Has the bedroom tax failed?

looking at the recent resignation of ids over these new cuts and the harshness of them, is another one of their policies another failure "the bedroom tax" . councils up and down the land cannot rehouse tenants because of adequate housing to suit their needs but people are still being forced to pay the "tax". I know someone who being over pensionable age (so the tax dosent apply)wanted to downsize to a 2 bedroom from a three and were told no they could only have a flat (which yes you guessed it none available) so this person has now refused and sat in a 3 bedroomed house which could be better used by a family. this is Sheffield council policy by the way

There are flats without waiting times (first come first served) every week on the SCC council housing website, so something doesn't add up with your story.

If someone wants to be picky about what the property they downsize to, then it's their problem not SCC's.

looking at the recent resignation of ids over these new cuts and the harshness of them, is another one of their policies another failure "the bedroom tax" . councils up and down the land cannot rehouse tenants because of adequate housing to suit their needs but people are still being forced to pay the "tax". I know someone who being over pensionable age (so the tax dosent apply)wanted to downsize to a 2 bedroom from a three and were told no they could only have a flat (which yes you guessed it none available) so this person has now refused and sat in a 3 bedroomed house which could be better used by a family. this is Sheffield council policy by the way

There are plenty of 2 bed houses for rent and if he won't move into one that is available they shouldn't expect the tax payer to pay for a house that is too large for their needs.

There are plenty of 2 bed houses for rent and if he won't move into one that is available they shouldn't expect the tax payer to pay for a house that is too large for their needs.

I think the point he was making is the person is in their 3 bed house, which they can stay in and want to drop down to 2 bed but are not allowed because their circumstances would only merit a 1 bed flat if they applied from scratch.

So they are taking up a three bed rather than a two bed which seems a little inflexible.

I think the point he was making is the person is in their 3 bed house, which they can stay in and want to drop down to 2 bed but are not allowed because their circumstances would only merit a 1 bed flat if they applied from scratch.

 

So they are taking up a three bed rather than a two bed which seems a little inflexible.

nail on head here so to me this situation has failed and the councils under pressure from the government are onto a losing battle (btw the thread title should say bedroom tax instead of benefit tax could a mod please correct) thanks

I think the point he was making is the person is in their 3 bed house, which they can stay in and want to drop down to 2 bed but are not allowed because their circumstances would only merit a 1 bed flat if they applied from scratch.

 

So they are taking up a three bed rather than a two bed which seems a little inflexible.

They can move into a two bed house but they will have to pay the difference, and its fair to everyone that they do pay the difference.

They can move into a two bed house but they will have to pay the difference, and its fair to everyone that they do pay the difference.

Wrong end of the stick.

They can get HB because they are exempt from bedroom tax by age.

The council won't offer them a 2 bed because they only need a 1 bed.

If they pay in cash ,HB or buttons they aren't eligible for 2 bed.

They can move into a two bed house but they will have to pay the difference, and its fair to everyone that they do pay the difference.

No they can't, thats the problem. The council will only allow them to drop from 3 bed to flat rather than 3 bed to 2 bed.

It was introduced only to save money so in that sense it's been a success. Horrible policy though.

No they can't, thats the problem. The council will only allow them to drop from 3 bed to flat rather than 3 bed to 2 bed.

Being a council tenant doesn't stop them moving into the private rented house.

---------- Post added 19-03-2016 at 18:57 ----------

Cash Incentives for downsizing Tenants

we will give you a higher priority on the housing waiting list, either band two or three depending on how many bedrooms you are freeing up

you can bid for properties that meet the bedroom needs for those in your household

if you are a couple moving from a 3 or 4 bedroom house you will also be able to bid for a 2 bedroom flat or bungalow, even if you need only 1 bed

https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/moving-to-different-council-housing/help-to-downsize-your-property

e will pay you the grants below if you move from family sized accommodation of two or more bedrooms to a smaller property

£1000 to be paid per bedroom as a result of downsizing

An additional £1000 if a tenant moves to a studio in a sheltered scheme

£500 towards relocation costs (if required we may be able to pay your removals direct to the removal company and this will be deducted from your final payment).

http://www.lewes.gov.uk/housing/incentive-scheme.asp

If this doesn't apply in Sheffield its the councils fault not the governmets fault.

It was introduced only to save money so in that sense it's been a success. Horrible policy though.

but its a policy that is getting money out of people through no fault of their own through lack of adequate housing:roll:

More than £700,000 worth of cash incentives have been paid out to social housing tenants in Devon to encourage them to move into smaller properties.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-19005758

---------- Post added 19-03-2016 at 19:00 ----------

Fareham Borough Council is offering its tenants a lump sum as an incentive to move from family accommodation – two bedrooms or more – in to a smaller home.

Read more: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/politics/fareham-borough-council-offers-cash-incentive-to-downsize-your-home-1-4941468#ixzz43NRLnQU6