Bedroom tax: one in seven households 'face eviction'
55 replies, posted
[QUOTE]Two-thirds of households in England affected by the bedroom tax have fallen into rent arrears since the policy was introduced in April, while one in seven families have received eviction risk letters and face losing their homes, a survey claims.
The National Housing Federation (NHF) said its survey demonstrated that the bedroom tax was "heaping misery and hardship" on already struggling families who were unable to pay their rent but unable to find anywhere cheaper to live because of a shortage of smaller homes.
The NHF survey is one of three separate reports published on Wednesday which collectively criticise the design and implementation of the bedroom tax and highlight the negative impact it has had on the lives of many of the 522,000 people in the UK who are subject to it.
The disability charity Papworth Trust says that a third of disabled people affected by the tax have been refused emergency financial help, despite government guidance that disabled people who live in adapted homes get first call on discretionary housing payment funding.
The trust said many disabled people who have been refused emergency payments – which are intended to provide short-term financial relief to those struggling to cope with the bedroom tax – were now cutting back on essentials such as food or household bills. It called on ministers to exempt people living in adapted properties from the tax.
Meanwhile, the Labour party has published the results of a freedom of information request which shows the number of tenants wrongly subjected to the bedroom tax as a result of drafting errors in legislation is nearly 50,000 – at least 10 times as many as official estimates.[/QUOTE]
[url]http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/12/bedroom-tax-households-eviction-rent-arrears[/url]
The fuck is a bedroom tax
Edit:
It sounds so evil
[QUOTE=Rankzerox;43882081]The fuck is a bedroom tax
Edit:
It sounds so evil[/QUOTE]
People on housing benefit get extra tax if they have more than the allocated number of bedrooms.
Pretty much a tax directed almost 100% to the poor.
[QUOTE=mdeceiver79;43882091]People on housing benefit get extra tax if they have more than the allocated number of bedrooms.
Pretty much a tax directed almost 100% to the poor.[/QUOTE]
Yea, fuck the poor
[QUOTE=mdeceiver79;43882091]People on housing benefit get extra tax if they have more than the allocated number of bedrooms.
Pretty much a tax directed almost 100% to the poor.[/QUOTE]
What the hell were they smoking when they thought that up?
[QUOTE=judgeofdeath;43882256]What the hell were they smoking when they thought that up?[/QUOTE]
Bank notes.
[QUOTE=mdeceiver79;43882091]People on housing benefit get extra tax if they have more than the allocated number of bedrooms.
Pretty much a tax directed almost 100% to the poor.[/QUOTE]
That's so fucking stupid I don't even know what to say.
[QUOTE=judgeofdeath;43882256]What the hell were they smoking when they thought that up?[/QUOTE]
welcome to the conservative party
the rich get even richer while the poor get even poorer, are thrown in the mud and told to fuck off for being so poor.
What a dubious little ruling. What possible use is there for this except to blatantly continue to extort and demonize the poor? I can think of no justification that doesn't include a proud and directed attempt to alienate and abuse the less fortunate. Hell, given that 1/7th of the country is effected by this, it's not even a matter of only going after the deeply povertous; even the lower end of low-income families are clearly being shafted. Once again, wealthy politicians clearly demonstrate that they have no regard for the lower class, and no concept of just how badly off they really are.
Absolutely despicable.
[QUOTE=Rankzerox;43882081]The fuck is a bedroom tax
Edit:
It sounds so evil[/QUOTE]
It's not as bad as it sounds. People who get free housing for the government owe money back if they choose to stay in a house that's bigger than their requirement.
E.g. government isn't giving out free spare bedrooms anymore.
[QUOTE=Big Dumb American;43882424]Hell, given that 1/7th of the country is effected by this,[/QUOTE]
1/7th of housing benefit claimants*
FTFY
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882464]It's not as bad as it sounds. People who get free housing for the government owe money back if they choose to stay in a house that's bigger than their requirement.
E.g. government isn't giving out free spare bedrooms anymore.
1/7th of housing benefit claimants*
FTFY[/QUOTE]
Almost correct. It's not free housing, government just pays some of it.
