
Welfare reforms will fail to result in positive changes unless the government and social landlords increase support services for tenants, Riverside study warns
Charities say millions without internet access will face benefits struggle
22 February, 2013
Online-only Universal Credit system will come into force later this year following the closure of many advice centres
Council tax benefit cuts: the expense of getting people with no money to pay up
22 February, 2013
As a money-saving exercise, council tax reduction is counterproductive and will lead to increased staff costs
London housing crisis: soaring benefit claimant numbers indicate displacement from centre
22 February, 2013
New government figures show a rise in London as a whole, but sharp falls in the most expensive boroughs
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales - stage 2
21 February, 2013
Ministerial Task and Finish Group on Welfare Reform stage 2 analysis
Scots urged to change use of rooms to avoid 'tax'
21 February, 2013
A consortium of welfare advice services has called on the Scottish government to publish guidance to help people escape the bedroom tax
A tax on carers: Charities say 420,000 disabled people will be hit by bedroom tax
21 February, 2013
Spare rooms are essential for many households with disabled people as they give a carer a space of their own
Minister fears housing benefit plan risks rise in homelessness
21 February, 2013
Danny Alexander urges Iain Duncan Smith to think again, saying vulnerable tenants may lose homes
Alexander clashes with IDS over paying housing benefit direct to claimants
21 February, 2013
A ministerial wrangle has erupted over plans to pay housing benefits direct to claimants rather than to their landlords
MP lives on £18 a week to say bedroom tax unfair
21 February, 2013
A Labour MP is attempting to live off £18 a week to prove the government's bedroom tax is unfair
Disability charities call for bedroom tax reprieve
21 February, 2013
Seven charities have written to George Osborne calling for carers and disabled people to be exempt from the controversial bedroom tax
'Bedroom tax' rules re-examined
21 February, 2013
Welfare secretary Iain Duncan Smith has instructed officials to "look again" at how the "bedroom tax" will affect disabled people, the BBC has been told
Government backtracks on pensioner bedroom tax
21 February, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has pledged to protect some of the pensioners that could be hit by the bedroom tax
Southwark Council pilot findings cast doubt on viability of Direct Payment of benefits
21 February, 2013
A London council has projected it faces a rocketing £14 million increase in rent arrears once the direct payment of HB to tenants comes into effect later this year
Universal credit: more tenants face eviction and rent arrears
20 February, 2013
Emerging findings from direct payment pilots suggest vulnerable housing benefit claimants will struggle with new measures
Reduced budget for Council Tax benefit from April 2013
20 February, 2013
Changes to Council Tax exemptions are a hot topic for landlords at the moment
Is the 'bedroom tax' fair?
20 February, 2013
MPs Helen Goodman and Richard Harrington debate whether people should have their benefits cut if they have a spare room
Why the 'bedroom tax' provides weak protection for hard cases
20 February, 2013
Concern at the impact of the bedroom tax has finally tipped into the mainstream, as real families have come forward to share their fears about what April will bring
'Tax' on soldier son's bedroom in Crawley
20 February, 2013
A father from Crawley who keeps two bedrooms free at his council house for his grown-up son and his granddaughter says he is angry that his benefits will now be cut
Labour attacks 'perverse' bedroom tax
18 February, 2013
The coalition government's bedroom tax is 'perverse' the shadow employment minister has said
'We won't put up with this': Residents facing brunt of 'bedroom tax' will refuse to pay
18 February, 2013
The so-called 'bedroom tax' will affect 660,000 social housing tenants. In Leeds, Jonathan Brown finds that some of them are in fighting mood
Haringey council tax ruling taken to Court of Appeal
18 February, 2013
A single mother who opposes plans to make people on benefits contribute to their council tax bill has taken her legal battle to the Court of Appeal
LIN Press Release - Information on Direct payment of Universal Credit Housing costs direct to landlords
15 February, 2013
Universal Credit (UC) - Guidance on Personal Budgeting Support
67,000 pensioners to be hit by bedroom tax
15 February, 2013
More than 67,000 pensioners could be hit by the bedroom tax - despite the government's insistence the controversial policy will only apply to people of working age
Tenants avoid bedroom tax after Knowsley reclassifies homes
15 February, 2013
Knowsley Housing Trust is reclassifying 566 properties as smaller homes, in a move which will help tenants affected by the bedroom tax
Direct payments housing association: 'Welfare reforms could cost us £10m a year'
14 February, 2013
Wakefield and District HA who are taking part in the DWP Direct Payment demonstration projects says the Government's welfare reforms could end up costing it £10million a year
'Social landlords don't have to collect the bedroom tax'
14 February, 2013
Current claims that the bedroom tax will increase the housing benefit bill by forcing under occupiers into the private sector are one dimensional
Bedroom tax hardship fund 'should be increased'
14 February, 2013
A total of 61 MPs have signed an early day motion calling for an increase in the size of a hardship fund to help people affected by the bedroom tax
Benefit cuts: London tenants told to move away from Capital
14 February, 2013
Camden council is considering shipping tenants that'll be hit by the coming benefit cuts as far away as Leicester and Birmingham
Social landlord backs motion to help those hit by bedroom tax
14 February, 2013
Liverpool Mutual Homes is backing a Parliamentary motion to increase Discretionary Housing Payment funding in the face of the coming bedroom tax
London council forced to move families away
14 February, 2013
A London council is considering moving up to 2,817 people miles out of the borough because benefit changes mean they will struggle to pay private sector rents
'Bedroom tax will stop me seeing my kids'
13 February, 2013
A devoted dad fears he will not be able to have regular overnight access to his children when the controversial bedroom tax comes into force
Clegg insists bedroom tax will cut under-occupation
13 February, 2013
The deputy prime minister has insisted penalties for the under-occupation of social housing will help to address the shortage of homes
'Bedroom' tax's impact on northern families
12 February, 2013
Officially it's called the 'under-occupancy charge' but critics have dubbed it the 'bedroom tax'
Room without review: Thoughts on tackling the bedroom tax
12 February, 2013
Report from nearlylegal - housing law, news and comment
£20k benefit cheat prosecuted
12 February, 2013
A woman has been prosecuted for fraudulently claiming nearly £20,000 in housing and council tax benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance
'I do not accept the bedroom tax is a tax'
12 February, 2013
David Cameron made that rather self-defeating comment in the Commons on the 6th February during Prime Minister's Questions
Gloucestershire food bank plugs benefits delays
11 February, 2013
A food bank charity has said nearly half its users in Gloucestershire rely on food bank supplies due to delays in the benefits process
Universal Credit - Local support services framework
11 February, 2013
The Local support services framework states it will be up to the DWP to make exceptions to normal payment rules such as paying the housing element of Universal Credit direct to landlords
LIN Press Release - Universal Credit (UC)
11 February, 2013
The local support services framework for the government's flagship welfare reform, Universal Credit, states it will be up to the DWP to make exceptions to normal payment rules such as paying the housing element of the credit to landlords
Would you like a new house in your life? Try speed dating
11 February, 2013
Housing associations in Bristol are inviting their tenants to a 'Speed Dating for Houses' event, in an effort to confront the coming 'bedroom tax'
Bedroom tax 'won't work in Liverpool'
11 February, 2013
The government's bedroom tax won't work in Liverpool, a housing association targeted by protestors has said
'The bedroom tax won't work in Liverpool' - LMH
08 February, 2013
A shortage of one and two-bed social housing properties in Liverpool will result in more working age tenants being hit harder than other parts of the country under the Government's bedroom tax
Bad (green) deal
08 February, 2013
The so-called 'bedroom tax' has dominated the headlines over the past few days
Poor told to move to Birmingham: Tory chief says 'London's not everything' as housing benefit cap strugglers face placements away from London
08 February, 2013
The Town Hall is looking at placing families stung by benefit cuts in cities as far away as Birmingham and Leicester
People 'should work more' to pay bedroom tax
08 February, 2013
People affected by the bedroom tax should work extra hours to pay for their spare room if they want to keep it
London borough declares bedroom tax "morally right"
08 February, 2013
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has come out in favour of the Government's bedroom tax saying it is "morally right"
Bedroom tax activists stage protest at LMH offices
07 February, 2013
Activists are currently staging a protest against the forthcoming 'bedroom tax' at the offices of Liverpool Mutual Homes
Work longer to keep spare room, says pensions minister
07 February, 2013
People facing a cut in housing benefit because they have a spare room in their council home could work more hours to keep it, the pension minister has said
'Bedroom tax' will cost taxpayers more
06 February, 2013
The government's controversial new "bedroom tax" will cost rather than save money in parts of the country, it has been claimed
'Bedroom tax': Carer criticises housing benefit cut
06 February, 2013
A man who gave up work to care for his sick wife is "disgusted" at the so-called "bedroom tax" which may see him lose £60 a month in housing benefit
Welfare reform day 2 - Spotlight on the 'Bedroom Tax'
05 February, 2013
TWO out of every five housing benefits claimants in Glasgow could be hit by the UK Government's new 'Bedroom Tax', say opponents of the changes
'Bedroom tax' is "morally right" says Hammersmith and Fulham Council
05 February, 2013
A West London council has made a strong declaration of support for the Government's so-called'bedroom tax' - calling it the "morally right" thing to do
How will the 'bedroom tax' work?
05 February, 2013
A forthcoming change in housing benefit rules has been dubbed the "bedroom tax", and the name has stuck
Warning over 'bedroom tax' evictions
04 February, 2013
Tenants in social housing with a spare room could be facing a cut in housing benefit
Under-occupation and Housing Benefit - Tranmere and Rock Ferry Case Study
04 February, 2013
Riverside case study
Under-occupation and the new policy framework
04 February, 2013
Report by the Cambridge Centre for Housing & Planning Research
Campaigners unite to fight housing benefit cuts
01 February, 2013
More than 30 tenant, trade union and campaign groups are linking up to build a national umbrella campaign to fight cuts to housing benefit
Editor's blog: why the bedroom tax is not the poll tax of the Cameron era
01 February, 2013
Though a poorly-designed policy with little hope of success, the spare room cut won't unite opposition on its own
Grieving Liverpool parents told dead son's room will be hit with bedroom tax
01 February, 2013
A grieving Liverpool family were told they must pay the controversial "bedroom tax" after their son choked to death on a sweet
Vulnerable residents mount High Court challenge to controversial council tax changes
31 January, 2013
Councils across the UK are facing High Court action after vulnerable residents launched legal action challenging controversial new council tax policies which they claim will "hit the poor hardest".
No Clear Benefit
31 January, 2013
The financial impact of Council Tax Benefit reform on low income households
'Millions of low-income households' face council tax rise
31 January, 2013
Millions of the poorest households face council tax rises because most councils in England will pass on a 10% benefit funding cut, research suggests
PMQs: Bedroom tax and housing benefit clash
30 January, 2013
David Cameron says the thousands of people in privately rented accommodation who "cannot afford extra bedrooms" show why housing benefits must be reformed
Who needs a spare room, anyway?
30 January, 2013
I'm sure Lord Freud would love the chance to swap just one of his eight bedrooms in his comfy mansion for a single sofa
The Bedroom Tax exemplifies everything that is wrong with this coalition government
30 January, 2013
The Bedroom Tax is this Government's sickest joke
New 'poll tax' blow for UK's poorest
30 January, 2013
Reforms leave millions facing bills of up to £600
Rent cards could avoid direct payment problems
30 January, 2013
Housing benefit could be put on pre-payment cards to ensure it is spent on rent, a think tank has suggested
Going spare
29 January, 2013
With just 62 days left the bedroom tax has gone mainstream in parliament and the national press
Set in place solid foundations - Then tackle the myriad of welfare reforms
28 January, 2013
LIN complimentary report for landlords
Government 'could change' bedroom tax
28 January, 2013
A junior minister has said the controversial bedroom tax could change if there are impacts the government has 'not thought of'
Freud: Direct payments will not reduce incomes
28 January, 2013
Lord David Freud said he does not expect landlords to 'suffer sudden losses of income' as a result of direct payment of benefit to tenants
The spare bedroom tax: a mess of contradiction and impossibility
28 January, 2013
In April the new 'spare bedroom tax' comes into force, meaning many low-income families and disabled people will be forced to move or face yet more cuts. The implications are frightening
Tenants get £40 boost to open jam jar accounts
28 January, 2013
Walsall housing association is offering its tenants financial incentives to open up jam jar accounts
Housing benefit cheat jailed
28 January, 2013
A man who fraudulently claimed £12,500 in housing benefit by using fake tenancy documents has been jailed for 12 months
Merseyside families to be hit with yearly £16 million 'bedroom tax' bill
25 January, 2013
Analysis of DWP data by the NHF has revealed that the Government's 'bedroom tax' could cost Merseyside's social tenants over £16 million a year
landlords should get systems in place before Universal Credit
25 January, 2013
Here Claire Turner, director of LIN, argues that landlords should take steps to prepare for Universal Credit before payments are made direct to tenants
Landlord to cushion bedroom tax blow
25 January, 2013
A housing association plans to pay tenants the amount they will lose through the bedroom tax over three years as a lump sum cash incentive to downsize
Evictions warning over housing benefit reforms
24 January, 2013
Changes to housing benefit later this year could lead to a rise in evictions, a key housing body has warned
Millions to struggle with rents under welfare reforms
24 January, 2013
A million people living in social housing could struggle with their rent and end up in debt as a result of the Government's welfare shakeup
Benefit changes may cause evictions, says housing federation
24 January, 2013
Changes to housing benefit could lead to a rise in evictions, according to the National Housing Federation
Nameless housing benefit fraudster jailed
23 January, 2013
A Ruislip man who used a fraudulently obtained passport to scam over £14,000 in benefits has been jailed
'The sleights of hand in the changes to Local Housing Allowance funding'
23 January, 2013
David Lawrenson explains the "work arounds" and the sleights of hand involved in the latest changes in Local Housing Allowance funding
Supporting People funding boost is a mirage for cash-strapped councils
23 January, 2013
Whitehall allocations process suggests SP boost but 'obscures' real funding cuts that leave local authorities out of pocket
MPs debate impact of 'bedroom tax' changes in Wales
22 January, 2013
MPs will discuss the impact of a so-called "bedroom tax" which will impose an under-occupancy penalty on tenants
Council tax blow to people on benefits
21 January, 2013
The London borough of Haringey is planning to make people on benefits pay a percentage of council tax
Benefits and child credits squeeze pushes 200,000 children into poverty
18 January, 2013
Government admits statistic that Labour says shows children are victims of Tory 'games' and 'economic failure'
Councils protest at benefit cap switch
18 January, 2013
Councils being hit first by the benefits cap plan to lobby the government over fears they will be disadvantaged by the surprise move
Landlord to host 'soap opera' about benefit changes
17 January, 2013
New Charter Homes is turning its offices into the venue for a 'soap opera' to help tell tenants about important changes to their welfare benefits
Police officer sentenced for housing benefit fraud
17 January, 2013
A former Suffolk police officer has been handed a 12-month community supervision order after admitting fraudulently claiming housing and council tax benefits
Relief for poor families as Welsh Government makes council tax U-turn
17 January, 2013
Around 250,000 of Wales' most deprived families will not have to pay council tax after all following a major U-turn by the Welsh Government
Exempt accommodation update
17 January, 2013
NHF report on how the reform of benefits to cover housing costs will affect people living in supported and sheltered housing
Poorer households face postcode lottery as council tax benefit cuts bite
15 January, 2013
Research shows 670,000 working-age claimants will have to pay council tax for the first time in April
The direct payment guinea pigs
11 January, 2013
Inside Housing examines the results of six pilot projects, which have been testing the new system since June, to find out what landlords can expect
LIN Member Reprot January 2013 - Universal Credit Service Charges
09 January, 2013
DWP guidance for landlords
LIN Press release - Universal Credit Service Charges
09 January, 2013
Universal Credit service charges - guidance for landlords
Benefit cut set to hit forces families
07 January, 2013
The bedroom tax will penalise families with empty bedrooms - forcing tenants to downsize or pay for the rooms. It means service personnel deployed away from home could have nowhere to come back to when they are on leave
Labour urges temporary jobs for long-term unemployed
04 January, 2013
Labour has said it would offer the long-term unemployed a guarantee of a six-month job if it was in government
Action on council tax
04 January, 2013
The Communities Secretary hailed new rules for 2013 that mean taxpayers can now choose to pay their bill over 12 months rather than 10
Measures to reduce Housing Benefit expenditure - an overview
03 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Paying the housing element of Universal Credit direct to tenants in social rented housing
03 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
LIN Memebr Report January 2013 - The Household Benefit Cap
03 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Battle over plan to cap benefits ahead of Commons vote
02 January, 2013
It is unfair for benefits to rise at a faster rate than wages, the work and pensions secretary has said ahead of a key Commons vote on capping benefits
Direct housing benefit credits 'could push a million into debt'
01 January, 2013
Paying housing benefit directly to claimants could be a threat to the vulnerable, say social policy groups
Council protecting low paid from council tax hikes
01 January, 2013
Wandsworth Council has confirmed that it will protect its low income residents from the higher council tax bills that are due as part of the Government's welfare changes
Three-quarters of local authorities to put up council tax for poorest families
01 January, 2013
Bills will rise by up to £600 a year for some struggling households, according to research by thinktank
City to cut council tax support by 20 per cent
27 December, 2012
Families in one of the UK's largest cities are facing a 20% cut in council tax benefit under proposals expected to be approved next month
Website tracking council tax benefit changes launched
24 December, 2012
A think tank has launched a website tracking changes to council tax support in England
Young claimants shut out of private rented sector
24 December, 2012
Just 1.5 % of rental properties are available to single people on benefits, according to research from homelessness charity Crisis
Number of homeless families in B&Bs; on the rise
24 December, 2012
Official figure doubled from 1,230 to 2,460 in London between 2025 and 2011, and rose again in first six months of 2012
DWP confirms benefit cap to be trialled in 4 London boroughs
21 December, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that the benefits cap will be introduced across four London boroughs in April
'Government's benefit cuts will make 14,000 working families in Tower Hamlets worse off'
21 December, 2012
The Goverment's decision to cap benefit increases at 1% will leave 14,000 working families in Tower Hamlets worse off, Labour has claimed
Benefit Cap implementation
21 December, 2012
The DWP have confirmed the four London LAs where the Benefit Cap roll out will start in April - Bromley, Croydon, Enfield and Haringey
Localising Support for Council Tax - Taking work incentives into account
21 December, 2012
Localising Council Tax Support - This document updates the guidance that was published in May 2012
Tenants handed computers in Christmas giveaway
21 December, 2012
Newlon Fusion, the community arm of Newlon Housing Trust is presenting tenants with computers and training as part of work to prepare for the impact of welfare reforms
Temporary accommodation
21 December, 2012
NHF submission to DWP in response to their update on temporary accommodation reforms
Editor's blog: my Christmas wish is for housing to find a voice on welfare
21 December, 2012
Latest evidence on rent arrears under universal credit is damning, but next analysis will come too late
Benefit Cap implementation
20 December, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions today confirmed the four London local authorities where the Benefit Cap roll out will start in April
Cameron finally admits he lied on HB
19 December, 2012
Back in January 2012 at PMQS Cameron said Housing Benefit has reduced and then claimed when challenged on this that it had fallen and consistently maintained that line
Arrears 'too high' on demonstration projects
18 December, 2012
The arrears percentage on the Government's direct payment demonstration projects is "too high" and would be hard for landlords to support in the longer term, warns CIH
Direct payment projects warn of creeping arrears
18 December, 2012
The creeping of arrears in the direct payment demonstration projects is further evidence landlords will need to provide a range of payment options
Charity launches legal challenge to benefit cuts
18 December, 2012
Changes to the way housing benefit payments are calculated will be challenged in the High Court
Direct Payment projects: Rent worth more than £500,000 not collected
17 December, 2012
More than £500k of rent was not collected by RSL's and LA's during the first four months of the Government's Direct Payment Demonstration Projects
Housing provider's adviser army to prepare 1000s of tenants for welfare reform
17 December, 2012
A housing provider is sending out an army of advisers to inform its tenants about the Government's imminent welfare reforms
Discretionary Housing Payments
17 December, 2012
DWP response to the consultation on the Discretionary Housing Payments guidance manual
LIN Press release - Direct payment pilots report increased arrears
17 December, 2012
Landlords testing direct payment of benefit failed to collect 8 per cent of rent on average in the first four months of the six pilot projects
Housing benefit changes challenged in high court
17 December, 2012
Z2K charity says plans to link housing benefit to inflation rather than rents are 'unlawful and undemocratic'
Would payment of housing benefit to landlords create a stable private sector?
