Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert is urging people affected by the “Bedroom Tax” to write to the council to ask for an exemption.
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 labelled the cut a “Bedroom Tax”.
Local authorities do have the discretion to exempt people from the cut and the Caerphilly AM is urging people to contact the council for advice.
Mr Cuthbert said: “Many people have contacted me with concern regarding the likely negative consequences of the bedroom tax. I’ve been clear from the start that the implications of the welfare reforms will be felt hard in my constituency and I oppose them strongly.
“I would however ask all those affected by the changes to seek advice from the local authority on whether there could be exemptions on health or disability grounds. It’s important that everyone is armed with all the information.”
Julie Williams, a resident living in Energlyn, is a mother of a child who has Cerebal Palsy.
She recently got in touch with Mr Cuthbert and Labour MP Wayne David MP to see if her family could be exempted from the cut.
After receiving advice to contact Caerphilly County Borough Council direct, Ms Williams wrote a detailed letter alongside supporting letter from her son’s school and GP providing medical evidence of his care needs during the night.
Within an hour of dropping off her letter she received a telephone call from Caerphilly Council to inform her that her application to be exempted from the bedroom tax was successful.
Ms Williams said: “Initially I was horrified to think that my son Jack, who requires full time day and night care with personal care needs, would have been expected to share a room.
“I found Caerphilly Council very helpful, and once I had provided them with the information they needed regarding my son’s medical evidence they were happy to continue paying full housing benefit and allow my son the right to his own room.
“I was unaware they could make this decision, so I would urge anyone in the same situation as myself to contact housing benefit direct as soon as possible. I would also advise people to provide as many details as you can and seek support from your GP or health professional.”
Mr Cuthbert added: “Julie’s situation reinforces how crucial it can be when people fight their corner. I strongly urge others to do the same.”
In neighbouring constituency Iswlyn, Labour MP Chris Evans has revealed that almost 1,200 people will be affected by the reduction in housing benefit.
A petition signed by residents from across Caerphilly County Borough will be presented to the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Exemption implies that they are not subject to the new rules, they are indeed subject to them and have qualified for an extra bedroom allowance under those rules. There was no element of discretion and such misinformation is hardly helpful.