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'Bedroom tax' prompts surge in pleas for council aid 'Bedroom tax' prompts surge in pleas for council aid
(4 months later)
The number of people claiming extra handouts from councils to meet housing costs has soared following the introduction of the so-called "bedroom tax".The number of people claiming extra handouts from councils to meet housing costs has soared following the introduction of the so-called "bedroom tax".
More than 25,000 people applied for discretionary housing payments (DHP) to help cover their rent in April, compared with 5,700 in the same month last year, according to an analysis of 51 councils by the Independent.More than 25,000 people applied for discretionary housing payments (DHP) to help cover their rent in April, compared with 5,700 in the same month last year, according to an analysis of 51 councils by the Independent.
The government has substantially increased DHP funding for local authorities to help those most affected by the withdrawal of what ministers call the "spare room subsidy".The government has substantially increased DHP funding for local authorities to help those most affected by the withdrawal of what ministers call the "spare room subsidy".
A Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) spokesman said officials were "monitoring" the situation to ensure those who needed support received it.A Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) spokesman said officials were "monitoring" the situation to ensure those who needed support received it.
The regulations introduced on 1 April led to reductions in housing benefit payments to social tenants assessed to be under-occupying their accommodation.The regulations introduced on 1 April led to reductions in housing benefit payments to social tenants assessed to be under-occupying their accommodation.
Under new "size criteria", tenants with one spare bedroom have had a payment reduction of 14% and those deemed to have two or more spare, a reduction of 25%.Under new "size criteria", tenants with one spare bedroom have had a payment reduction of 14% and those deemed to have two or more spare, a reduction of 25%.
The Independent reported that in some areas the influx of people seeking help had forced councils to hire extra staff. Birmingham saw the number of DHP claimants rise from 496 in April last year to 2,601 last month, and the city council said many of those hit by the welfare reforms were turning to "last-resort services" such as food banks.The Independent reported that in some areas the influx of people seeking help had forced councils to hire extra staff. Birmingham saw the number of DHP claimants rise from 496 in April last year to 2,601 last month, and the city council said many of those hit by the welfare reforms were turning to "last-resort services" such as food banks.
Glasgow saw the highest number of claimants of any council in the country, with 5,501 claims for help. PAGlasgow saw the highest number of claimants of any council in the country, with 5,501 claims for help. PA
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