11 December, 2012
Labour will address direct payment in exchange for offering longer, more stable tenancies. Will the policy work?
DWP: Direct Payments Demonstration Projects: Findings from a baseline survey of tenants in five project areas in England and Wales
10 December, 2012
DWP Demonstration Project report
Direct payments will require landlord to collect extra £23m a year
10 December, 2012
Golden Gates has warned that the move to pay housing benefit directly to tenants as part of UC will require it to collect an extra £23m each year
Social landlord's 'stark warning' so far ignored by 700 'under occupiers'
10 December, 2012
A social landlord which wrote to 1,400 'under occupying' tenants who will be affected by the coming Bedroom Tax is yet to receive replies from half of them
Localising council tax support - Council tax reduction scheme (default scheme) regulations - taking account of Universal Credit income
10 December, 2012
This document now provides some worked examples of how default scheme universal credit provisions operate
Direct payment to cost pilot landlord £8 million a year
07 December, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted its plans for direct payment of benefit will proceed despite a landlord on a pilot project claiming the policy will cost it £8 million a year
Housing benefit to rise less than rate of inflation
06 December, 2012
Payment increases to landlords to be capped at 1% from 2014, while plan to end housing benefits for under-25s is dropped
Osborne unveils fresh welfare cuts
06 December, 2012
George Osborne has announced a series of welfare cuts in his autumn statement
Landlords 'deeply concerned' over new benefit caps
06 December, 2012
Housing associations are "deeply concerned" around proposals to cap working age benefit increases
Autumn Statement: At-a-glance summary of key point
05 December, 2012
Chancellor George Osborne has updated MPs on the state of the economy and the government's future plans in his Autumn Statemen
George Osborne set to drop plan to end housing benefit for under-25s
03 December, 2012
Lib Dems revolt against David Cameron's 'unjust' move in runup to chancellor's autumn statement
£1.1 billion lost to Housing Benefit fraud and error
03 December, 2012
Over a billion pounds worth of Housing Benefit expenditure was lost to fraud and official error between April 2011 and March 2012
Landlord warning on Benefits Changes
30 November, 2012
The National Landlords Association has concerns about changes to benefits
DWP IT system causes benefit data backlog
26 November, 2012
Concerned councils left overloaded by system crucial to government welfare reforms
Welfare reform and not paying the rent
23 November, 2012
Government plans to change the way social housing tenants pay their rent, could have serious consequences for some of the poorest people in Britain
Universal Credit implementation: meeting the needs of vulnerable claimants
23 November, 2012
Work and Pensions Committee - Third Report
'Bedroom tax' dilemma for social housing tenants
20 November, 2012
Research seen by the BBC suggests almost 95,000 people in England could be forced into arrears because there are no smaller homes for them to move into
Social tenants' finances and vulnerability to direct payments
20 November, 2012
NHF report which identifies those who will struggle with move to Universal Credit
Supreme Court paves way for 'bedroom tax' appeal
19 November, 2012
The Supreme Court has granted the Government permission to challenge a ruling which held that the housing benefit regulations discriminate against disabled people
Cable defends 'immoral' benefit cap
19 November, 2012
Vince Cable has defended the coalition government's £26,000-a-year benefits cap following criticism from a high profile Liberal Democrat colleague.
Young benefit claimants must do 30 hours of weekly 'community work'
15 November, 2012
A new mandatory scheme designed to get young people off of benefits has been announced by Mark Hoban, the employment minister
Freud admits reforms could force families to move
15 November, 2012
The minister for welfare reform Lord David Freud has admitted that a reduced cap on housing benefit could force families in high-value areas to move
HB bill has risen by £37.85p PER SECOND since election
14 November, 2012
Today sees the release of the latest HB figures from the DWP
'Beyond cynical': ministers, housing benefit cuts, and homelessness
13 November, 2012
There has been uproar over council plans to house vulnerable homeless families many miles away from where they live
Government claim that universal credit will always make work pay for single parents is at risk of failure, new research shows
13 November, 2012
Universal credit will fail to provide all working single parent families with a route out of poverty, and act as a disincentive to work longer hours for some
Benefits reform under threat after IT glitch
12 November, 2012
National roll-out of flagship policy delayed by at least a year as costs soar and key personnel quit
Cutting housing benefit for under-25s 'is unworkable and irresponsible'
12 November, 2012
Crisis says move to save £1.8bn risks condemning thousands of vulnerable young people to homelessness
McCausland rules out call for six-month freeze on government's 'bedroom tax'
12 November, 2012
Northern Ireland's social development minister has ruled out any postponement of the "bedroom tax", due to be introduced in April next year
RLA/SAL Universal Credit Survey
09 November, 2012
Landlords in the PRS have rejected the Government's welfare reform plans for HB, and point to a lack of housing in the sector to cope with the Government's changes
HB Direct
09 November, 2012
November 2012 - includes information on Council Tax Support, Supported 'exempt' accommodation and Universal Credit, Temporary accommodation, Universal Credit and the HB Direct pilots
Knock, knock
09 November, 2012
Who's there? This is the question Aspire Housing is asking tenants during visits to their homes to find out who will be hit by the bedroom tax next April
Direct payment tenants taken to court
08 November, 2012
One of the HA's involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects has warned social landlords to get strict with their arrears policy ahead of UC
£5.67: the value of £1 spent on confidence and skills for tenants
08 November, 2012
With the Social Value Act coming into force next year, housing associations are fighting to prove their financial worth
Iain Duncan Smith: direct payments to remain for refuges
07 November, 2012
Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith has told MPs that domestic violence victims will see their housing benefit paid directy to their refuge under Universal Credit
Landlords reject direct payment plans
07 November, 2012
Private landlords would be less likely to rent to benefit claimants if it is up to councils to decide whether housing benefit can be paid direct to the landlord after tenants reach eight weeks arrears
The cost of running a home
06 November, 2012
A guide from Wolverhampton Homes which aims to give an idea of those costs that tenants will have to budget for when running their own home
Between a rock and a hard place - the early impacts of Welfare Reform on London
06 November, 2012
CPAG Report
The best of British banking
06 November, 2012
A report by Accent on basic bank accounts for Consumer Focus
Direct payment to landlord scheme has cut private rents, says Freud
05 November, 2012
A temporary scheme to enable private landlords to receive direct housing benefit payments in return for dropping rents has been a success, welfare reform minister Lord Freud has said
PDF: Lost benefits - An article from February 2004
05 November, 2012
Disturbing results from a trial of direct housing benefit payments mean the government should think long and hard before applying the reform to the social sector
Bedroom Tax Guidance
05 November, 2012
CIH Scotland - This practice guidance is aimed primarily at Scottish social landlords - i.e. local authority landlords and registered social landlords
April is the cruellest month
05 November, 2012
Every time you think you have got your head around the impact of the April 2013 welfare changes you realise you have forgotten something that makes it even worse
London housing crisis: benefit bill soars as rents rise and wages lag
05 November, 2012
New government data on in-work households in the capital claiming housing benefit illustrates the impact of high rents, especially in the poorer suburbs
Evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects- Emerging Learning
02 November, 2012
This is the second report in this series
NIFHA calls for bedroom tax delay
02 November, 2012
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations has called for a six month postponement to the introduction of the under-occupation penalty
Landlords plan bank account
02 November, 2012
A group of Greater Manchester landlords is working with local credit unions to set up a new type of bank account to help thousands of tenants who could be made worse off by welfare reform
Direct payments landlord wants policy u-turn
02 November, 2012
The CEX of Wakefield and District Housing who are involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects says he hopes the results will change policy to allow tenants to retain the choice to have HB paid to their landlord
Government can't even convince own members of council tax plans, claims MP
01 November, 2012
A Labour MP has claimed that the Government's plans to localise council tax support is in such a "shambles" that they can't even convince their own members to support it
Council stands to lose £70m in welfare shake-up
01 November, 2012
One of England's largest local authorities stands to lose £70m over the next five years as its tenants feel the brunt of welfare cuts
Housing benefit changes: Warning over affordable housing shortfalls
01 November, 2012
Plans to change the way HB is calculated could leave half of local authority areas in England with shortfalls of properties affordable to LHA claimants, the NAO
Government agrees to council tax benefit review
01 November, 2012
The government has accepted an amendment from the House of Lords requiring it to review its controversial council tax benefit localisation policy within three years
No regrets, says direct payments landlord
31 October, 2012
Family Mosaic says it's pleased it's taken part in the Direct Payment demonstration project as it has given it a better understanding of how to prepare itself and its tenants ahead of UC
Housing associations and provision for destitute migrants
31 October, 2012
Social landlords can take advantage of a pack that has been launched to prevent migrants being homeless
Localising support for council tax
30 October, 2012
Amendments to draft regulations relating to default scheme under universal credit published by Department for Communities and Local Government
DWP issues warnings to households in benefit cap hotspots
30 October, 2012
Nearly 89,000 households across Great Britain may be affected by next April's household benefit cap, with 42% living in social housing, according to the DWP
DWP holds back data on direct payment pilots
30 October, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted tenants are ready to manage their own money but is not yet releasing data from its direct payment pilot projects
Monitoring the impact of recent measures affecting Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowances in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland
29 October, 2012
Research on Northern Ireland's private rented sector housing market
Lord Freud told to explain 'unique circumstances' of direct payments concession
29 October, 2012
A Labour MP has called for an urgent debate or statement from Lord Freud as to why he has let tenants in Northern Ireland continue to have HB paid directly to their landlord under UC
Localising support for council tax: Re-stated default scheme universal credit provisions
29 October, 2012
Re-stated default scheme universal credit provisions taking into account minor amendments/simplifications since the July 2012 publication
Localising support for council tax: Explanatory note on re-stated default scheme universal credit provisions
29 October, 2012
Explanatory note on re-stated default scheme universal credit provisions, detailing how these support work incentives and take into account minor amendments/simplifications since the July 2012 publication
IDS plans 'two-child' family benefit cap
26 October, 2012
Families claiming child-related benefits may find the amount they are entitled to capped at two children, the work and pensions secretary said today
Landlords to access tenants benefit data
26 October, 2012
Housing associations in Liverpool have launched a new IT system with the city council's benefits service that will give them access to tenants' benefit data
Open letter to landlords: why renting to housing benefit claimants makes sense
26 October, 2012
Put those prejudices aside. This is a real period of opportunity for those letting properties in the private rented sector
Are banks turning their backs on state-sponsored Universal Credit accounts?
26 October, 2012
It appears not all is going to plan with the DWP's attempts to get a national payment supplier to offer 'budgeting accounts' for Universal Credit claimants
Lib Dems will not back child benefits cap
26 October, 2012
The Liberal Democrats will not back a call from the work and pensions secretary to cap child-related benefits for families with more than two children
Millions set aside to cover welfare costs
26 October, 2012
The UK's largest landlords are stockpiling cash in preparation for next year's onslaught of welfare reforms
Legal aid cuts 'will exacerbate benefit delays'
26 October, 2012
Charities have warned that delays in transferring successful asylum seekers from Home Office support to mainstream benefits could get worse when legal aid cuts kick in next year
No welfare concessions for Scotland and Wales
26 October, 2012
The Scottish and Welsh governments are unlikely to gain concessions on welfare reform, despite Northern Irish politicians successfully challenging the changes
Housing Benefit Spending: Busting the Myths
24 October, 2012
The growing government Housing Benefit bill is due to a shortage of social rented housing and increased subsidies for expensive private sector rents, new research from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has revealed
Benefits encourage problem families, says Iain Duncan Smith
24 October, 2012
The welfare system is "promoting destructive behaviour" by encouraging poorer families to have more children and denying them the incentive to get a job, the Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith will warn
Universal Credit: Northern Ireland to continue direct payments to landlords
23 October, 2012
Tenants in Northern Ireland will still be able to have their housing costs paid directly to their landlord, it has been announced
Scotland: 77% of 'severely disadvantaged' families living in social housing
23 October, 2012
A new report has estimated that up to 24,000 families in Scotland face severe disadvantages, of which 77% are currently living in social housing
Peers win council tax benefit review
23 October, 2012
Peers have defeated the government on an amendment to the Local Government Finance Bill
SFHA: Benefit bill due to lack of social homes
23 October, 2012
The growing HB bill is due to a shortage of social rented housing and increased subsidies for expensive private sector rents, new research from the SFHA has found
Housing benefit limit only for future claimants
22 October, 2012
Plans to end housing benefit for under-25s would only apply to new claimants, the Department for Work and Pensions has said
Home Truths 2012: the housing market in England
22 October, 2012
This National Housing Federation report says that by the next election one million earners will be dependent on welfare to afford rent
Northern Ireland tenants 'worst hit' by bedroom tax
22 October, 2012
The bedroom tax will cost housing association tenants in Northern Ireland more than £70,000 a week, the chief executive of a membership body has said
Local authorities to seek minimum council tax payments
19 October, 2012
More than 100 councils fear they cannot plug the funding cuts in council tax benefit by hiking up rates on empty and second homes
Minister's domestic abuse warning about welfare reforms
19 October, 2012
Welfare reforms could make it harder for female victims of domestic abuse to leave violent partners, according to Welsh government minister
Industry pans payment control
19 October, 2012
Plans to introduce pre-payment cards to restrict how groups of people spend their benefit money risk stigmatising claimants, housing organisations have warned
Localising support for council tax: Transitional grant scheme
19 October, 2012
DCLG is making available an additional £100m for one year to support those LAs in developing well-designed council tax support schemes and maintain positive incentives to work
Is the benefit system too baffling to be solved?
18 October, 2012
Simplifying welfare is a top government priority. But why are benefits so baffling?
Tenants 'not confident' about direct payments
18 October, 2012
One in three social housing tenants on benefit are not confident they can keep up to date with rental payments if they receive their benefit direct, a report has found
Peer calls for disabled exemption to bedroom tax
18 October, 2012
A Labour peer has called for thousands of disabled people to be exempt from the bedroom tax
Cameron 'standing up for wrong people' in benefit cuts row
18 October, 2012
David Cameron has been accused of "standing up for the wrong people" as charities warn that up to half a million disabled people will be worse off under Universal Credit
Council offering £25k payout to tenants who downsize homes
17 October, 2012
Camden Council is offering up to £25k for tenants to downsize to smaller homes
Lords fear bedroom tax will hurt disabled tenants
17 October, 2012
Peers have raised concerns about the impact of the bedroom tax on disabled people - and said discretionary housing payments will do little to help the problem
Government's extra £100m council tax transition cash 'too little too late'
16 October, 2012
The Government has launched a further £100m of funding to help local authorities launch new council tax support schemes from next April
Conservative-run Wandsworth to protect council tax benefit entitlement
16 October, 2012
A flagship Conservative-run local authority says it will plough on with the current council tax benefit scheme for residents in the borough - and will pick up the tab for doing so
LIN Member Report October 2012 - How to tackle under-occupation
15 October, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Rebecca Wilkie.
120,000 troubled families could be legally banned from spending benefits on alcohol and tobacco
15 October, 2012
Troubled families living on benefits will be legally barred from spending welfare money on alcohol and tobacco, under plans being drawn up in Whitehall
Clegg vows to oppose age limit on housing benefit
15 October, 2012
Nick Clegg has vowed to oppose a 'blanket ban' on housing benefit for under 25-year-olds, but stressed further welfare cuts will be needed
Call for housing associations to collect council tax
12 October, 2012
A West Midlands-based housing association says it's worth exploring the idea of social landlords collecting council tax on behalf of local authorities as a result of the Government's welfare reform
Lord Best tables council tax rise amendment
11 October, 2012
The president of the Local Government Association has tabled an amendment to legislation in order to allow councils to charge single-person households more council tax
£8m in DHP funds left unspent by councils
10 October, 2012
Councils across Britain failed to spend nearly £8m in Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) last year, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed
Jury out on state-sponsored bank accounts for Universal Credit
10 October, 2012
Housing associations have given a cautious welcome to Government plans to subsidise for a year bank accounts that would help claimants manage monthly payments under Universal Credit
Technology could limit how benefits are spent
10 October, 2012
Think tank Demos has called for the government to use new technology to control how people spend their benefit
PM confirms age limit plan for housing benefit
10 October, 2012
David Cameron has confirmed the government will look to end automatic housing benefit for under 25-year-olds
Osborne's housing benefit proposals 'will hit families with children hardest'
09 October, 2012
Charities say impact of cutting housing benefit for under-25s would be to discourage mobility and increase homelessness
Conservative conference: Welfare needs 'cultural shift'
09 October, 2012
The government will bring about a "complete cultural shift" in its efforts to end reliance on benefits, Iain Duncan Smith has promised
Cutting under-25's housing benefit will increase youth homelessness
09 October, 2012
History tells us that George Osborne's plan to remove housing benefit based on age instead of need will have a severe impact on young people
Why aren't councils claiming millions in DHP funds to help homeless tenants?
