Bedroom tax.

Nools

Hello,
Any advice welcome.

I am currently having a very confusing time with my local council. I have recently had to contact them for the second time to let them know that I now have an extra bedroom and should be paying bedroom tax. I have had no response. I am becoming increasingly agitated and anxious about this situation, I just want to pay what I am supposed to and not end up in debt.

So, I called them and this is what I was told (I promise I didn't mishear her). 'Oh, because you are in the income related supported group (her actual words, she did say supported) we are paying all of your rent for you'. I asked what she meant but she just reiterated the same thing, I also asked if this was normal and she said yes. End of phone call. So now I am left confused, I have no idea what she meant.

I thought that the words 'income related and support (not supported) group related to ESA, which I do receive. But what does it have to do with housing benefit? If anything.

Thank you.

poppy123456

Hi,

Are you renting privately or from social housing? Bedroom tax only applies to those renting from social housing. If you're renting privately then you'll only receive housing benefit for the amount of bedrooms you need. Use this link to see what your local housing allowance is for your area/circumstances https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

wild_one

I am in the income related support group ESA. I pay for my spare bedroom.

Nools

Hello and thank you for responding.
Yes, it is social housing. 

poppy123456

Then yes, if you have a spare bedroom unless under extreme circumstances then you should be paying the bedroom tax.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/how_to_deal_with_the_bedroom_tax