Bed tax could hit thousands of Oldham homes

MORE than 3,700 families living in “oversized” social housing across Oldham are set to be hit by Government plans to tackle under-occupancy.

Ministers want to tackle the problem and reduce the housing benefit bill by stopping residents of council or housing association property from having an extra bedroom. Under the current rules, one spare bedroom is allowed.

Under the Welfare Reform Bill, returning to the Commons today, families will be forced to find the extra money to pay their rent if MPs give the plans the go-ahead.

In December, members of the House of Lords opposed the Government, backing a cross-party amendment to exempt families with just one additional bedroom where there are no alternative properties to downsize to.

Nearly 80 housing, family and disability organisations are calling on MPs to ensure the Government listens to the clear message sent by peers by allowing this compromise to stand.

Based on the Government’s figures, 1,884 families in Oldham East and Saddleworth and 1,838 in Oldham West and Royton are expected to be asked for an extra £10.22 a week — about £531 a year. Grandparents who share the care of grandchildren, families with two same-sex teenagers with their own bedrooms and disabled tenants who need an adapted room will see their incomes cut if the bill passes unamended.

The changes would come into force in April 2013.