09 October, 2012
Freedom of Information request obtained by London Residential Landlord Information Network which shows that hundreds of councils have underspent on their DHP pot
Tory MP outlines exemptions to under-25s benefit cut
09 October, 2012
Plans to stop under-25s claiming housing benefit would not affect anyone coming out of care or fleeing domestic violence, a parliamentary aide has clarified
Child starved to death after benefits delay
08 October, 2012
The government has been warned it must urgently fix flaws in its support system for successful asylum seekers, after a destitute child starved to death in temporary accommodation in Westminster
Benefit pilot avoids arrears
08 October, 2012
A Scottish housing association claims to have so far avoided arrears in its universal credit direct payment pilot by not insisting on direct debits
George Osborne in £10bn benefit cut vow
08 October, 2012
Chancellor George Osborne will tell the Tory conference that the government is determined to cut a further £10bn from the benefits budget to fight the deficit
Planning minister to raise direct payment concerns
08 October, 2012
An influential government minister has pledged to raise the issue of stopping paying HB direct to landlords with the DWP after concern with the impact of the policy on investment in new homes
Anger mounts as chancellor commits Tories to £10bn of welfare cuts
08 October, 2012
Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed the Conservative Party's pledge to find £10bn of welfare savings by the first full year of the next Parliament, despite warnings from charities and housing providers
Cut rents, not benefits, Tories told
08 October, 2012
A politician has warned that further cuts to welfare for young Londoners could exacerbate rising homelessness and harm the economy
Bedroom tax: concern over homeless lodger scheme
05 October, 2012
Crawley BC has played down concerns tenants will be forced to take in a homeless lodger in its bid to mitigate the impacts of the Government's under-occupation penalties
HB Direct
05 October, 2012
October 2012 - includes information about welfare reforms and the benefit cap
Public want controls on benefit spending
04 October, 2012
The majority of the public want benefit spend monitored, according to a recent poll
Should empty second homes be charged increased rates of council tax?
04 October, 2012
Camden council will charge second home owners an increased council tax rate if their properties are left empty for more than two years. Should others follow suit?
Housing association steps up interventions on direct payment project
03 October, 2012
One of the HA's involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects says more interventions are being taken to collect unpaid rent
Housing associations call on DWP to answer 'big questions' on supported housing
03 October, 2012
The National Housing Federation is calling on the Government to answer the "big questions" on the future of housing benefit for supported housing
Hilary Benn: Bedroom tax is a shameful policy
02 October, 2012
The government's so-called 'bedroom tax' is a "shameful policy", shadow secretary of state for communities and local government, Hilary Benn has said
Universal Credit: Claimants could keep fortnightly payments for two years
28 September, 2012
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud says Universal Credit claimants could keep fortnightly payments for up to two years with their cases reviewed periodically
Council withdraws benefits from man with autistic son
27 September, 2012
A London borough which was forced to pay out damages to a father after his autistic son was illegally removed from his care have threatened to withdraw the family's housing benefit
Welfare bill could lead to increase in homeless
27 September, 2012
People on benefits could be made homeless if housing payments are no longer made directly to landlords as part of the proposed welfare reforms, an MLA has warned
Council tax: the easy way to make mansion-dwellers pay
26 September, 2012
Adding further bands to this locally raised tax would be fair and effective. But our politicians lack the guts
Universal Credit regulations date
26 September, 2012
Ministers have confirmed that Universal Credit regulations will be laid after the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Autumn Statement on 5 December
Universal Credit Announcements
26 September, 2012
In a letter to the SSAC the DWP has confirmed that initially exempt accommodation cases will still be handled as part of HB rather than as part of universal credit housing costs
Government eyes end to benefits and inflation link
21 September, 2012
The government is considering ending the automatic annual increase in benefits in line with inflation
Burgess vows to mitigate impact of welfare reforms
21 September, 2012
The new Scottish housing and welfare minister has vowed to help the poorest members of society cope with reforms to the benefits system which 'threaten to hit Scots hard'
Housing association warns sector after direct payments blow
19 September, 2012
Payment errors in the first 2 months of a project to pay tenants HB directly has seen a HA warn the sector over the importance of communication with LA's, residents and the DWP
Universal Credit: Freud lays down criteria for new bank accounts
19 September, 2012
Ministers are calling for a range of suppliers to explore the feasibility of new financial products to help benefit claimants budget and manage their money under Universal Credit
Freud: New financial products to help Universal Credit claimants manage money
18 September, 2012
Ministers are calling for a range of suppliers to explore the feasibility of new financial products to help benefit claimants budget and manage their money
New monthly universal credit scheme to go ahead, says IDS
18 September, 2012
One of the biggest attempted reforms of Britain's welfare system will go ahead according to the Gov's timetable despite a host of warnings about what could go wrong
DWP clarifies advance payments' for Universal Credit claimants
18 September, 2012
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud says benefit claimants used to being paid fortnightly will be able to opt in for an advance payment to bridge them on to the monthly system of Universal Credit
The housing benefits cap means a wretched life for thousands in B&Bs;
17 September, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith's welfare reform will leave families already on the lowest housing rung with nowhere to go
Local authorities expect half of poor residents to refuse to pay council tax
16 September, 2012
Councils are budgeting for large losses after coalition's benefit changes mean 2 million low-income workers must pay tax
Iain Duncan Smith moots plan to reshuffle benefits staff
14 September, 2012
Some of the 20,000 HB staff under threat by the forthcoming Universal Credit system could be found new roles dealing with Council Tax Benefit
LIN Member Report September 2012 - Case Study - Helping Landlords to prepare for Welfare Reform
13 September, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Claire Turner and Peter Hall
Landlord fears Universal Credit could deter self-employed
12 September, 2012
A housing association has warned the Government that strict new rules for Universal Credit could "totally undermine" efforts by landlords to support residents starting up their own businesses
IDS to look at 'social housing broadband tariff' for Universal Credit
12 September, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith says the Government will explore a 'social housing broadband tariff' to enable those to claim the new Universal Credit online
Universal credits and changes to benefit claims debate
11 September, 2012
The row over the new universal credits - with a government bid to simplify benefits - saw Welfare Secretary Iain Duncan Smith face questions from MPs in the Commons
Housing associations talking to DWP over 'benefit verifier' role
10 September, 2012
Places for People and several other large housing associations have been in talks with the DWP about joint-working initiatives to smooth the roll-out of UC next year
Newham fears benefit cap blow for temporary households
10 September, 2012
The London borough of Newham wants the Government to drop planned restrictions on councils housing families outside of their area
Homeless Westminster families offered housing 54 miles away
10 September, 2012
Homeless families in Westminster are being offered accommodation as distant as Bletchley - 54 miles away
Fears raised over digital benefits
10 September, 2012
MPs have been warned that people from disadvantaged backgrounds may suffer if the government pushes ahead with plans to digitise the benefits system
Charity concerned welfare reform is increasing homelessness
07 September, 2012
Homeless Link is concerned that welfare reform could be driving an increase in homelessness - as new figures show an alarming rise in cases of people losing their homes
Housing Benefit cheat prosecuted
07 September, 2012
A Housing Benefit cheat has been given 150 hours of unpaid work and £450 fine after illegally claiming more than £7,000 in benefits
It Shouldn't Happen Here
06 September, 2012
Parents go hungry to feed children, according to research from Save The Children
Housing association offers £10,000 to release spare bedrooms
06 September, 2012
To tackle the bedroom tax, Viridian has introduced an incentive scheme helping under-occupiers switch accommodation.
Plans to move Iain Duncan Smith is hardly reassuring for housing associations
05 September, 2012
According to reports, IDS was offered the Ministry of Justice role, with the Government keen on the hard-line approach of Chris Grayling to spearhead its further assault on the welfare bill
'Spare room tax' will affect disabled people says Bromford Group
04 September, 2012
People with disabilities in the West Midlands could be severely affected by changes to the benefits system, warns Bromford Group
London borough facing £3m shortfall in council tax benefit shake-up
03 September, 2012
Islington Council says it's facing a £3m shortfall in funding to support residents with their council tax as a result of Government reforms
NHF commissions welfare reform study
03 September, 2012
The NHF has commissioned Ipsos Mori & Cambridge University to carry out a sector-wide assessment of how the gov's welfare changes will hit landlords and their tenants
Supported housing rent row sparks care crisis
31 August, 2012
Benefit payment disputes leave supported housing providers running on empty
Localising support for council tax - Council tax base and funding for local precepting authorities: Consultation
30 August, 2012
This consultation sets out the Government's proposals to provide certainty to local precepting authorities by allowing the council tax base for those areas to be calculated excluding localised council tax support reductions. Consultation closing date 9.10.12
'Jam Jar' Accounts
28 August, 2012
Landlords are beginning to develop their own mechanisms to protect their rental income.
Fear of poverty: just like it was in 1912?
27 August, 2012
Living in cuts-and-austerity Britain is generating the same anxieties as those expressed by the Edwardian poor, claims the Salvation Army
Landlords pay tenants to open 'jam jar' accounts
24 August, 2012
Housing associations are paying tenants to open credit union accounts to protect their rental income from forthcoming welfare reforms.By encouraging tenants to open 'jam jar' accounts the organisations hope to ease the impact of the universal credit, which will be phased in from October 2013.
Beating the bedroom tax
23 August, 2012
Landlords will do what they can to help under-occupying tenants, but concerns remain for disabled tenants
Preventing the poverty premium - Lottery invests over £31m
23 August, 2012
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis, National Housing Federation and Citizens Advice are backing a multi-million pound Big Lottery Fund initiative aimed at preventing thousands of the most vulnerable people living in social housing across England from falling into a spiral of debt
Economic pressures drive young adults home to roost
23 August, 2012
Families rediscover the financial benefits of intergenerational living as high house prices, increased unemployment and care issues take their toll, Aviva report says
Social tenants to accept bedroom tax penalty
22 August, 2012
Nearly half of social tenants who will be affected by the government's 'bedroom tax' are not prepared to move to smaller properties, research has found
Case law argues London's priced out tenants are 'homeless'
21 August, 2012
Legal precedent demands that tenants unable to meet unaffordable housing costs are legally homeless - What does this mean in today's London?
Tenants in under-occupied homes will have to move
21 August, 2012
Tenants who live in homes with more bedrooms than people will be moved - or face losing their housing benefits
Your Homes Newcastle Take A Dramatic Approach To Tenant Arrears
20 August, 2012
Your Homes Newcastle has taken an innovative approach to arrears recovery as part of their ongoing staff development
Tenants on direct payment pilots pay rent on time
17 August, 2012
The majority of tenants of two landlords taking part in direct payment pilot projects have made their first rent payments on time
Publicising discretionary hardship fund criticised
17 August, 2012
A call on councils to more aggressively promote a hardship fund by the Department for Work and Pensions has been criticised
Feeling the strain - DHPs
17 August, 2012
An in-depth look at the system of Discretionary Housing Payments by Keith Cooper, Inside Housing
The impact of Welfare Reform on housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland
17 August, 2012
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Report
Publicising discretionary hardship fund criticised
17 August, 2012
A call on councils to more aggressively promote a hardship fund by the Department for Work and Pensions has been criticised
Government told to step-in if welfare cuts increase homelessness
16 August, 2012
A national charity wants a commitment from the Government to 'respond quickly' should welfare reform lead to a rise in homelessness
DWP opportunities for local partnership working
16 August, 2012
DWP aspire to join up public services such as health, housing, transport, employment and skills to help local people back into work
Women's Aid concerns over Universal Credit and Housing Benefit changes
15 August, 2012
Charity Women's Aid has voiced concerns over the implementation of Universal Credit and changes to Housing Benefit
Landlord urges tenants to use 'jam jar' accounts
15 August, 2012
A west midlands landlord is encouraging tenants to set up 'jam jar' accounts with a local credit union to help them manage their finances once welfare reforms come into force
Universal credit penalties 'will increase debt'
15 August, 2012
Penalties for benefit recipients who run up debts - including rent arrears - are too high and will lead to hardship and a cycle of debt, a homelessness group has warned
Creating a reward society through the social housing sector
15 August, 2012
To get the society you want, you must reward the type of behaviour you want to see. Banks already know this, but what about housing providers?
IT firms fear council tax benefit collapse
14 August, 2012
A North London council says LA's are finding it difficult to find an 'affordable' IT supplier to devise a system for the Gov's new council tax benefit regime
Housing benefit caps see tenants move out of London borough
14 August, 2012
Over 30% of HB clmts in Camden who were claiming LHA when the caps were introduced last year have either moved out of the borough or have met the rent out of other income
LIN Member Report August 2012 - Welfare Reform Case Study - Vela Group
13 August, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Claire Turner, Lynn McPartlin and Anthony Scarre.
Welfare reform will leave social tenants perpetually poor
13 August, 2012
Households already struggling before the financial crisis are now find their incomes eroded, creating greater dependency
London borough fears Poll Tax return
13 August, 2012
The London borough of Camden fears the government's council tax benefit reform is like going back to the dark days of the Poll Tax - which saw rioting across British towns and cities
Why are older people exempted from the impact of welfare reform?
13 August, 2012
Elderly people commonly underoccupy property, overconsume assets, and put pressure on rent and house prices
Editor's blog: five unanswered questions about welfare reform
13 August, 2012
With the weight of expectation lying on their shoulders, housing providers wait for clarity and confidence from government
Should social landlords pass on the bedroom tax to tenants?
10 August, 2012
The tax on underoccupation could cost social landlords more than it saves. Reducing rent could be the answer
Councils stockpile benefits war chest
10 August, 2012
Councils are stockpiling money from a hardship fund that helps tenants hit by welfare reforms because they are expecting a huge jump in need next year
Bedroom tax offer for training tenants
10 August, 2012
Liverpool Mutual Homes is planning to pay the bedroom tax for tenants who complete training programmes or voluntary activities on its estates
Localising the social fund: moving too fast?
09 August, 2012
Councils are left with little time to prepare for the responsibility of awarding crisis loans and community care grants
DWP: 'no plans' to increase bedroom tax reductions
09 August, 2012
The DWP says it currently has "no plans" to amend the percentage reduction rates for the 'bedroom tax' that will hit social housing tenants next April
LIN Press release - Evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects
09 August, 2012
Evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects- Emerging Learning
Housing benefit: 'Homes will have to be handed to the private sector'
09 August, 2012
Notting Hill Housing faces an end to 700 tenancies when the housing benefit cap hits London households next year
Calls for Edinburgh report on welfare reform
08 August, 2012
The impact of the government's welfare reform is likely to be scrutinised by Edinburgh Council
Universal credit doesn't help tenants off benefits and into work
08 August, 2012
New regulations remove the incentives that support unemployed residents back into work
What is 'vulnerable'?
08 August, 2012
If you thought the new Universal Credit regulations were done, dusted and ready for implementation, you'd be wrong.
Man made homeless over housing benefit cuts in tent protest outside council
08 August, 2012
A homeless man pitched his tent outside Swindon Council's offices after he claimed housing benefit cuts made him homeless - and was rehoused hours later
Working lives: preparing for direct payment of housing benefit
08 August, 2012
Vulnerable tenants will see housing benefit paid directly to their landlord despite Universal Credit. But who is considered vulnerable?
