Welfare Reform Plans 'Punish the Poor'

Scottish Government Housing Minister, Keith Brown, has expressed concerns about the impact that the UK Government’s Housing Benefit reforms will have on poorer households in Scotland. The reforms will cost the Scottish economy £54m and will impact most heavily on the poor and people living within the social rented sector.  

The changes are being made with scant regard to the number of available properties and are bound to lead to an increase in evictions and homelessness as households struggle with the 'bedroom tax', for under-occupied homes, which will see Housing Benefit reduced for those with spare rooms.  Those under-occupied by one room will lose 14 Per Cent of their benefit.  Where they are under occupying by two or more bedrooms the deduction will be 25 Per Cent.

Source:  Scottish Government

Tags: Poverty, Welfare