Green Party controlled Brighton city council has confirmed it will refuse to evict those who cannot afford to pay the ‘bedroom tax’. The council is the first in the UK to take such a position.

Green Councillor Liz Wakefield said: “As Greens, we cannot throw people out onto the streets just because they’re unable to pay it. I will therefore be bringing proposals that seek to ensure no household will be evicted from a Brighton and Hove City Council owned home as a result of ‘spare room subsidy’ rent arrears accrued solely from that household’s inability to pay this unjust bedroom tax.

Last month, Edinburgh Green party councillors proposed the same measure there. In that case, the city council agreed to investigate the possibility, and will decide on the matter in the coming weeks.

Excellent! It's a shame they can't just refuse to introduce it though, because those people will still have to handle the stress of going into debt.

Labour MP and Shadow Cabinet member Helen Goodman says Labour would keep the bedroom tax for people who refused to move if offered smaller accommodation.

Can anyone answer this question? I guess I could find out, but thought I'd be lazy and just ask here.

I live in a "three bedroom" property. It was advertised and sold as a "three bedroom" property. Except one of the "bedrooms" is so tiny you literally cannot swing a cat in there. I have cats so I know. You could get a single bad in there but not much else. How does this square with the bedroom tax? Say it was a rented property and say the two of us were claiming as individuals, would we be penalised for having a box room that would realistically only serve as a bedroom for a very small child or the incredible shrinking man?


No cats were harmed in any way by being swung. They were gyrated responsibly in a gentle fashion and were purring throughout. Do not swing your cat before first seeking advice from a qualified professional

There is an aspect of this which I never see mentioned.

The majority of people targeted by this tax will have a spare room as a result of having raised a family and now they've moved on.
That also means these are not just peoples 'houses' it's their home, in their community, with all the inter-relationships and support that implies.

Another aspect is the costs of moving, refitting and decorating, if you're fortunate enough to find somewhere else suitable, (Damn unlikely atm).

This entire thing is a disaster. It looks at 'units' not people. Many, many will be taxed, not because they don't want to move but because there is nowhere to move to. So, in effect they are being punished for the lack of provision on their councils part.

This must fall!!

dogsmilk wrote: It would depend whether that room had been previously listed with the council as a bedroom or a cupboard.

Knock down the wall between the rooms?

I think it doesn't get mentioned because really everyone knows they don't give a fuck if it's your home.
People on benefits don't have 'homes'. They have lairs from which they emerge to sponge from the taxpayer and retreat back into to watch Jeremy Kyle. They should feel pitifully grateful they're not on the streets and live where they're fucking told.

But, but .............. The Big Society Dave .......................

It's just one racket after another but we'll have Kate's birth to look forward to as we, drop our eyes, tug our forelocks and ask for more gruel.

Cunts!

Dundee becomes 1st Council to refuse ’bedroom tax’ evictions







Reports from last night’s meeting at Dundee City Council state that the authority has voted through a pledge not to evict tenants who fall behind on their rent as a result of the ’bedroom tax’.

The measure, reported to be in place for the next 12 months, has not been officially confirmed by the Council.

Councillor Jim McFarlane said: “Why should people who have lived in their home for 10, 20, 30 years be forced out by this government?”

“This is an attack on the poor by a government for the rich. It comes from ministers who have not just a spare bedroom or two but a spare mansion or two.”

Mike Dailly, who has campaigned actively against the new tax, said ; “the bottom line here is a council that is making a commitment which no-one can deny is progressive, and a big step in the right direction.”