Hilary Benn: Council tax benefit reform like poll tax
07 August, 2012
Hilary Benn has slammed the government's council tax benefit reform, likening the policy to the poll tax
Drop in families claiming housing benefit over £30,000
07 August, 2012
Nearly 1,400 families received in excess of £30,000 in housing benefit as of March 2012, official figures show
Lord Freud: 'We must allow people to run their lives independently'
07 August, 2012
The architect of welfare reform on how the DWP will tackle low pay and how the housing sector can help tenants off benefits
Wales to launch 'NHS-style' welfare service
06 August, 2012
Welsh housing minister pledges to create an 'NHS-type' welfare advice service to cope with a predicted spike in the number of people hit by welfare reforms
Lord Best calls for council tax rise for single people
06 August, 2012
Single-person households would pay more council tax under proposals from the president of the Local Government Association
Remand prisoners - thematic review
03 August, 2012
An HM Inspectorate of Prisons survey of 4,868 prisoners at 33 local prisons discovered just 20% on remand said they knew who to contact for help on housing issues when they were released
Council to sell empty homes for £1 to tenants hit by housing benefit cuts
02 August, 2012
Stoke-on-Trent Council wants to offer loans of £30k to families hit by housing benefit cuts to refurbish empty homes which it will sell to them for a £1
Universal Credit: Confusion over who informs DWP of rent changes
02 August, 2012
Housing Associations are seeking clarity over who will inform the DWP about annual rent increases under Universal Credit
Hunger strikers protest against housing benefit cuts
02 August, 2012
Three men have launched a hunger strike outside Camden Town Hall to protest against housing benefit cuts which they say have left them homeless and unable to access healthcare
Barnet plans to remove Council Tax discounts
02 August, 2012
Barnet Council has proposed removing exemptions on empty properties and second homes, to cover costs of the Gov's planned 10% reduction in Council Tax support
DHPs - Public Consultation
02 August, 2012
Consultation seeking views on the Discretionary Housing Payments guidance manual. Consultation closing date 31.8.12
HB/CTB A6/2012
02 August, 2012
HB/CTB circular - Court of Appeal judgment: Burnip, Trengove and Gorry
Council tax on Welsh empty homes could double
02 August, 2012
Councils in Wales could be allowed to charge up to double the cost of council tax on long-term empty homes
Getting tenants online: housing officers as digital champions
02 August, 2012
There is a serious lack of personal digital skills in the UK and we need a new kind of housing officer who can train tenants
LIN Press release - DWP model documents
01 August, 2012
Support for Housing Benefit claimants to meet any rent shortfall - model documents
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
01 August, 2012
Crisis response to the SSAC consultation on Universal Credit
Housing associations offer £50 cashback for tenants to switch to direct debit
01 August, 2012
Adactus Group tenants are being offered £50 cashback if they switch to paying their rent by direct debit
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
01 August, 2012
St Mungo's response to the SSAC: Universal Credit and related regulations
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
31 July, 2012
NHF response to the SSAC: Universal Credit and related regulations
Council house tenants in Devon paid to downsize
31 July, 2012
More than £700,000 worth of cash incentives have been paid out to social housing tenants in Devon to encourage them to move into smaller properties
Lib Dems plot revolt over Tory plans for more welfare cuts
31 July, 2012
Grassroots wants to fight next election with pledge to wipe out deficit by raising taxes on wealthy
Fairer by design: efficient tax reform for those on low to middle incomes
31 July, 2012
Tax rules favour mansion owners over council tenants
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
31 July, 2012
CIH response response to the SSAC: Universal Credit and related regulations
Fears council tax benefit cut will jeopardise income
27 July, 2012
Councils across England are devising strategies to protect tenants and prevent arrears from rocketing due to a 10 per cent cut to council tax benefit
Benefit reforms will cause 'family breakdown'
27 July, 2012
New rules will leave young benefit claimants struggling to contribute towards their households' rent, leading to family breakdown, housing bodies have warned
Fears council tax benefit cut will jeopardise income
27 July, 2012
Councils across England are devising strategies to protect tenants and prevent arrears from rocketing due to a 10 per cent cut to council tax benefit
Plan to cut 'bedroom tax' death exemption period under Universal Credit
26 July, 2012
Gov plans to cut the time allowed after a death before a tenant becomes eligible for 'bedroom tax' penalties is "harsh and unnecessary", according to NHF
Housing association offers tenants up to £10,000 for spare rooms
26 July, 2012
Viridian housing association is offering tenants up to £10,000 to downsize ahead of new rules which come in next April penalising social tenants with spare bedrooms
Benefit reforms will cause 'family breakdown'
26 July, 2012
New rules will leave young benefit claimants struggling to contribute towards their households' rent, leading to family breakdown, housing bodies have warned
The poll tax is back from the dead - it's Cameron localism
25 July, 2012
The council tax benefit 'reform' is yet another example of the axe being devolved - and of the poorest being hit hardest
Tax and benefit policy: insights from behavioural economics
25 July, 2012
Institute for Fiscal Studies report
Universal Credit Regulations: SSAC call for evidence
24 July, 2012
Read this new briefing before sending your response to the Social Security Advisory Committee
LIN press release - HB Direct and Service charges
24 July, 2012
Information on Housing Benefit Direct and Service Charges under Universal Credit
Freud names local authority pilot long-list for Universal Credit
23 July, 2012
The DWP have named fifteen local authorities in England recommended as potential pilot sites for Universal Credit
Freud: Bedroom tax will ease overcrowding
23 July, 2012
The coalition government's bedroom tax will ease overcrowding and help tackle the shortage of social housing, Lord David Freud has said
Rise in working housing benefit claimants
20 July, 2012
The number of employed people claiming housing benefit has increased again - despite a drop in the overall number of claimants
Tenant discovers 'bedroom tax' loophole
19 July, 2012
We learn this week that a tenant who had pored through the regs had discovered a loophole in the 'bedroom tax' regs and had duly informed their L/L
Welfare reform: direct payment landlord hires 20 staff to support tenants
18 July, 2012
WDH (part of the direct payment demonstration project) has recruited 20 previously unemployed people to offer support to tenants hit by welfare reform
Benefit cap
17 July, 2012
Ad hoc statistics on early feedback from claimants who are at risk of having their benefit capped in April 2013
Draft Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements) Regulations
17 July, 2012
These draft regulations relate to the prescribed requirements of Council Tax Reduction Schemes
Draft Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Default Scheme) Regulations
17 July, 2012
These draft regulations relate to the Default Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Government claims benefit cap is already pushing people into work
17 July, 2012
1,700 claimants who may have been affected by next April's household benefit cap have moved into work with a further 5,000 requesting back-to-work support
Universal Credit benefit reforms 'threatened by IT system'
16 July, 2012
Flagship reforms of the welfare system are under threat because the IT scheme behind the project is £100m over budget and plagued by glitches
Work and the welfare system: a survey of benefits and tax credits recipients
16 July, 2012
DWP research report
When worlds collide: regeneration and the bedroom tax crisis
13 July, 2012
The government's policies on housing will hit the north hard, and with few local Conservative representatives who will fight back?
Landlord offers 'budgeting accounts' ahead of Universal Credit
13 July, 2012
Walsall Housing Group, is signing tenants up to new budgeting accounts - offered through its local credit union - ahead of Universal Credit next year
LIN Member Report July 2012 - Changes to the local housing allowance system: its effects on tenants and landlords
13 July, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
DWP to close bedroom tax loophole
12 July, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has pledged to close a loophole which would have inadvertently exempted long-term housing association tenants from the bedroom tax
Tenants tell landlord they can take 'bedroom tax' hit
12 July, 2012
A housing association in the North West says some of the 2,300 tenants it has started to contact about housing benefit cuts believe they can afford to stay in their homes
Yarlington Housing Group asks tenants to downsize
12 July, 2012
A housing association in Somerset has begun asking its tenants to consider downsizing to free up larger family-sized houses
Bereavement Benefit for the 21st Century
11 July, 2012
New proposals for better supporting people on benefits after the loss of a spouse or civil partner have been set out by Lord Freud
Housing benefit cheat sent child to private school
10 July, 2012
A housing benefit cheat who lied about being a single mother sent her child to a private school in Ireland
Under-occupation clause in council's new fixed-term tenancies
10 July, 2012
Barnet warns that their new 2-5 year fixed-term tenancies will not normally be renewed where a tenant is under-occupying by one room or more
Jargon warning after 40 different households ignore same benefit cut letter
10 July, 2012
Lambeth councillor warns social landlords to carefully consider communications to tenants around welfare reform after 40 households ignore benefit cut letter
Extra 20,000 'under-occupiers' to lose housing benefit entitlement
09 July, 2012
The Government has doubled the number of partial HB claimants it believes will lose all of their entitlement as a result of the new under-occupation rules
Under 25s to be offered two-year council tenancies in London borough
09 July, 2012
Most young people under 25 will be offered 2 year fixed-term tenancies in Barnet, while the majority of new tenants will be offered 5 year terms
Welfare cuts: housing benefit claimants not welcome here
06 July, 2012
Only a fraction of private rented homes in Hackney are affordable under welfare reforms, and many L/L's are actively refusing to let to HB recipients
Landlord part-funding housing benefit officer
06 July, 2012
Trident Group is part-funding a member of the HB team in Birmingham CC in a bid to support residents and ensure claims are handled as efficiently as possible
Data-sharing and welfare reform
05 July, 2012
New powers from 2 July allow local authorities to share information with social landlords on who may be affected by the bedroom tax and benefit cap
Housing benefit cut 'will see rise in homelessness'
05 July, 2012
Poll shows majority concerned about fallout from Cameron's plan to end aid for under-25s
Petition calls for rethink on direct payment
05 July, 2012
Private landlords have set up a petition urging the government to rethink its approach to making housing benefit payments direct to tenants
Co-operative accommodation: towards a mutually agreeable housing
05 July, 2012
The PM's plans to remove housing benefit from the under-25s is symptomatic of a failed system - how can mutualisation help?
Every new 'affordable home' to cost £17,500 in increased housing benefit
04 July, 2012
Taxpayers will have to fork out £17,500 in increased HB costs for every new home built under the Gov's Affordable Rent programme according to NAO
HB/CTB A4/2012
03 July, 2012
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Circular - Housing Benefit size criteria restrictions for working age claimants in the social rented sector from 1 April 2013
Hull fraudster claimed £100k housing benefit
02 July, 2012
A HULL businessman who claimed more than £100,000 in false housing benefit has been forced to pay most of the money back
Housing Association and Welfare Rights Best Practice Guide
01 July, 2012
Scottish Federation Of Housing Association publication
Fewer service charges to be covered by benefits
29 June, 2012
Proposed new rules could lead to fewer service charges being covered by housing benefit, sector experts have warned
New banking concept to protect rents
29 June, 2012
Gentoo is in talks with credit unions about setting up 'jam jar accounts' to protect its income stream
Southwark in private rent cap negotiations
29 June, 2012
Southwark Council could be the first UK local authority to introduce a rent cap for private landlords to make their homes more affordable to benefit claimants
Benefit 'shock' in draft Universal Credit regs
29 June, 2012
Benefit claimants absent from home due to long-term hospital care will only be eligible for 6 months HB not 12 months, under the draft UC regulations
MPs 'surprised' at Cameron's attack on his Government's benefit reform
29 June, 2012
MPs have expressed "surprise" at the Prime Minster's attack on non-dependant deductions which have been reformed by his Government
Wellingborough's Fish shop: pooling resources in times of financial crisis
28 June, 2012
Bringing housing, public health and employment services together helps to save money and improve quality of life
Make jobs, not cuts, to reduce reliance on the state
28 June, 2012
Most people want to work, so cutting welfare won't help: only a co-ordinated effort in Whitehall will truly reduce dependency
MSPs pass Scottish welfare changes
28 June, 2012
Proposed new laws to "limit the impact" of UK-wide welfare reforms in Scotland have been passed by MSPs
No sense in taxpayer funding '1 million spare rooms in social rented sector' - Chris Grayling
27 June, 2012
Mr Grayling was responding to another MP's concerns in the House of Commons about the impacts of the new under-occupation rules from April 2013
Plan to Remove Housing Benefit from Under-25s "Unfair" - SFHA
27 June, 2012
An idea put forward this week by the Prime Minister to scrap HB for under-25s has been described as unfair and counter-productive by the SFHA
Homeownership drop to create £8bn benefit bill
27 June, 2012
The cost of HB for elderly people will soar by £8b a year by 2060 unless steps are taken to address falling homeownership, a think tank has warned
Charities submit joint letter to Prime Minister
27 June, 2012
Shelter has signed a joint letter to the Prime Minister today, in response to Conservative Party proposals to cut housing benefit for under 25s
Cameron takes aim at non-dependant deductions
26 June, 2012
Prime Minister David Cameron has taken aim at non-dependant deductions (NDD) when referring to families who want their adult children to stay living at home
Long-term unemployed 'could have benefits cut'
26 June, 2012
Unemployment benefits could be cut for people who fail to get work over long periods of time, under Conservative plans to change the welfare system
David Cameron's 17 ideas to cut extra £10bn from welfare
26 June, 2012
David Cameron's proposals come on top of restrictions to benefits in the Welfare Act, to be introduced from 2013
BBC Rogue Traders' Dan Penteado admits benefit fraud
26 June, 2012
A presenter on the BBC consumer affairs programme Rogue Traders has admitted illegally claiming housing and council tax benefits totalling £24,000
Welfare Wales: 'Confusion' on regional benefits
26 June, 2012
Welsh ministers have accused the UK coalition government of "a great deal of confusion" over the idea of regional benefits
Landlord helps tenants claim £3m of benefits
26 June, 2012
Radian housing association found that tenants had not claimed benefits worth £3 million over the course of a year
Housing figures criticise PM's benefit plans
26 June, 2012
Housing figures have criticised David Cameron's suggestion that housing benefit could be removed for under 25s pointing out many claimants are in employment
Cameron to axe housing benefits for feckless under 25s
25 June, 2012
Prime Minister reveals housing benefit will be scrapped for under 25s and dole money will be stopped for those who refuse to find work
Cameron targeting social housing entry age with benefit bill assault
25 June, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith says the prime minister's discussion on welfare support is partly focusing on the average age at which people enter into social housing, currently 21
The Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) Regulations 2012
25 June, 2012
Data sharing regulations for social sector landlords which covers information referring to housing benefit, under-occupation, the benefits cap etc
Councils underspend payments for struggling households by £8m
25 June, 2012
A quarter of the £30m fund for discretionary housing payments left untouched compounds concerns over the scheme's efficiency
Is scrapping housing benefit for under-25s a good idea?
25 June, 2012
The prime minister David Cameron says the policy would save £2bn a year, and send out a clear message on welfare
Economic gap between young and old significantly worse since 2008 – study
25 June, 2012
Findings will fuel row over David Cameron's promise to shield pensioners while targeting welfare cuts on the young
Welfare speech
25 June, 2012
Speech by Prime Minister David Cameron on welfare, at Bluewater, Kent on Monday 25th June, 2012
Prime Minister David Cameron considers benefit cuts
24 June, 2012
BBC One's Sunday Politics video clip
Government to end extended payments
22 June, 2012
The new benefits system will disincentivise people to work by abolishing temporary payments which cover claimants' housing costs when they find a job
UK's largest stock-holding council in 'bedroom tax' avoidance bid
22 June, 2012
The UK's largest stock holding council says a new consortium will help tenants avoid benefit cuts and protect landlords' rental income
Benefit cuts blamed for rise in homelessness and B&B; use
22 June, 2012
Councils are blaming government cuts to HB for rising homelessness applications and a huge increase in the use of bed and breakfast accommodation
Scottish landlords issue warning over welfare cuts
21 June, 2012
The changes to welfare payments will put at risk efforts to improve social housing and build new affordable homes, according to housing reps in Scotland
Housing benefit is out of control, but there is an alternative
21 June, 2012
Councils should be given an affordable housing grant to boost building, making rents - and subsidies - less expensive
The Perfect Storm: Economic stagnation, the rising cost of living, public spending cuts, and the impact on UK poverty
20 June, 2012
Oxfam Report
50,000 North East families to be hit by 'bedroom tax'
18 June, 2012
Up to 50,000 North East families could be affected by the so-called 'bedroom tax', figures from the National Housing Federation highlight
LHA landlords told to seek alternatives to eviction
18 June, 2012
The umbrella body for local authorities in London has warned against hasty evictions after a report found tenants in the capital are being hit hardest by benefit cuts
Landlord can't rehouse 'bedroom tax' families
18 June, 2012
A north east housing association is warning it has only 16 homes to rehouse 2,500 tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax'
Research shows 'worrying' impact of housing benefit cap
18 June, 2012
Study shows landlords in London are three times more likely to evict tenants on housing benefit than elsewhere in UK
Monitoring the impact of changes to the Local Housing Allowance system of housing benefit:summary of early findings
15 June, 2012
The first report from an independent research into housing benefit reform
NHF warns against bedroom tax rises
15 June, 2012
Federation also calls for landlords to say what defines under-occupation
Walsall's biggest social landlord eyes bigger credit union take-up
14 June, 2012
Walsall-based social landlord whg says it's working with its local credit union to support tenants hit by the Government's welfare reforms
LIN Member Report June 2012 - More money to spare: How local authorities are still failing to award discretionary housing payments
14 June, 2012
LIN June member report by Neil Merrick which looks at the DHP fund, which is one measure, that could help offset the impact of the Welfare Reforms
Direct payments: Council no longer fearing dramatic increase in arrears
14 June, 2012
One of the councils involved in the Government's HB demonstration projects says it no longer fears a dramatic increase in arrears
Lord Freud quizzed on bedroom numbers in heated welfare address
13 June, 2012
Lord Freud has been quizzed on how many homes he owned and how many bedrooms he had in a heated debate on welfare reform
LIN Memebr Report June 2012 - Making it Fit: a guide to preparing for the social sector size criteria
13 June, 2012
Toolkit published to help landlords prepare for the bedroom tax
Mandatory consideration of revision before appeal
13 June, 2012
Government interim response to public consultation
Housing 2012: the sector must meet the challenge of welfare reform
13 June, 2012
Housing is key to the transformation of the welfare system and breaking dependency, says the minister for welfare reform
Direct housing benefit switch to 'shake' confidence of investors
12 June, 2012
CEX of Bromford Group warns Government that plans to pay HB direct to tenants will "shake" the confidence of institutional investors
Premium phone line fined for targeting vulnerable
12 June, 2012
A premium rate phone line claiming to help people on benefits find accommodation in the private rented sector has been fined £100,000
Universal credit in Scotland: why we're taking part in a direct payment pilot
12 June, 2012
Dunedin Canmore is the only Scottish housing association to trial direct payment of housing benefit early - here's why
Universal Credit will support young people in work
11 June, 2012
Young people will receive greater incentives to get into work under Universal Credit, Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud has said
Lord Freud exclusive: 'Poorest should be prepared to take greatest risks'
11 June, 2012
24housing Editor Jon Land meets Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud to talk about Universal Credit demonstration projects & under-occupation rules
DWP bids to overturn housing benefit ruling on spare rooms
08 June, 2012
(DWP) is bidding to overturn a ruling that stated the size criteria in the housing benefit regulations discriminate against disabled people
Benefits cap Calculator
07 June, 2012
There is now an online benefits cap calculator on the DirectGov website, where you can test how the benefits cap might affect you
Landlords do not plan to reclassify their homes
01 June, 2012
The majority of England's largest social landlords have ruled out reclassifying properties to enable tenants to avoid the 'bedroom tax'
Reforms to Council Tax benefit 'could undermine Universal Credit'
01 June, 2012
Government plans to localise council tax benefit while cutting funding for it by 10% threatens to undermine the new Universal Credit system
Should rent charged be linked to the services tenants choose to use?
