Bedroom tax slammed

THE boss of an Oldham housing group has launched an attack on a “bedroom tax” on the poorest households.

Bernard Gallagher, chief executive of the Regenda Group - which provides housing in the borough - has joined those hitting out at plans to cut housing benefits under the Welfare Reform Bill.

He argues that a lack of small homes on the market means those with spare bedrooms will be penalised with higher rents or taxes if they can’t move to smaller properties.

“This will affect some of the most vulnerable groups in our community,” he warned, “from grandparents who care for their grandchildren, families with same-sex teenagers who will be asked to share a bedroom and families which foster, or single parents who share the care of their children.

“If the bill is passed without any amendments, households will be forced to choose between going into debt, cutting back on essentials or trying to move. With so few smaller homes available, many will not even have that choice.”

He is calling on the government to ensure amendments are made to the bill to remove the “spare room” provisions.