Caerphilly County Borough Council has said it is keen to hear from people who will be affected by the incoming changes to housing benefit.
From April 1 2013, changes to housing benefit by the UK Government will mean that working-age recipients could face a cut of 14% to their payments for one spare bedroom, and a 25% cut for two spare bedrooms or more.
Critics have called these changes the “Bedroom Tax”.
The council is keen to clarify that children with disabilities will be exempt from having to share a bedroom if appropriate evidence is provided to demonstrate it is inappropriate for them to share a room.
The relevant evidence, for example, would be evidence from a health professional involved in the care of the child, which may be supported by the receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
The evidence provided will need to not only take into consideration the nature and severity of the child’s disability, but also the impact of disturbed sleep on the child who would normally be required to share.
Cllr Keith Reynolds, deputy leader of council, said: “Our teams are working tirelessly to deliver support to tenants who are affected by the impending changes to Housing Benefit introduced by the Department for Work and Pension. We hope that by providing information and clarity on the issue we can help our residents understand how the changes imposed by the UK government will affect their household and how they can prepare for it.”
The regulations have been subject to other changes already. For instance, changes have been introduced for Foster Carers and parents of currently serving Armed Forces personnel, which will benefit some residents.
The Council is to be congratulated on its efforts to help tenants but, let's be clear, the government has made only a few concessions. A large number of disabled people and those who are less well off will still be hit badly. This 'bedroom tax' is profoudly unfair.
It is interesting that Caerphilly Council require a higher level of evidence than other councils. An award of the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance would be the result of a need for care at night. Which should be sufficient unless the medical evidence is proof that even with slippers a carer is not silent.