01 June, 2012
Darrin Gamble asks why housing associations don't just charge their customers for the services they need and use
Housing Benefit: Size Criteria for People Renting in the Social Rented Sector
01 June, 2012
Introducing restrictions to Housing Benefit for working age customers living in the social rented sector
Benefits spending blows out by £9bn
31 May, 2012
Benefit spending will be £9bn higher than planned because of Coalition's failure to get people off welfare, research suggests
Benefit cap factsheet
31 May, 2012
From April 2013 the Benefit cap will be implemented for new and existing claimants via a deduction from Housing Benefit
Amount of young adults living with parents rises 20%
30 May, 2012
Nearly 3 million young adults were living with their parents in 2011, an increase of nearly 500,000 from 1997 according to the Office of National Statistics
Charity calls for rent cap as 600 families face being made homeless
25 May, 2012
A homeless charity has called for rent controls after it was revealed that 600 families face being made homeless because of housing benefit changes
Credit where credit's due - The provision of credit union services through post offices
25 May, 2012
Consumer Focus Report
Early roll out of Universal Credit to go live in Manchester and Cheshire
25 May, 2012
Universal Credit will go live in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire region in April 2013 – six months before the national roll-out
Fraud Guide
25 May, 2012
The Fraud Guide is used by DWP staff who investigate allegations of benefit fraud
Freud insists welfare reforms are cutting rents
25 May, 2012
Lord David Freud has insisted that rents are coming down as a result of the coalition's welfare reforms
Ruling could force 'bedroom tax' change
24 May, 2012
Charity warns - The Gov will have to amend the under-occupation housing benefit rules pending its decision to appeal against a recent court judgement
Direct payment could double rent arrears
24 May, 2012
Housing associations are anticipating rent arrears could double as a result of moves to pay housing welfare payments direct to tenants
New Universal Credit benefit to be tested in North West
24 May, 2012
The new single benefit, which the government claims will simplify the welfare system, is to be introduced six months earlier than planned
Housing Association bids to help residents caught in a new benefit trap
24 May, 2012
SHA is taking action to ensure its tenants are forewarned about new HB rules which could leave them up to £14 a week worse off
Violent offenders forced into shared accommodation by welfare changes
23 May, 2012
Attempts to protect tenants from harm are flawed, leaving dangerous and vulnerable people slipping through the net
Window cleaner benefit cheat Thomas Kenny jailed
23 May, 2012
A Bootle man who was caught on camera working as a window cleaner while claiming disability benefits has been jailed for a £33,000 benefit fraud
Freud under fire for bedroom tax 'ruse'
23 May, 2012
Housing professionals have demanded the welfare minister 'own up' to the motivation for the government's controversial bedroom tax
Near 30,000 increase in housing benefit recipients pushes claims over 5 million
21 May, 2012
The number of people claiming housing benefit has topped 5 million, according to Government statistics
Suffolk pair dishonestly claimed housing benefit
21 May, 2012
A man and a woman who dishonestly claimed £42,000 in housing benefit, have been given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years
Danger system will 'explode around the edges', warns housing boss
18 May, 2012
A CEX has warned there are "real dangers" in the way the Government is cutting welfare payments
Housing benefit claims reach record level
18 May, 2012
The number of housing benefit claimants in the United Kingdom has broken the five million barrier for the first time
Court ruling could force rethink on bedroom tax
18 May, 2012
The government could be forced to make changes to its controversial bedroom tax policy following a Court of Appeal ruling this week
LIN Member Report May 2012 - Welfare Reform - Key Changes to Benefits in 2012/13
17 May, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall
£25bn further welfare cuts? 'Froth'
17 May, 2012
Lord David Freud has dismissed reports that the prime minister is considering £25 billion of further welfare cuts as 'froth'
Lord Freud urges 'rational approach' to bedroom definitions
17 May, 2012
The architect of the Government's welfare reforms has urged social landlords to take a 'rational approach' to bedroom definitions ahead of HB changes
The housing benefit drain from central London begins
17 May, 2012
A woman born and raised in Ladbroke Grove in west London has been moved out to Dagenham following the government's cut to housing benefit
Complex benefit system leading to fraud and error
17 May, 2012
New fraud and error figures show why fundamental reform of the benefits system is so vital, Ministers have said
Smartphones and tablets save £1m a year for frontline housing staff
16 May, 2012
ALMO Your Homes Newcastle has invested in new software that will help overhaul its tenant concierge service
MSPs support Scottish welfare changes
16 May, 2012
Proposed new laws to "limit the impact" of UK-wide welfare reforms in Scotland should be passed, MSPs have said
'Victory for rights of disabled' as Government loses spare room benefit case
15 May, 2012
A charity is hailing a victory for rights of disabled people after Court of Appeal rules the HB regs size criteria discriminate against disabled
Report questions legality of household benefit cap
15 May, 2012
The government may have broken equality laws when introducing the total household benefits cap, according to watchdog the Equality and Human Rights Commission
Judgement to force changes to benefit rules
15 May, 2012
Housing benefit rules for private rented tenants discriminate against disabled people and will have to be changed, the Court of Appeal has ruled
Welfare changes could harm work programme
15 May, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has failed to consider the impact welfare reform will have on its flagship employment programme, according to a group of MPs
Getting to grips with the nation's welfare
15 May, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith's welfare reforms are welcome but we need to go further
Council severs link between homelessness applications and social tenancies
14 May, 2012
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is to sever the link between a homelessness application and a social housing tenancy as it overhauls allocations policy
Support for people on sickness benefits to get back into the workplace
14 May, 2012
Thousands of people who have been on sickness benefits for more than 15 years have been found fit to work and will now get support to help them back into a job, new analysis reveals
Balancing rights and responsibilities - rebuilding the social security system in the 21st century
11 May, 2012
Malcolm Wicks argues many voters have lost faith in the welfare system and that to revive it the contributory principle needs to be restored
Shapps issues B&B; warning to councils
11 May, 2012
The housing minister has warned 20 councils to improve the way they deal with homeless people
Flat rentals hit record highs as tenants forced to pay small homes premium
10 May, 2012
The cost of renting a flat in the UK has a reached record high, with tenants being forced to pay a premium for smaller properties, according to property website FindaProperty.com
Housing providers' approaches to tackling worklessness
10 May, 2012
HACT and Inclusion report outlining how housing providers can increase the impact of employment and skills programmes aimed at getting residents into work
The woman who lives in a shed: how London landlords are cashing in
10 May, 2012
Council finds people living in everything from massively overcrowded houses to a walk-in freezer - and the problem is getting worse
Housing association leads way on direct benefit payments in Scotland
09 May, 2012
Dunedin Canmore Housing Association are the first social landlord in Scotland to take part in the DWP demonstration projects
Bedroom tax: 'In the eye of the perfect storm'
09 May, 2012
with less than a year before it comes into effect, how are those housing associations and their tenants preparing for it in the North of England
Save money, downsize
08 May, 2012
Landlord re-launches its 'downsizing' scheme to help assist tenants who may face difficulty with the HB, Welfare Reform, underoccupancy cuts
Government gives one year's notice of benefit cap
08 May, 2012
Letters are being sent this week to households who may be affected by the benefit cap
More than 11,000 households claim benefits worth more than higher rate taxpayers' earnings
07 May, 2012
The figure was disclosed by Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith before letters are sent to households this week explaining a new cap on benefits
Housing providers' approaches to tackling worklessness
04 May, 2012
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion report
Thousands get first warning they may lose their homes as Coalition's benefits cuts arrive
04 May, 2012
Over 90,000 people begin to hear how they will be affected by the new benefits cap
Thousands to learn if their homes are at risk
04 May, 2012
The National Housing Federation is urging councils to share information with housing associations as thousands of households find out their homes could be put at risk by benefit cuts
Landlords risk breaching loan agreements if they reclassify properties to protect their tenants from the 'bedroom tax'
04 May, 2012
Landlords risk breaching loan agreements if they reclassify properties to protect their tenants from the 'bedroom tax'
Income and Expenditure form
03 May, 2012
Complete an income and expenditure form to ensure that income exceeds expenditure and a tenant has enough excess income to pay any rent shortfall
NHF Finance policy quarterly update
02 May, 2012
Spring 2012 - The update provides a snapshot of a range of finance policy issues including information on Welfare Reform
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland 2012
02 May, 2012
Joseph Rowntree report
Charity chief hits out at 'inhumane' work test
02 May, 2012
The government's test to assess whether individuals are suitable for employment is an 'inhumane ordeal' for homeless people, according to head of Crisis
Queries about Housing Benefit expenditure in Merseyside, December 2008 to December 2011
01 May, 2012
Information released under the Freedom of Information Act - May 2012
Fears welfare reforms will increase fast-track evictions
30 April, 2012
Landlords will fast-track possession claims using ‘draconian’ legal measures to defend their businesses against the impact of welfare reform
Duncan Smith opposes Osborne's £10bn welfare cut
30 April, 2012
The work and pensions secretary has suggested £10 billion of further welfare cuts threatened by the chancellor would be opposed by his department
Government to set up 'beds in sheds' task force
30 April, 2012
A new national taskforce will be set up to tackle the issue of "beds in sheds" by taking action against criminal landlords and removing illegal immigrants
Peer pressure
30 April, 2012
The government's welfare reforms faced a fierce opponent in Lord Richard Best as he battled to protect society’s poorest people
Welfare Reform assessing the impact on children
30 April, 2012
Welfare Reform Bill reports by Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY)
New Housing Benefit Regulations (Under-occupation)
30 April, 2012
Read how the draft regulations which govern how the size criteria, also known as the bedroom tax, will be applied. Explanatory cover note by DWP
'We're not a dumping ground for London's poor', says Derby councillor
27 April, 2012
A Derby councillor has hit out at proposals that could see London boroughs relocating homeless housing benefit claimants in the East Midlands
Dromey asks London councils to reveal numbers of displaced LHA claimants
27 April, 2012
Labour's Shadow Housing Minister and Shadow Minister for London have written to London councils asking how many homeless people are being housed outside the capital
Bedroom tax deal struck
27 April, 2012
RSL strikes deal with LA to continue providing 1 & 2 bed homes for homeless people, despite smaller properties being prioritised for tenants hit by bedroom tax
Calls for Government to reform LHA following Newham re-housing row
26 April, 2012
Newham Council's plans to re-house 500 families 100 miles away claiming that they can't afford to stay in the borough with HB caps has provoked a media backlash
Newham's housing crisis is an issue of basic morality
26 April, 2012
Peaks & Plains Housing Trust discarded its letter in disgust at the 'lazy' approach to tackling policy change
Waltham Forest admits moving residents to Luton, Margate and Walsall
25 April, 2012
Waltham Forest is the latest London borough to come under scruinty over its decision to house residents in other parts of the country due to a shortage of suitable homes
Westminster weighs up offer to house homeless in the East Midlands
25 April, 2012
A London borough is considering an offer from a hotel group to re-house dozens of homeless housing benefit claimants to Derby and Nottingham
Send Newham families to Stoke? It reflects a broken housing policy
25 April, 2012
Affordable homes are being demolished, while the budget for new builds is halved and the building industry stagnates
'Social cleansing' housing benefit cap row: Grant Shapps hits back
24 April, 2012
The government has defended its housing benefit cap after it emerged London's Newham council was trying to find homes for some families 160 miles away
The Newham Council letter to Stoke-based Brighter Futures Housing Association - in full
24 April, 2012
Here is the text of the letter from Newham Council to Stoke-on-Trent-based Brighter Futures Housing Association requesting that it leases accommodation to more than 500 families
Q&A;: Rehousing families on benefits
24 April, 2012
Newham council has been accused of "social cleansing" in London. What is meant by social cleansing, and what will it mean for the city?
Fed warns Newham problems are 'tip of iceberg'
24 April, 2012
Moves by a London council to house families hundreds of miles away from the capital are just the 'tip of the iceberg' the National Housing Federation has warned
Families priced out by benefits cap
24 April, 2012
Shelter is urging the Government to consider the damage inflicted on families by cuts to housing benefit
Bedroom tax: 'Why it's the homeless and the elderly that should be worrying'
20 April, 2012
The far-reaching impact of a policy trimming around the edges of benefit expenditure continues to claim new potential victims
Councils not asking landlords to lower rents
20 April, 2012
Three-quarters of private landlords have not been approached by councils about reducing rents in return for direct payment of local housing allowance
Tackling the bedroom tax: finding new homes for cash-strapped tenants
19 April, 2012
Liverpool Mutual Homes has launched a Mersey-wide lettings scheme to help tenants avoid the penalty for under occupation
Housing chief predicts 'acceleration' of Universal Credit claims
19 April, 2012
CEX believes the Government may look to 'accelerate' the transition of benefit claimants on to Universal Credit to achieve projected welfare savings
DWP to 'leave out definition of bedroom' in under-occupation rules
18 April, 2012
The DWP is set to leave out the definition of a bedroom in its published regulations for the under-occupation penalties for social housing tenants
Car dealer hit with fine over benefit fraud
18 April, 2012
A man who bought and sold cars worth up to £540,000 has been found guilty of benefit fraud after failing to declare money earned while trading
Household incomes' biggest drop in 15 years as family finance squeeze goes on
17 April, 2012
Household incomes saw their biggest drop in 15 years in 2011 as the squeeze on family finances increased
Government to invoke controversial rule in bid to squash LASPO changes
17 April, 2012
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that it will invite the House of Commons to invoke 'financial privilege' to overrule eight of the amendments
Right to Buy hits Westminster rents
17 April, 2012
Westminster Council has negotiated with owners of former council flats to lower rents for households affected by the housing benefit cap
New research reveals true benefits of work experience
17 April, 2012
Young people taking part in a Government-backed work experience placement are more likely to get off benefits and into work, according to research
LIN press release - Under occupation and under-35's
16 April, 2012
LIN press release and information leaflet
'Abroad fraud' warning for benefit thieves
16 April, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, sends a warning to people who commit benefit fraud abroad
LIN Member Report April 2012 - Validation of housing benefit by landlords in the private and social rented sectors
15 April, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Warning over housing benefit plan for under-25s
13 April, 2012
Attempts to simplify benefits through universal credit will fail if the government accepts a controversial proposal to stop out-of-work under-25s receiving housing benefit
Cutting housing benefit for under-25s ultimately saves nothing
13 April, 2012
Young housing benefit claimants are infantilised by policymakers, who are ignoring structural economic problems
Real Time Information PAYE pilot goes live at HMRC
12 April, 2012
HMRC has launched a pilot of Real Time Information (RTI) for PAYE.
