Spare room woes

The analysis has revealed that a staggering 60 per cent of tenants affected by this welfare reform have been unable to meet their basic housing costs since their benefits were reduced. Although one in five claimants have registered an interest in downsizing, shortages of smaller properties mean just 4.5 per cent of tenants were able to move to a smaller home. As a result, some have no choice but to cut back on food and energy, and others are running up debts through credit cards and payday loans.

As part of a charity supporting people in financial need in the UK, we at Turn2us know these findings echo the experiences of our users – over a third of whom are social housing tenants. Many have to choose between heating their homes or buying food for their families, or have turned to high credit lenders in their desperation to cover rising bills.

We’re also concerned by recent Government figures showing that almost two-thirds of councils have not paid their total Discretionary Housing Payment allocation to tenants. Funding for the payment was increased to help people affected by benefit changes including the spare room subsidy, so it’s vital that this additional support is accessed by those in need.

With the gap between incomes and living costs widening for an increasing number of people, it’s important they are aware of the support available to them. Anyone who is struggling can use our free benefits calculator and grants search at www.turn2us.org.uk to see if they are eligible for any additional financial support.

Alison Taylor

Director

Turn2us

200 Shepherds Bush Road

London W6 7NL

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