A GOVERNMENT minister has defended the controversial ‘bedroom tax’ after a cash-strapped South Tyneside couple warned they will suffer because of radical welfare changes.
Jobless Tracy and Walter Little, who live in a three-bedroom property in Hautmont Road, Hebburn, say they could be forced to choose between eating or heating their home, when major benefit reforms take effect next month.
The changes will mean the couple, who receive employment support allowance, will lose £44 a month in benefit because they have three bedrooms.
The couple say the ‘bedroom tax’ is “unfair,” describing their 68sq ft smallest bedroom as “a tiny, old-fashioned box room”.
But Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has defended the new welfare reforms, with particular reference to overcrowding in South Tyneside.
He said: “When 13,101 households are stuck on a waiting list for social housing in South Tyneside, there’s a big problem that needs addressing.
“And it can’t be right that many households across the North East are living in an overcrowded home.
“There’s nothing fair about making families wait and wait for a house that is big enough, while other households on benefits are allowed to live in homes that are too big for their needs, at no extra cost.”
Mr Duncan Smith added: “Many working families in South Tyneside cannot afford the luxury of having spare bedrooms, and the Government cannot afford to pay for bedrooms that are not being used.
“That’s why from April, housing benefit claimants living in social housing with spare bedrooms will be expected to make a contribution towards the rent for those spare rooms.”
Mr Duncan Smith said that on average, the extra charge for claimants will be £14 a week.
He said: “Some people will decide to take up work, or work a few more hours to cover the difference.
“Others will want to move to more appropriately-sized accommodation or take in a lodger.”
The Government has stressed that pensioners and those living in temporary accommodation will not be affected by the changes.
A spokesman for South Tyneside Council described the ‘bedroom tax’ as “the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years”.
He said: “We know this will affect many households in the borough, and we are doing everything we can to help the most vulnerable residents prepare for the changes.”
Any residents with concerns about the ‘bedroom tax’ should call 0300 123 6633.
Twitter: @terrykelly16
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