Ending housing benefit for under-25s? A policy with more holes than a sieve
11 April, 2012
This out-of-touch plan, slipped out just before the bank holiday getaway, contains so many flaws that it surely can't be serious
'Bedroom tax is a complete change of direction for housing'
10 April, 2012
Discussion on the impact of the 'bedroom tax'
Concern over plan to withdraw housing benefit from under-25s
10 April, 2012
Government proposal would hit thousands of vulnerable young people, charities and campaign groups warn
Abundance of land, shortage of housing
10 April, 2012
The government's 'timid' planning reform will not solve the housing crisis, according to a new report by the Institute of Economic Affairs
Homelessness: 'We're entering a very nasty period'
05 April, 2012
The country is entering a "very nasty period" as homelessness soars to levels "unseen for 25 years", Big Issue founder John Bird has warned
Family budgets hit by 'Bad Friday' bombshell
05 April, 2012
CPAG briefing on the cuts, which families will be affected and the consequences for child poverty
Important update briiefing on the Future of HB in supported and sheltered housing
04 April, 2012
Briefing paper
Get Set for Welfare Reform
02 April, 2012
LIN and PHHS can provide support for social sector landlords dealing with the Welfare Reforms
Cost of housing benefit grows as working households struggle to pay rent
02 April, 2012
Almost all new benefit claimants are in employment but hit by wage freezes and shorter hours, study finds
Bishop warns housing benefit cap will lead to 'torn and fractured communities'
30 March, 2012
The former Bishop of Southwark has warned that the Gov's housing benefit cap poses "a real threat to families living in central London communities"
The Growth of In-Work Housing Benefit Claimants: Evidence and policy implications
30 March, 2012
This research analyses the growth of HB claimant numbers in Great Britain in 2025/2011, including the rapid growth in the number of in-work HB claims
Welfare reform: the dangers to older people's housing
30 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Act will hit older people and their housing providers hard and risks overlooking important changes to vulnerable tenants
When affordable rents are no longer affordable
29 March, 2012
The Government is introducing a £500pw cap on household benefits from 2013, but at the same time, is raising the rents for those on the lowest incomes
Universal Credit: The impact on Passported Benefits
28 March, 2012
DWP have published the government's response to SSAC's report into the impact of Universal Credit on passported benefits
Committee seeking views on welfare reform
27 March, 2012
A parliamentary committee in Scotland has called for suggestions for how Scotland should implement the Welfare Reform Act
Benefit IT system 'not fully operational' for launch
23 March, 2012
DWP admit the IT system handling direct payment of housing benefit to tenants will not be fully operational by the implementation date - October 2013
Landlords join up to avoid 'bedroom tax'
23 March, 2012
Landlords across Merseyside are launching a region-wide home swap scheme in a bid to protect their tenants and rental income from the impact of the government's 'bedroom tax'
Universal Credit: Banks unlikely to deliver new financial products ahead of direct payments trial - DWP
22 March, 2012
DWP admit banks are unlikely to deliver new financial products to help social sector manage direct HB payments to tenants in time for demonstration projects
Social landlord considers 'affordability assessments' on prospective new tenants
22 March, 2012
Hyde Housing are considering carrying out 'affordability assessments' on prospective new tenants
Scope response to the Budget
22 March, 2012
Responding to the Chancellor's announcement of the possibility of a further £10 billion of cuts to welfare, Richard Hawkes, CEX of Scope, said:
Critics say cuts in housing benefits will hit most vulnerable
22 March, 2012
Case study - Stephen is a 28-year-old unemployed single man who is about to be hit by the so-called "bedroom tax"
Social landlord fears £1.3 million loss as 2,000 homes declared 'under-occupied'
21 March, 2012
2,000 properties owned by Liverpool Mutual Homes are officially under-occupied based on the Gov's definition of the term according to the landlord
Chancellor threatens further welfare cuts
21 March, 2012
George Osborne has today raised the prospect of further welfare spending cuts in the next spending review
Welfare reform fears prompt small rent increase
20 March, 2012
Knowsley Housing Trust is limiting its rent increase to tenants in preparation for the impact that welfare changes will have
Housing associations bolster rent arrears teams ahead of benefit changes
19 March, 2012
Housing associations are looking to bolster their rent arrears teams ahead of the Government changes to the benefits system, according to research by Badenoch & Clark
MP Adrian Sanders warns on regional benefits system
19 March, 2012
A localised welfare system would penalise deprived parts of the South West, a Devon MP has said
CIH: Holyrood should handle housing benefit
16 March, 2012
Devolving the administration of housing benefit to the Scottish Government would improve the current system by bringing it in line with Scottish policy priorities, a report has said
Welfare reform warning to Scottish councils
16 March, 2012
Audit Scotland has warned of 'significant implications' for councils over the introduction of the universal credit as part of the Welfare Reform Act
Landlord's arrears fears over monthly payment of Universal Credit
16 March, 2012
A HA has spent thousands of pounds on debt advice and targeted campaigns to help tenants pay their rent and sustain their tenancies ahead of UC
DWP to consult on social homes under-occupation
16 March, 2012
The government has said that it 'does not expect' changes to the shared accommodation rate to be applied to social housing tenants
Why the shared room rate doesn't add up
15 March, 2012
Forcing housing benefit claimants under 35 to share a house leaves vulnerable tenants such as single pregnant women at risk
Housing benefit recipients near 5 million
15 March, 2012
The number of housing benefit claimants has risen to almost 5 million, according to the latest figures
Ending Child Poverty: Ensuring Universal Credit supports working mums
14 March, 2012
How will Universal Credit affect poor families? Report by Save the Children
MPs and peers to examine private rented sector
14 March, 2012
A Parliamentary group is to examine the impact welfare reforms will have on young people in the private rented sector
Westminster's new leader hits back at 'social cleansing' accusations
14 March, 2012
Westminster residents will be hit hard by the benefits cap, but the council's new leader, Philippa Roe, says they needn't go far
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit caseload
14 March, 2012
The latest national statistics on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit caseload produced by the Department for Work and Pensions
Benefit reforms 'will hit single working mothers' warns Save The Children
13 March, 2012
Single working mothers in Wales will be hardest hit by reforms to the benefits system, a charity has claimed
Sex offenders forced into shared houses
12 March, 2012
Paedophiles and rapists who used to receive payments enabling them to live on their own could be moved into shared homes with women and children, due to housing benefit reforms
Landlords braced for impact of benefit reform
12 March, 2012
Social landlords are preparing to commit significant amounts of extra cash and resources to ready themselves for the impact of the Welfare Reforms
Grayling backs housing association paid work pilots for young unemployed
12 March, 2012
Unemployed young people will be given the chance to get on the career ladder thanks to a group of social housing providers
Risk warning issued over universal credit
12 March, 2012
The government is taking unnecessary risks through its plans to move to a centralised system for administering benefits, a welfare expert has warned
Conservative MP calls on landlords to pilot 'jam jar' accounts for Universal Credit
09 March, 2012
A Conservative MP has called for RSL's to pilot an existing type of bank account to help tenants better manage their finances ahead of Universal Credit in 2013
Minister Announces £6.6 Million Funding for Citizens Advice Cymru
09 March, 2012
Local Government and Communities Minister Carl Sargeant has announced funding of over £6 million for the next three financial years for Citizens Advice Cymru
Direct payments: are rent arrears set to rocket?
08 March, 2012
Nearly a decade ago, L&Q; trialled paying housing benefit directly to social tenants with disastrous results. The group’s rent arrears nearly doubled
Landlords 'refusing to let to those on benefits', says council leader
08 March, 2012
Private landlords are starting to refuse to let to those on benefits, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council told housing professionals
Welfare Bill turns law 'marking biggest reform for 60 years'
08 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Bill became law today containing some of the biggest changes to the system for 60 years
Iain Duncan Smith: Welfare reforms realised
08 March, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith's Welfare Reform Bill has now become law marking an historic moment for the Coalition Government
LIN Member Report March 2012 - Welfare Reform - What Next?
08 March, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall, Director, PHHS.
Welfare Reform Act 2012: key issues
08 March, 2012
Read briefings on the key issues contained in the Welfare Reform Act 2012
Third of Londoners expect to leave due to high housing costs
07 March, 2012
Almost a third (30%) of Londoners say they expect to be driven out of the capital by the high cost of housing, a new survey by housing and homelessness charity Shelter reveals
Youth homelessness: Falling through the net?
06 March, 2012
Life for Britain's younger generation doesn't seem to be getting easier, young people now face an additional problem - of ending up on the streets
NICVA fears welfare reform will hit poor hardest
06 March, 2012
The body which represents the voluntary sector has warned that the government's welfare reform bill will take £500m a year out of the NI economy
Lords abandon new bid for statutory welfare review
06 March, 2012
A renewed attempt to get an independent review of the impact of the government's welfare reforms enshrined in law has been abandoned
Breaking the Bank : Family Fortunes
05 March, 2012
Families are facing an unprecedented squeeze on their finances and spending as little as £2 a day on food, according to charity Family Action
Were single mothers better off in the 19th Century?
05 March, 2012
As far back as the 1800s, single mothers were receiving benefits. At that time, they would be paid up front and in cash, but were they better off than today?
National Housing Federation disappointed over 'bedroom tax' result
02 March, 2012
The chief executive of the National Housing Federation has said it is 'hugely disappointing' that the government has succeeded in forcing its plans for a 'bedroom tax' through parliament
Man faces deportation after £100,000 benefits con
02 March, 2012
Islington Council has successfully prosecuted a fraudster who conned £100,000 in benefits using a fake French passport
Hove man in £100K Brighton council benefit fraud jailed
02 March, 2012
A man has been jailed for cheating Brighton and Hove City Council out of more than £100,000 in council tax and housing benefits
Welfare Reform Bill passes final House of Lords hurdle
01 March, 2012
The government's controversial Welfare Reform Bill has passed its final hurdle in the House of Lords
Cameron on Welfare Reform: 'An historic moment'
01 March, 2012
The Government's Welfare Reform Bill finally passed on Wednesday night after peers dropped their final resistance to the measures
Government promises independent review of 'bedroom tax'
01 March, 2012
The Government has promised to set up an independent review on the impact of the bedroom tax following the passing of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill
Welfare Reform Bill reaches conclusion
01 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Bill came to the end of the consideration of amendments stage (ping pong) in the House of Lords on Wednesday 29 February 2012
Peer in bid to make welfare reform transparent
29 February, 2012
Crossbench peer Lord Richard Best has tabled a last-ditch amendment aimed at making the impact of controversial welfare reforms more transparent
Charities warn of welfare reform damage
29 February, 2012
One in four people in Wales will be affected by welfare reform, a coalition of poverty charities and voluntary organisations has warned
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales - Stage 1 Analysis
29 February, 2012
The Welsh Govs Ministerial Task and Finish Group for Welfare Reform has commissioned a programme of work to assess the impact of the UK Govs welfare reforms in Wales
Welfare Reform - Implications for Tenancy and Allocations Policies and Strategies
28 February, 2012
PHHS report which sets out the key welfare reform implications to consider building into social housing tenancy & allocations policies and strategies
Benefit reform 'could put 6,000 children into poverty'
28 February, 2012
The number of cases of child poverty in Wales will increase by 6,000 next year as a result of changes to the tax and benefits system
Benefits families could pay off £1m mortgage
27 February, 2012
Almost 100 families are raking in enough HB to fund a £1million mortgage, raising fresh doubts over the Government's cap, according to latest figures
London handed lion's share of £15m housing benefit support cash
27 February, 2012
London has received the lion's share of a funding package announced by the Government to help councils and benefit claimants hit by welfare cuts
Number of rough sleepers in England rises by a fifth
24 February, 2012
Charities warn homelessness will rise further as local authority and housing benefit cuts take effect
Six-month curfew for legal assistant who cheated on benefits
24 February, 2012
A London legal assistant has been sentenced to a six-month curfew order and will have to repay over £7,000 following a prosecution for housing benefits fraud
Billions in benefits go unclaimed, DWP figures show
24 February, 2012
Benefits worth billions of pounds - ranging from pension credit to jobseeker's allowance - go unclaimed each year, figures show
Shared home scheme for former homeless
24 February, 2012
A homelessness charity in London has set up a housing project to help people affected by housing benefit reforms
Cameron rejects call to correct private rents claim
23 February, 2012
David Cameron has refused to correct his claim that private sector rents are falling despite research carried out by Inside Housing that proves the opposite is true
Ken Loach: Government is 'cleansing' London
23 February, 2012
Ken Loach has accused the government of using benefit reform to 'cleanse' central London of poor people because it feels they disfigure the capital
Bedroom tax warning
23 February, 2012
The Scottish Gov has again warned the UK Gov that their Housing Benefit reforms will remove over £54 million a year from the Scottish economy
Massive drop in households claiming housing benefit over cap in Westminster
22 February, 2012
More than 1,000 households in Westminster are no longer living in homes requiring housing benefit higher than the new national caps, it has emerged
Government wins 'bedroom tax' vote
22 February, 2012
The government has comfortably won a vote on the controversial 'bedroom tax.'
Welfare Bill: MPs overturn Lords defeat on spare rooms
22 February, 2012
MPs have voted to overturn Lords' call for changes to the controversial plans for a so-called "bedroom tax", which is part of the Welfare Reform Bill
Bedroom tax vote will hit thousands, warns Federation
22 February, 2012
Thousands of families in social housing face being driven into poverty after the Gov rejected moves to protect vulnerable people from the bedroom tax
'Blow to thousands' as Government forges ahead with 'bedroom tax'
22 February, 2012
Thousands face being "driven into poverty" as a result of the Government forging ahead with plans to cut the HB of social tenants with spare rooms
Benefit cuts will require extra support for migrants
21 February, 2012
Changes to HB mean government ministers, social housing providers and private landlords need to give more help to migrants, a new report has found
Government's bedroom tax 'could create future housing crisis'
17 February, 2012
The Government's proposed 'bedroom tax' could create a future housing crisis, according to a housing chief executive
Jail for £96,000 benefit cheat Helen Ryan, who had £184,000 in savings
17 February, 2012
A mother-of-six has been jailed for claiming benefits when she had over £180,000 hidden in nine bank accounts
Inside Housing proves Cameron rent claim wrong
17 February, 2012
A claim by the prime minister that private rents are falling as a result of welfare reforms was wrong according to research by Inside Housing
Housing benefit cap forces families to leave central London or be homeless
17 February, 2012
As schools struggle to cope with the disruption caused to children, a council officer declares: 'To live in Westminster is a privilege, not a right'
Government to overturn latest 'bedroom tax' exemption
16 February, 2012
The Gov is seeking to overturn a House of Lords amendment to the 'spare bedroom tax' which will cut the HB of social housing tenants with spare rooms
Woman's £100,000 benefit fraud 'largest council has ever uncovered'
16 February, 2012
A Merton woman has been sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty of fraudulently claiming over £100,000 in benefits
Government urged to rethink bedroom tax given second Lords defeat
16 February, 2012
The CIH is urging government to agree concessions on its proposed 'bedroom tax' before the Welfare Reform Bill is returned to the House of Commons
Ministers lose Lords welfare vote
15 February, 2012
Gov plans to cut the housing benefit of social tenants living in homes with spare rooms has been dealt another major defeat in the House of Lords
Fresh plan to overturn new welfare amendments
15 February, 2012
The government will seek to overturn the latest amendment to the welfare reform bill agreed by the House of Lords
Peers in new bid to exempt vulnerable from 'bedroom tax'
14 February, 2012
Gov's Welfare Reform Bill faces fresh opposition in House of Lords after crossbencher peer tables new amendments to limit the impact of the "bedroom" tax
Poll backs one spare room limit for tenants
13 February, 2012
More than two thirds of Inside Housing readers think social tenants on housing benefit should be allowed to have one spare room
LIN member report - Money to spare: How local authorities are failing to award discretionary housing payments
10 February, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Neil merrick
Tenants see 'loss of £100,000' in first wave of housing benefit cuts
10 February, 2012
HB changes to non-dep deductions have cost tenants of a West Midlands housing association £100,000 - with a further £100,000 cut expected next year
CLG admits LHA rates claim error
10 February, 2012
The Communities and Local Government department has admitted incorrectly stating local housing allowance rates will continue to rise from April
Welfare reform calendar 2011 - 2013
10 February, 2012
The Welfare Reform Bill is about to receive royal assent and will radically alter the benefits system
Welfare Reform is 'greatest challenge to housing sector'
09 February, 2012
The Welfare Reform presents the 'greatest challenge' to the housing sector, according to the president of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
SDLP and British government in welfare talks
09 February, 2012
The SDLP have told the government they must show "flexibility and discretion" when it comes to changing the benefits system in Northern Ireland
Mandatory consideration of revision before appeal
09 February, 2012
DWP consultation - issues relevant to the implementation and operation of the appeals reform provisions in the Welfare Reform Bill - consultation closes 4.5.12
Flint: ban benefit payments for substandard homes
09 February, 2012
Private landlords whose homes do not meet minimum energy efficiency standards should be not be able to house tenants on housing benefit, the shadow energy secretary has argued
SDLP delegation to meet minister over benefits reform
08 February, 2012
An SDLP delegation is to meet the minister for welfare reform later to discuss changes to the benefits system
Peers urged to find new exemption to 'bedroom tax'
08 February, 2012
Controversial plans to cut the housing benefit of tenants living in homes with 'spare rooms' returns to the House of Lords next Tuesday
Localism, Welfare Reform and Housing Market Change: Identifying the issues and responding to the challenge
08 February, 2012
HB cuts could see private landlords 'subdivide' homes for smaller families displaced from social housing leading to overcrowding and homelessness
Slashing benefits is a breeze when you disregard the detail
08 February, 2012
Warnings over the unfairness of cuts to child benefit and other payments are simply being ignored by the government
Disabled people experiencing 'benefit scrounger' abuse
07 February, 2012
The government's focus on alleged fraud and overclaiming to justify cuts in disability benefits has caused an increase in resentment and abuse directed at disabled people
Government advisor warns of benefit cap harm
07 February, 2012
Plans to cap benefits at £26,000 could harm vulnerable families and needs to be rolled out carefully, a government adviser has warned
Minister calls on landlords to boost credit unions ahead of likely Post Office link-up
06 February, 2012
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has called on councils and social landlords to help boost their local credit unions
Government benefit cap 'based on myths'
03 February, 2012
The Government's proposed benefits cap is based on a set of myths, a leading charity has claimed
Anger as government halts welfare bill changes
03 February, 2012
The government has come under fire for seeking to use a parliamentary mechanism to prevent further attempts by the House of Lords to change the Welfare Reform Bill
Watchdog shuts down sale and rent back market
03 February, 2012
The Financial Services Authority has shut down the market for businesses that buy homes from struggling homeowners and then rent them back to them
MPs reverse Lords welfare defeats
02 February, 2012
MPs have overturned a series of defeats inflicted on the government's welfare reform bill in the House of Lords
Lords amendments to Welfare Reform Bill beaten
02 February, 2012
The government has succeeded in overturning a series of crucial amendments made by the Lords to the Welfare Reform Bill
Councils forced to meet housing benefit shortfall
02 February, 2012
Local authorities are having to dig into their own budgets to help people meet housing costs, according to government figures
Councils fail to spend £1m earmarked for people at risk of homelessness
01 February, 2012
Six local authorities spend only half the DHP money allocated to them for needy families by the Department for Work and Pensions
Benefit cap: Landlord backs 'nine-months grace' for claimants
01 February, 2012
A housing association has welcomed reports that the Government is to introduce a nine-month transitional period for families affected by the £26,000-a-year benefits cap
'Bedroom tax could cripple me', says father
01 February, 2012
Housing association Bromford is calling for choice and incentives for customers, not penalties, as a planned 'bedroom tax' is discussed in the House of Commons
Labour tables welfare motion as Shapps backs bill
01 February, 2012
The Labour party has tabled a motion calling for the benefit cap to be set by an independent body according to local circumstances, ahead of a series of crunch votes on the Welfare Reform Bill
Under occupation cuts 'would not deliver savings'
01 February, 2012
Proposed cuts to HB for under occupation would cause severe hardship for tenants and not deliver the expected savings, analysis has found
Welfare reform bill - benefit cap Commons live debate
01 February, 2012
Welfare reform bill - benefit cap Commons live debate from the Guardian
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales - stage 1
01 February, 2012
Ministerial Task and Finish Group on Welfare Reform stage 1 report
Landlord estimates arrears bill hit ahead of direct payments pilot
31 January, 2012
David Ashmore, GreenSquare CEX, reveals the landlord's "best estimate" on the impact of direct payments on its arrears bill and considers what's ahead
The impact of cutting housing benefit on under-occupiers in social housing
31 January, 2012
Research reveals the real cost of the bedroom tax
Iain Duncan Smith defiant over benefits cap but concessions expected
30 January, 2012
Removing child benefit from the Government's proposed welfare cap would be "ludicrous" Iain Duncan Smith has said
Labour to back welfare benefits cap
30 January, 2012
Labour party expected to vote in favour of a benefits cap, providing it is set higher in expensive areas such as London
Housing experts warn of homelessness threat
30 January, 2012
The Gov has been warned that its plans for welfare reform are likely to have an impact on homelessness figures and increase the use of B & B's by LA's
Labour wants benefit cap to be set locally
30 January, 2012
Labour has called for the proposed total benefits cap to be set locally rather than at the national limit of £26,000
Tenants demand protection from welfare cuts
30 January, 2012
Campaigners are calling on social landlords not to evict tenants who fall behind on rent payments because of housing benefit cuts
Housing chief calls for child benefit probe after welfare cap rejection
27 January, 2012
A housing boss has called for more clarity on how child benefit is spent - after peers in the House of Lords rejected plans to include it in the £26,000 benefit cap
Housing associations urged to back NHF 'bedroom tax' campaign
27 January, 2012
The NHF is calling on housing associations to support a new campaign to fight a 'bedroom tax' on tenants considered to be under occupying their homes
Don't expect the Tories to regret this bloody battle over benefits
27 January, 2012
Guardian news report
Peers press for details on benefits help
27 January, 2012
The government has come under pressure to publish details of promised transitional arrangements to help people affected by the impact of the proposed total benefits cap
CIH: expect child benefit victory to be overturned
27 January, 2012
The CIH is urging L/Ls to prepare for the consequences of the proposed benefits cap, despite a key defeat for the Gov in the House of Lords this week
London boroughs to be hit hardest by benefit cap
26 January, 2012
54% of London's boroughs contain more than 1,000 households that will be worse off as a result of the government's forthcoming benefit cap
Landlords take 'bedroom tax' fight to MPs
26 January, 2012
Landlords are throwing their weight behind a campaign to stop a 'bedroom tax' on tenants deemed to be underoccupying their homes
PM attacks Labour for 'hypocritical' benefit stance
26 January, 2012
David Cameron has accused Labour of 'hypocrisy' for voting to change the way the £26,000 total benefits cap is calculated despite backing the policy in principle
Welfare reform: Housing association reveals direct payment plans
25 January, 2012
The CEX of Wakefield and District Housing, discusses the landlord's involvement in the 12-month direct payment pilot and what it hopes to learn
Ex-Archbishop Carey attacks bishops over benefit cap
25 January, 2012
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey has criticised Church of England bishops for opposing the government's £26,000-a-year cap on benefits
Assessment of equity release pilot schemes
25 January, 2012
Are equity release schemes the solution for older people? Joseph Rowntree report assesses pilot schemes run by three Local Authorities
Welfare reform: household benefit cap Q&A;
24 January, 2012
Ministers say a £26,000 cap on the amount of benefits families can receive will cut the deficit and incentivise people to find work - fidn out more
Government undeterred over benefits after Lords defeat
24 January, 2012
The government has vowed to press ahead with controversial plans to limit welfare payments despite a defeat in the House of Lords
Benefit cap defeat 'flies in face of public opinion' - DWP
24 January, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says last night's defeat of the £26,000 a year benefits cap in the House of Lords "flies in the face of public opinion".
