Bedroom tax on a room which is not a bedroom?

[citizenB]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21490546

[abc123def]

It is silly. If one of my 3 beds were vacated I would lose £14 a week HB as my rent is £100 a week. If I could not afford that, as there are no 2 bed social housing available here I would/could move into a private rented 2 bed property that costs £700pcm and HB would cover the lot. That fiasco will have cost the country an extra £300+ a month.

 

However moving would not save me money as I have had the property adapted using a DFG for my disabilites and the terms and conditions say if I move within 5 years I have to pay it back and that would cost me well into 4 figures. So it's cheaper to stay.

[Crazy Diamond]

This is a proper legal opinion, and it's from Govan, so well worth following:

 

http://govanlc.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/glasgow-advice-agency-calls-for-local.html

 

It IS valid for the while of the UK, not just Scotland, btw.

 

and this thread here debates things too:

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?382573-100-000-Scots-could-cash-in-on-bedroom-tax-loophole&p=4144240&viewfull=1#post4144240

 

and finally:

 

http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/tenancies/landlord-reclassifies-homes-to-avoid-bedroom-tax/6525752.article

[SWLABR9]

It is silly. If one of my 3 beds were vacated I would lose £14 a week HB as my rent is £100 a week. If I could not afford that, as there are no 2 bed social housing available here I would/could move into a private rented 2 bed property that costs £700pcm and HB would cover the lot. That fiasco will have cost the country an extra £300+ a month.

As I understand it, you'd be unlikely to be able to move to the private rented sector, as would anyone on benefits. By and large, private landlords don't want benefit claimants as tenants.

[estellyn]

As I understand it, you'd be unlikely to be able to move to the private rented sector, as would anyone on benefits. By and large, private landlords don't want benefit claimants as tenants.

 

True, we're in a private rented house that is unsuitable for my my disability, but can't get a private rented ground floor flat or bungalow - and we've tried and tried.

[bio]

I was under the impression that if a property has been extensively adapted for a disabled person, then it is exempt from the bedroom tax.

[SWLABR9]

It would be helpful if you could suggest a basis for your impresion. Meanwhile, here's a thoughtful and informative post on the subject http://nearlylegal.co.uk/blog/2013/02/room-without-review-thoughts-on-tackling-the-bedroom-tax/

[caro]

I was under the impression that if a property has been extensively adapted for a disabled person, then it is exempt from the bedroom tax.

 

I'm pretty sure that's right.

[abc123def]

It has to be extensive though, and bathroom adaptions are not extensive apparently. So it wouldn't help me. And people with extensive adaptions are not exempt from the bedroom tax but are eligible for a discretionary payment, but again that is discretionary and will need to be decided on each year so no security or peace of mind there.

[id6052]

It has to be extensive though, and bathroom adaptions are not extensive apparently. So it wouldn't help me. And people with extensive adaptions are not exempt from the bedroom tax but are eligible for a discretionary payment, but again that is discretionary and will need to be decided on each year so no security or peace of mind there.

 

that is one of the many flaws in this legislation - the government keep citing DHP as the solution

 

if the government really wanted to protect those in adapted properties, they should have been exempted from bedroom tax, not left at the mercy of how much money councils have left to pay DHP

[Nystagmite]

DHP is only meant to be paid on a temporary basis, I seem to remember.

[estellyn]

DHP is only meant to be paid on a temporary basis, I seem to remember.

 

Yes, some authorities make you reapply every three months and don't like giving repeat awards.

[snugs1235]

Just a quick update to let all those who have helped me know, I have finally sorted this with the council and they now agree that this should not be classed as a bedroom.

 

I am very happy to be able to stay in my home and not have to pay extra rent

 

thanks to those who gave me advice.

[Desperate Daniella]

Really, really happy for you, snugs. So glad you don't have the worry of this hanging over you any longer.

[citizenB]

This is excellent news

[abc123def]

Brilliant news well done.