Landlord to 'rigorously test' direct benefit payments in pilot
24 January, 2012
A housing chief says piloting direct benefit payments to social tenants ahead of Universal Credit will help the landlord "rigorously test the new system" ahead of its implementation in 2013
Benefit cap defeat will be reversed, says Clegg
24 January, 2012
Nick Clegg says ministers will seek to overturn a Lords defeat for plans to cap benefits for households at £26k when the bill returns to the Commons
DWP Stakeholder Bulletin - January 2012
23 January, 2012
This bulletin includes updates on amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill and an update on the switch from DLA to Personal Independence payments (PIP)
DWP additional statistical analyses
23 January, 2012
Including DLA statistices, without reform: 2025/11-2015/16
Big Issue case could help homeless access benefits
23 January, 2012
Big Issue sellers who have been denied access to housing benefit could reapply following a court ruling, a legal centre has advised
Available rented housing cuts in your area: download the data
23 January, 2012
The cuts to HB will leave many people searching for cheaper places to stay. Have a look at the impact of this through the country by downloading this data
Welfare reform bill: household benefit cap Lords debate - live discussion
23 January, 2012
The government is under pressure over proposals critics say will plunge tens of thousands of children into poverty
The Essential Guide to Squeezed Britain
23 January, 2012
The proportion of low and middle income (LMI) earners aged under 35 and renting has more than tripled from 14% in the late 1980s to 47% now, according to the Resolution Foundation
Benefit cut raises housing concerns for u'25s
23 January, 2012
Homelessness charities have raised concerns about the ability of young people to access housing in the private sector following housing benefit cuts brought in this month
Housing benefit cap: can you live on 62p a day?
22 January, 2012
The housing benefit cap will mainly hit stable families on low incomes. Surely this can't be what George Osborne wanted
Paddy Ashdown takes on coalition over benefits cap
22 January, 2012
Former Lib Dem leader says he will vote against government on welfare changes because of effect they would have on children
Leak reveals benefits cap will hit 100,000 children
22 January, 2012
Official figures show many families will be pushed into poverty by coalition reform
Landlord keen on credit union investment ahead of Universal Credit
20 January, 2012
A Merseyside-based housing association says it could invest in its local credit union to support its tenants under Universal Credit
Private tenants urged not to bury their heads in the sand
20 January, 2012
Private tenants in receipt of housing benefit have been urged to contact landlords to negotiate rents. News article by landlord Portfolio
Mixed reaction to Universal Credit direct payment pilots
20 January, 2012
CIH welcomes the direct payments trial with Housing Associations, but the RLA have slammed the trials claiming Private Rented Sector tenants have been "let down"
Benefits cap not about punishing people - Duncan Smith
20 January, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith has told the BBC a planned benefits cap is not "about punishing people", and has said people are "not suffering" under his reforms
Lodger rules to ease impact of bedroom tax
20 January, 2012
Tenants will be able to keep rental income from lodgers without it affecting their benefit entitlement under proposed rule changes
Direct Payment Pilots announced
19 January, 2012
London Residential Landlord Information Network Press release
No Scottish housing association or council named in DWP's direct benefits pilot
19 January, 2012
There are currently no Scottish LA's or HA's signed up to pilot the direct payment of housing benefit to social tenants
Welfare amendments face government fight
19 January, 2012
The government will seek to overturn all amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill when it returns to the House of Commons later in the year
Housing Benefit claims rising
19 January, 2012
The number of housing benefits claimants in Great Britain has risen by more than 130,000 to 4.9 million according to statistics released by the DWP
Welfare reform bill - household benefit cap live discussion
19 January, 2012
Government faces further controversy as Lords prepare to debate proposed £26,000 family benefit cap
UK unemployment rises by 118,000 to 2.68 million
18 January, 2012
UK unemployment rose by 118,000 to 2.68 million in the three months to November 2011 - the highest level for 17 years, according to official figures
ALMO offers up to £2,000 for tenants to downsize
18 January, 2012
South Lakes Housing which manages some 3,500 homes in Cumbria is providing up to £2,000 for tenants to voluntarily downsize
Romanian Big Issue seller wins benefit fight
18 January, 2012
A Big Issue seller has won the right to claim housing benefit after winning a landmark court case
Charities see increase in food bank demand
17 January, 2012
The demand for food parcels is rising, according to charities across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
The cuts in London: where will Lucy live?
17 January, 2012
A case study looking at the impact of Government Housing Benefit caps
Benefit cut to leave 14,000 Manchester tenants worse off
17 January, 2012
Plans to cut the HB from tenants living in homes with spare rooms from 2013 would leave 14,000 social housing residents in Manchester worse off
Government has 'no plans' to change benefit cap
17 January, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has said there are no plans to change the £26,000 cap on benefits despite calls from senior Liberal Democrats
Benefit caps leading to people 'vanishing from neighbourhoods' - Westminster tenant
17 January, 2012
A tenant in Westminster has revealed how caps on HB in the private rented sector are leading to people 'vanishing from his neighbourhood'
60% of landlords displaying 'No housing benefit tenants' in ads - survey
16 January, 2012
60% of landlords are refusing to accept anyone on HB, stating 'no housing benefit tenants' in their adverts, according to a SpareRoom.co.uk survey
David Cameron considers extra £25bn of welfare cuts
16 January, 2012
David Cameron is considering ordering billions of pounds in extra welfare cuts proposed in a confidential Downing Street policy paper, The Daily Telegraph can disclose
Cameron clarifies 'rents are falling' claim
13 January, 2012
Downing Street has issued a statement clarifying claims in the House of Commons that rents are falling as a result of the Government's HB reform
Peers launch second benefit plans rebellion
13 January, 2012
The government is facing a second battle inside a month to get housing benefit reforms agreed by the House of Lords
MPs call for single body to 'oversee' benefits
12 January, 2012
There should be a single body responsible for overseeing the 'interaction' between different benefits, according to Commons public accounts committee report
Housing benefit reforms: a huge gamble on rent cuts
12 January, 2012
The government's hope that the cut in housing benefit will result in landlords lowering their rents could backfire.
Number 10 defends PM's private rents claim
12 January, 2012
Number 10 has defended the prime minister's claim that private rents are falling as a result of the coalition government's welfare reforms
David Cameron claims housing benefit cuts have slashed rents
11 January, 2012
David Cameron claims the Gov's HB cuts have brought down rent levels across the country, despite evidence to suggest they are continuing to reach record highs
Benefits system has given people 'false sense of security'
10 January, 2012
Labour leader Ed Miliband says he is not against a household benefit cap and a fairer allocations system for social housing
Local Housing Allowance caps risk 'ghettoising low-income families'
10 January, 2012
New HB caps for existing tenants in the private rented sector risk 'ghettoising low-income families', according to a London charity
The Lords are the last hope to soften the blows aimed at the poor
10 January, 2012
Poor and disabled people are in line for a battery of financial hits of unprecedented intensity under welfare reforms
Councils forced to call on B&Bs;
06 January, 2012
Councils in London are being forced to place more people in emergency accommodation as tenants are squeezed out of private rented sector housing
Government inflated cost of benefit defeat
06 January, 2012
The government's claim that its 'bedroom tax' defeat will cost taxpayers around £300 million in lost savings has been disputed by the NHF
Social security 'reforms' are a litany of welfare cuts
06 January, 2012
Labour has ducked the fight so far, but the truth will out: this is the tightest squeeze on children's living standards yet seen - Guardian news article
Woman sentenced over £24,000 housing fraud
06 January, 2012
A woman who made more than £24,000 illegally sub-letting her council home has been given a suspended jail sentence
Families with children to be worst affected by benefit cuts - IFS
05 January, 2012
Families with children are going to fare much worse than childless couples as a result of benefit cuts, research by the IFS reveals
Impact of housing benefit cap 'worse in Wales' - CIH
05 January, 2012
More than 30,000 homes in Wales will be out of reach of people on HB as a result of the Government's HB cap, according to CIH
Families with children hit by tax and benefit changes
04 January, 2012
Families with children will be hardest hit by tax and benefit changes aimed at cutting the deficit, according to the Family and Parenting Institute
Housing benefit cuts injure us all
03 January, 2012
The effects of removing support from those most vulnerable to homelessness will be felt across society
Benefits change prompts affordable house shortage fear
02 January, 2012
Benefit system reforms could mean that in many parts of the UK there will be a shortage of housing for families on a low income
Available rented housing cuts in your area: download the data
02 January, 2012
The cuts to housing benefit in Jan will leave many people searching for cheaper places to stay,this Guardian report looks at the impact of the cuts
Housing benefit cuts: 'It's not as if we're living in luxury'
02 January, 2012
Case studies looking at the impact of the coalition's latest cost-cutting measure
Last Christmas with the kids
29 December, 2011
Changes to local housing allowance could block separated parents from having access to their children
Unemployment set to rise in 2012, suggests CIPD
28 December, 2011
Unemployment will rise further in 2012, peaking at 2.85m in 2013 from 2.64m currently, says the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Announcement on direct payment pilots delayed until New Year
23 December, 2011
The Gov has put back the date it will announce the 6 housing Associations & councils who will road test direct benefit payments to tenants to next year
MSPs to withhold consent from UK Welfare Reform Bill
22 December, 2011
MSPs are set to formally protest against changes to the UK benefits system, which some claim will see cuts in payments to the most vulnerable
Where's the peace and goodwill for those on housing benefit?
21 December, 2011
There was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph,& there's little Xmas cheer for those who will struggle with their rents once the HB cap kicks in
Build to Let: Rethinking the use of housing benefit to help families out of temporary accommodation
20 December, 2011
NLGN report - building new homes for social rent across 10 London boroughs would be cheaper than housing people in B&Bs; and temporary accommodation
Local Government Finance Bill
20 December, 2011
Localising support for council tax - Impact assessment
Duncan Smith's answer to the housing crisis won't help the poorest
20 December, 2011
Housing benefit reforms could price the low-paid out of the rental market
Nicola Sedgebeer admits £69,000 Bridgend benefits fraud
19 December, 2011
A 37 year old Bridgend mother has been given a 10-month suspended jail term after admitting fraudulently claiming more than £69k in benefits
Localising support for council tax in England:
19 December, 2011
Government's response to the outcome of consultation
Lord Freud: Government to review direct payments to tenants
16 December, 2011
The Government has announced it is to review its plans to pay housing benefit direct to tenants under the new Universal Credit system
DWP anger at defeat of bedroom tax
16 December, 2011
A Department for Work and Pensions source reacted angrily to the government's shock House of Lords defeat over welfare reform
Government loses bedroom tax vote after peer brands it 'cruel nonsense'
15 December, 2011
The Gov faced a fierce backlash in the House of Lords where plans to dock the HB of tenants living in homes with a spare room were defeated
Council Tax changes won't benefit Londoners
15 December, 2011
London Councils have called on the government to rethink its plans for changes to the Council Tax Benefit scheme
Peers urged to back 'bedroom tax' amendment
14 December, 2011
Ahead of the crunch vote in the House of Lords on under-occupation, The Times has published a letter from David Orr, CEX of the NHF
Charities bracing for increase in youth homelessness
14 December, 2011
From January, a change in housing benefit will mean more people will be classed as single young people when claiming for private rented accommodation
Crucial vote on bedroom tax imminent
14 December, 2011
Housing organisations are lobbying peers ahead of a crucial Lords vote this evening on controversial plans for a 'bedroom tax'
Council cuts: the Manhattanisation of central London
13 December, 2011
Westminster's proposed 'civic contract' foreshadows increasing social inequality in the capital
Welfare reform testing NI's 'parity principle'
13 December, 2011
Will Northern Ireland and England have two different welfare systems?
Peers urged to halt 'grossly unfair' spare bedroom tax
12 December, 2011
Housing bodies in Eng, Scot and NI are calling on the Gov to water down plans to penalise social housing tenants living in homes with a spare room
Landlord offers tenants cash incentive to downsize
12 December, 2011
Tenants living in under-occupied homes are being offered cash incentives to downsize by A2Dominion housing association
Tenants face £26 a week cut for under-occupation
09 December, 2011
Social tenants on housing benefit who are deemed to be under-occupying their homes stand to lose up to £26.65 a week under government plans
Homeless households increase by 13%
09 December, 2011
Recession, cuts, and high rents have contributed to an 'alarming' leap in the number of homeless people in England
Ministers urged on Welfare Reform Bill
08 December, 2011
Scottish ministers have been urged to think about new laws to soften the "significant" impact of planned changes to the UK benefits system
British public take dim view of benefit claimants and don't want new housing built
07 December, 2011
Over half the British public believe state benefits are too high and discourage the unemployed from finding jobs, according to a new report
Transcript of the speech by Minister for Welfare Reform Lord David Freud
07 December, 2011
Capita Welfare Reform Conference on 6 December 2011. He talks about the Universal Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest payments.
Camila Batmanghelidjh says government must 'wake up' to needs of vulnerable young
07 December, 2011
Camilla revealed that when her organisation started 15 years ago 60% of the children who sought its help were homeless. Today, the figure is 84%
Austerity: the rise of the Royle family lifestyle
07 December, 2011
Recession has led to a boom in "multi-generational households" seeking shelter from financial hardship.
LIN member report - Latest news on Welfare Reform
06 December, 2011
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall, Director, PHHS
'Motley crew of social loafers' convicted of benefit fraud
06 December, 2011
Four benefit cheats have been branded 'a motley crew of social loafers' by Hammersmith & Fulham Council after being convicted of fraud
Housing benefit caps force families out of town
06 December, 2011
Benefit caps are pushing the poorest families out of inner-city areas into already overstretched boroughs
Housing benefit cuts: young people face a homelessness 'perfect storm'
06 December, 2011
Recession and spending cuts have already caused a spike in youth homelessness
Martha Lane Fox: almost half offline population lives in social housing
05 December, 2011
The UK digital champion calls on housing professionals to play their part in bridging the digital divide
Debt advice could save landlords £50 million
05 December, 2011
Housing associations should invest in debt advice programmes to avoid evictions and tackle homelessness, a new study claims
Single people face Housing Benefit changes next month
04 December, 2011
From 1.1.12 single people aged from 25-34 who rent from a private landlord will only be entitled to the Housing Benefit shared accommodation rate
Get Britain working
02 December, 2011
Get Britain working - back to work support from Jobcentre Plus - FAQs
Spending cuts blamed for rising benefit bill
02 December, 2011
Housing bodies have blamed government spending cuts for adding nearly £2 billion to the cost of housing benefit over the next five years
Cuts fail to halt £2bn rise in housing benefit costs
01 December, 2011
Housing benefit costs will rise by nearly £2 billion by 2016 despite government efforts to cut the bill
Check UK LHA rates effective from 1 Dec 2011: follow this link
01 December, 2011
Click on 'Find LHA rates' and search for LHA rates by postcode or local authority to find the UK LHA rates effective from 1 Dec 2011
Lone parent obligations: work, childcare and the Jobseeker's Allowance regime
01 December, 2011
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI) report
Benefit cheat claimed partner was her brother in £40,000 swindle
30 November, 2011
A Middlesbrough woman who falsely claimed more than £40,000 in benefits, after falsely claiming she lived alone, has been given a criminal record
'Disabled' wedding dance man jailed for benefit fraud
30 November, 2011
A benefits fraudster who claimed he was bed-ridden yet was filmed dancing at a wedding has been jailed
Lord Freud resists benefit cap amendments
29 November, 2011
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has faced more questions in parliament from peers worried about the proposed benefit cap for workless households
Scottish Housing Benefit changes
28 November, 2011
Information briefings from the Scottish Gov considering the impact of these measures on households in Scotland and on Scottish housing policy
Benefit threat to human rights
25 November, 2011
Whitehall plans to cap benefit for workless households could violate the Human Rights Act, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission
Benefits cap to hit 5,000 Westminster tenants
25 November, 2011
Up to 5,000 private tenants in Westminster are going to be directly affected by the benefits cap from 2013
LIN member report - How to survive Welfare Reform, top tips
24 November, 2011
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall, Director, PHHS
Freud rejects change to calculation of cap
22 November, 2011
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has indicated the government is not willing to change the way the proposed £500pw cap on benefits is calculated
Family settlement threat to housing benefit tenants
18 November, 2011
People on housing benefit could be stopped from bringing a member of their own family to the UK from overseas under new proposals
Ex-Offenders Exempt from Housing Benefit Caps
17 November, 2011
HB caps surrounding the shared accommodation rate have come under strong opposition by housing experts, as blanket caps will not affect ex-offenders
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit caseload
16 November, 2011
The latest national statistics on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit caseload produced by the Department for Work and Pensions
London boroughs could buckle over housing benefit cuts
16 November, 2011
Cheaper London boroughs could buckle as a result of housing benefit cuts in the private sector, a politician in the city has warned
Benefit warning to 'under-employed' tenants
14 November, 2011
Employed tenants could have their housing benefit cut if they do not work enough hours and do not look for more or better paid work.
Top tips: managing cuts to Supporting People funding
12 November, 2011
Comments from the Guardians discussion about Supporting People funding
LHA claims have doubled in three years
11 November, 2011
Local housing allowance claims more than doubled in three years, according to latest figures
Councils 'lose £7m in false bank account scam'
10 November, 2011
Councils have been conned out of more than £7m by criminals using information put on Council websites under transparency drives
Community work for the long term unemployed
10 November, 2011
People unemployed for more than two years who haven't secured sustainable employment could be referred onto compulsory community work placements
Welfare Reform Bill Universal Credit - Equality Impact Assessment
10 November, 2011
This assessment provides a brief outline of the relative impact of Universal Credit on the different groups as defined by equality legislation
New tenancy being looked at for direct payments switch
10 November, 2011
A new type of tenancy agreement is being considered to reduce the impact of HB being paid directly to tenants under Universal Credit
Deadline for direct payment pilot has now closed
09 November, 2011
The deadline for social L/L's wanting to apply to take part in the Department for Work and Pensions direct payment of benefit pilots has now closed
Universal Credit: crunch decisions to be made on housing payments
08 November, 2011
Government ministers will meet this week as they look to define the 'vulnerability criteria' for social sector landlords
Tenants take their welfare reform concerns to Parliament
08 November, 2011
Tenants from 15 housing associations have taken their concerns about proposed welfare reforms to Parliament
Social housing reform:
06 November, 2011
Which areas will become unaffordable for low-income households?
LHA claimants up by 63% in London borough
04 November, 2011
Claimants of Local Housing Allowance (LHA) in London suburb Redbridge have shot up by 63%, new Government figures show
Grieving mother wins battle to stay in 'underoccupied' home
02 November, 2011
A woman who was told to leave her 'underoccupied' home just days after her son died has won her battle to stay - see news report from 24dash.com
Benefits changes 'will hit poorest'
02 November, 2011
Reforming benefits could undo attempts to improve life chances in Wales, First Minister Carwyn Jones has warned
Next steps for moving claimants onto Universal Credit are announced
02 November, 2011
The timetable for the introduction of the new Universal Credit has been published by the government
Lib Dems break ranks on housing benefit cuts
01 November, 2011
According to PoliticsHome, 3 Lib Dem MPs have broken ranks on the Government's cuts to housing benefit by demanding that the legislation be dropped
The impact of cutting housing benefit on underoccupiers in social housing
31 October, 2011
Housing Futures report
Benefits cut for offenders could rise to £25
29 October, 2011
The maximum amount that people on benefit can have docked to pay fines will increase to £25 a week, the government has said
'Draconian' benefit caps to 'force families out of London'
28 October, 2011
The executive member for housing at Islington Council,said on the 'Future State of Welfare' programme,benefit caps are going to have a huge impact
Britons back squeeze on welfare benefits, suggests poll
27 October, 2011
British people are overwhelmingly in favour of having a welfare state, but most want it tightened up, a poll for BBC News suggests
Government has 'no estimates' of arrears from under-occupancy cut
26 October, 2011
Under Government plans,working-age social tenants face HB cuts if they are deemed to be living in homes "too large for their needs"
Lord Freud refuses to budge on direct payments to tenants
21 October, 2011
An amendment which would have given tenants the choice to have their HB paid directly to their landlord under Universal Credit has been withdrawn
Fear that tenants might 'board up windows' over under-occupancy cut
20 October, 2011
Lord Freud has come under fire in the House of Lords over the definition of a "bedroom",in a Welfare Reform debate over benefit cuts
Peer lets rip at 'claustrophobic' benefit cut for spare room tenants
20 October, 2011
A Labour peer has taken aim at the Government's plan to cut the housing benefit of tenants with spare rooms in a speech in the House of Lords
London rents bust £2,000 mark - 14% higher than a year ago
19 October, 2011
The Government had hoped that cutting LHA rates in April, would force landlords to lower rents, however rental prices are continuing to increase
'More than a million families' to lose out in Pickles' council tax benefit cuts
18 October, 2011
Under government proposals to replace Council Tax Benefit with local authority-run schemes more than a million families could lose out
Court rules to allow discriminatory impacts of Housing Benefit cuts
17 October, 2011
The High Court of Justice has passed down judgment in favour of the Government in a Judicial Review brought by Child Poverty Action Group
The impact of cutting housing benefit on under-occupiers in social housing
17 October, 2011
New research has revealed the impact housing benefit changes would have on social housing tenants under-occupying their homes
Universal Credit
14 October, 2011
Councils should retain administrative responsibility for housing benefit, a report by CLG select committee has warned
Peers urged to 'stand by tenants' in direct payments battle
12 October, 2011
Housing bodies call on the Gov to accept an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill which would enable tenants to choose who receives their HB
Social landlord in direct payments pilot ahead of Universal Credit
10 October, 2011
East Thames housing association is to pilot direct benefit payments to tenants ahead of the introduction of Universal Credit from 2013
How social sector landlords can be paid benefits direct
05 October, 2011
LIN member report by Claire Turner looks at how, following Welfare Reform, HB payments could continue to be paid directly to social sector landlords
How private sector landlords can be paid benefits direct
05 October, 2011
LIN member report by Claire Turner, Director, LIN, looks at how HB payments could be paid directly to private sector landlords
Check UK LHA rates effective from 1 Oct 2011: follow this link
03 October, 2011
Click on 'Find LHA rates' and search for LHA rates by postcode or local authority to find the UK LHA rates effective from 1 Oct 2011
Iain Duncan Smith: No to EU 'benefit tourists'
03 October, 2011
Iain Duncan Smith has spoken out about 'benefit tourists' during the Conservative party conference in Manchester
Northern Ireland Housing Executive: new LHA rates for October
01 October, 2011
Weekly Local Housing Allowance rates by district effective from 1st October 2011
Councils facing 'million pound shortfalls' over benefit cuts
22 September, 2011
London Councils warn that government proposals to localise council tax benefit will leave some boroughs short by as much as £4 million
LIN welcomes direct payment pilots but remains concerned over the lack of tenant choice
19 September, 2011
London Residential Landlord Information Network press release
London councils 'write off millions' in benefit overpayments
19 September, 2011
Councils in London have written off millions of pounds worth of debt after failing to claw back overpayments of housing benefit
Leading the market?
16 September, 2011
A research report into whether Local Housing Allowance (LHA) lettings are feeding rent inflation
Direct payments scare off private landlords
16 September, 2011
Private sector landlords are set to snub social tenants if direct payment of housing benefits is implemented, a group has claimed
Lord Freud: direct payment of housing benefit will end if arrears spiral
14 September, 2011
Government plans will protect social landlords from tenants who fail to pay their rent under universal credit
Anger as Welfare Reform Bill debate 'squirreled away' from public scrutiny
14 September, 2011
Peers have agreed to hold the committee stage of the Welfare Reform Bill away from the main chamber of the House of Lords
Lord Freud reveals direct payments pilots at NHF conference
14 September, 2011
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has announced half-a-dozen pilots that will test out direct payments to social housing tenants
Under Universal Credit the majority of claimants renting in the social sector will begin receiving benefits direct
14 September, 2011
Six Demonstration Projects are being set up to trial direct payments to Housing Benefit claimants living in social sector housing
English language training for job seekers on benefits
14 September, 2011
Jobseekers whose lack of English is preventing them from getting a job will have to attend English language training or lose benefits
Speech by Lord David Freud, Welfare Minister
14 September, 2011
At the National Housing Federation Annual Conference
Public accounts committee's question welfare reforms
13 September, 2011
Concerns raised about Whitehall's ability to deliver welfare reforms, while at the same time cutting £2.7bn from the DWP
Landlords unite to challenge government on tenants' welfare payments
13 September, 2011
The aim is to get an amendment into the Welfare Reform Bill allowing tenants the choice of having HB paid directly to their landlord
Discretionary Housing Payments data 2025/11
13 September, 2011
Discretionary Housing Payments data for the year 2025/11 by local authority, their allocation and the proportion actually used by the LA
Top tips: the financial impact of welfare reform
10 September, 2011
What impact will the government's welfare reforms have on local government finance?
Lone parents combining work and welfare: the role of mini jobs and other interventions
01 September, 2011
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion CESI) report
Private landlords 'to stop offering Local Housing Allowance tenancies' due to payments cap
22 August, 2011
According to a report by 24dash.com
Local Housing Allowance and the reform of Housing Benefit
09 August, 2011
This note discusses the implementation of the LHA since 7 April 2008 and proposals for the future reform of Housing Benefit
10-point guide to housing benefit changes and what they mean for social care
08 August, 2011
News report from Communitycare.co.uk
Housing Benefit: implications of the June 2025 Budget and October 2025 Spending Review
04 August, 2011
Outline of the measures aimed at reducing Housing Benefit expenditure set out in the June 2025 Budget and the October 2025 Spending Review
DWP Local Authority Omnibus Survey - Wave 22
03 August, 2011
Three in five local authorities think that local housing allowance changes will affect decisions about discretionary housing payments
HB Backdating letter
02 August, 2011
Housing Benefit template letter, to request that a housing benefit claim be backdated.
Localising support for council tax in England
02 August, 2011
Local government consultation. Closing date 14th October 2011
HB reform transition fund
02 August, 2011
DWP announces successful bidders to the £4m HB reform transition fund
£4m boost for innovative projects to support Housing Benefit reforms
02 August, 2011
Ten innovative projects will play a key role in restoring fairness to the Housing Benefit system
Government accused of 'social cleansing' in High Court housing benefit battle
21 July, 2011
24dash.com news report
Amendment to planned welfare reforms
19 July, 2011
An exemption in HB regs will protect some previously homeless people from the extension of the Shared Accommodation Rate for 25-34 year olds
The Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2011
19 July, 2011
Link to the Regulation change made to the Shared Accommodation Rate that will protect some previously homeless people
Unfair Shares
19 July, 2011
A report on the impact of extending the Shared Accommodation Rate of Housing Benefit by the Centre for Housing Policy and Crisis
Government's Welfare Reform Bill delayed
15 July, 2011
The Government has been forced to delay the 2nd Reading of the Welfare Reform Bill until 13.9.11.
New taskforce to crack down on benefit cheats
13 July, 2011
A new Mobile Regional Taskforce to combat fraud will be visiting all high risk postcodes across the country re-examining claims
Landlords 'refusing to take people under 34' ahead of housing benefit cuts
13 July, 2011
The chief executive of homelessness charity Thames Reach says private landlords are already refusing to take people under the age of 34
The Governments Green Deal
08 July, 2011
Member report by Paul Maplethorpe, Affordable Warmth & Sustainable Energy Coordinator, Rotherham MBC
English Housing Survey 2009-10 Household Report
05 July, 2011
The Department for Communities and Local Government have published the English Housing Survey Household Report 2009-10 on Tuesday 5 July 2011.
Eric Pickles warns David Cameron of rise in homeless families risk
04 July, 2011
A leaked letter, from the office of Eric Pickles has warned that welfare reform will make 40,000 more families homeless
Housing benefit cuts: Tory flagship prepares to give 5,000 households their marching orders
04 July, 2011
Telegraph article
Table of Councils decreasing Local Housing Allowance rates
30 June, 2011
Based on the new LHA rates from April 2011
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
29 June, 2011
Everything tenants and landlords need to know in order to make a successful claim for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Member report by Claire Turner, Director, LIN
UK Housing review June 2011
21 June, 2011
Chartered Institute of Housing report by Hal Pawson and Steve Wilcox
Under occupancy penalty could force struggling families into hands of loan shark
31 May, 2011
David Orr calls government plans on under-occupation penalty harsh and regressive
The housing safety net is being undermined at the very time it's needed most
04 May, 2011
Shelter Chief Executive Campbell Robb
Housing Benefit and welfare reform: impact of the proposed changes on black and minority ethnic communities
03 May, 2011
Paper by the Race Equality Foundation
British Property Federation questions muddled policy on homes for young people
27 April, 2011
Local authorities up-and-down the country are stopping construction of HMOs
Worrying times ahead for homeless in England
20 April, 2011
Homeless link research indicates that cuts are already hitting homelessness services
DWP delivery plan 2011-12
08 April, 2011
How DWP will implement the government’s programme of welfare and pensions reform
Proposed amendments to the Council Tax discount disregards order 1992
08 April, 2011
Summary of responses
Fairness finally restored to the Housing Benefit system as new rules come into force
01 April, 2011
DWP press release
Welfare Reform April 2011 (private sector)
01 April, 2011
Welfare reform and the forthcoming changes to Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance. Member report by Claire Turner, Director, LIN
Housing Benefit - Local Housing Allowance private rented sector
01 April, 2011
LHA Information Leaflet
Welfare Reform April 2011 (social sector)
01 April, 2011
Welfare reform and the forthcoming changes to Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance. Member report by Claire Turner, Director, LIN (report added to site 5.10.11)
An evaluation of the sanction of Housing Benefit
29 March, 2011
DWP report on sanctions which were piloted in eight local authority areas in England
Oxford City Council - Benefits service inspection
24 March, 2011
The benefits service provided by Oxford City Council is 'poor' and has 'uncertain' prospects for improvement.
The impact of Welfare Reform Bill measures on affordability for low income renting families
07 March, 2011
Shelter policy research report
The Impact of Welfare Reform Bill measures on affordability for low income private renting families
07 March, 2011
Shelter research report
Borough of Broxbourne - Benefits service inspection
24 February, 2011
The Borough of Broxbourne's benefits service has been awarded a 'fair' one-star rating with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Wiltshire Council - Benefits service inspection
17 February, 2011
Wiltshire Council provides a 'fair' one-star benefits service with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
London Borough of Hounslow - Benefits service re-inspection
17 February, 2011
London Borough of Hounslow provides a 'fair' one-star benefits service with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Cornwall Council - Benefits service inspection
17 February, 2011
Cornwall Council provides a 'fair' one-star benefits service with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Wakefield Council - Benefits service inspection
17 February, 2011
Wakefield Council provides a 'good' two-star benefits service with 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Welfare Reform Bill 2011
16 February, 2011
On 16 February 2011 the Welfare Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament. The Bill legislates for the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years.
Benefits cap to hit 5,000 Westminster tenants
25 January, 2011
Up to 5,000 private tenants in Westminster are going to be directly affected by the benefits cap from 2013, according to the man responsible for housing in the borough
Central Bedfordshire Council - Benefits service inspection
13 January, 2011
The benefits service provided to customers by Central Bedfordshire Council is 'poor' with 'poor' prospects for improvement.
Redditch Borough Council - Benefits Service re-inspection
06 January, 2011
Redditch Borough Council provides a 'good', two-star benefits service that has 'promising' prospects for improvement.
Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit Overpayments Guide
01 September, 2025
DWP guidelines (updated September 2025)
Distributional effect of tax and benefit reforms
26 August, 2025
Report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies
21st Century Welfare - Calling time on Benefits Culture
03 August, 2025
The proposals set out within the document were open for consultation until 1 October 2025
Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit Guidance Manual
23 June, 2025
DWP guidance (updated 23 June 2025)
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
07 April, 2008
The Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance, Information Sharing and Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulations 2008
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance and Information Sharing) Amendment Regulations 2007
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Rent Officer (Housing Benefit Functions) Amendment Order 2007
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (State Pension Credit) (Local Housing Allowance, Information Sharing and Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulations 2008
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
02 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance, Miscellaneous and Consequential) Amendment Regulations 2007
Welfare Reform Act 2007
30 September, 2007
Welfare Reform Act 2007 (Commencement no 4 and Savings and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007
'Punishing the poor': Manchester anti-cuts protesters to march in honour of bedroom tax suicide victim
30 November, -0001
Bedroom tax protestors to march across Manchester to honour the memory of a grandmother who ended her life after losing £80 a month from her benefits