The whole thing is a mess. Money end up in the private landlords pockets anyway, so the government just just subsiding them anyway.
Will you people stop acting like this is direct attack on the poor. What the fuck would a government gain by attacking the voter base of whom they are most reliant on, quit pretending that there are a group of shadowy tories who sit upon a mountaintop mansion thinking of ways to fuck with the poor.
Firstly it isn't a tax, people on Housing benefit will have their benefits decreased if they have more rooms than they need as an incentive for them to leave for a house more suited to them. Secondly there are many people who need a house that can support their family, when there are couples who have 4 bedroom houses it doesn't make sense for them to retain that house when other people need it more.
The problem is that it has been poorly implemented due to the lack of definition as to what a spare room is and whether it's necessary and the completely irrational backlash by most people.
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882464]1/7th of housing benefit claimants*
FTFY[/QUOTE]
Thanks; that's an important distinction. Unfortunately, it doesn't make this bill any less despicable for its targeted alienation of the poor. It forces folks who are already in a bad situation into an already worse one.
[QUOTE=The mouse;43882542]Firstly it isn't a tax, people on Housing benefit will have their benefits decreased if [B]they have more rooms than they need as an incentive for them to leave for a house more suited to them[/B]. Secondly there are many people who need a house that can support their family, when there are couples who have 4 bedroom houses it doesn't make sense for them to retain that house when other people need it more.[/QUOTE]
I'm sorry can you elaborate on how in the holy hell is that a good idea. Please.
Like what if you have 2 kids and 3 bedroom houses are either extremely expensive or just hard to find or have a location that isn't ideal.
That's not even scratching the surface, what if you are planning to have more kids but your financial situation at the moment doesn't call for it?
I mean there are so many problems with this.
[QUOTE=mchapra;43882578]I'm sorry can you elaborate on how in the holy hell is that a good idea. Please.
Like what if you have 2 kids and 3 bedroom houses are either extremely expensive or just hard to find or have a location that isn't ideal.
I mean there are so many problems with this.[/QUOTE]
Firstly the idea of housing benefit is that a house isn't extremely expensive and secondly that's why I pointed out that it was so poorly implemented.
[QUOTE=mdeceiver79;43882607]Moving is expensive and stressful. People who have lived in that house for years are being told to move or pay more. They might not be in a position where thye can pay more, they might need that room for medical stuff (lots of stuff about disabled people getting screwed over by this) moving house might mean they lose their job. [/QUOTE]
Again it's poorly implemented, in theory it should work to sort out housing problems but it would need to work on a case by case basis which would never happen
[QUOTE=mdeceiver79;43882607] should just raise taxes on the rich and close all the loopholes big business use to avoid tax.[/QUOTE]
They are and have.
This helps no one. One thing people seem to forget is there is ALWAYS GOING TO BE POOR PEOPLE. Instead of taxing them money they don't have perhaps helping them out of their situation would be the better option.
[QUOTE=The mouse;43882542]Will you people stop acting like this is direct attack on the poor. What the fuck would a government gain by attacking the voter base of whom they are most reliant on, quit pretending that there are a group of shadowy tories who sit upon a mountaintop mansion thinking of ways to fuck with the poor.
Firstly it isn't a tax, people on Housing benefit will have their benefits decreased if they have more rooms than they need as an incentive for them to leave for a house more suited to them. Secondly there are many people who need a house that can support their family, when there are couples who have 4 bedroom houses it doesn't make sense for them to retain that house when other people need it more.
The problem is that it has been poorly implemented due to the lack of definition as to what a spare room is and whether it's necessary and the completely irrational backlash by most people.[/QUOTE]
Moving is expensive and stressful. People who have lived in that house for years are being told to move or pay more. They might not be in a position where thye can pay more, they might need that room for medical stuff (lots of stuff about disabled people getting screwed over by this) moving house might mean they lose their job.
It was a dumb fucking move by the tories when they should just raise taxes on the rich and close all the loopholes big business use to avoid tax.
[QUOTE=Big Dumb American;43882566]Thanks; that's an important distinction. Unfortunately, it doesn't make this bill any less despicable for its targeted alienation of the poor. It forces folks who are already in a bad situation into an already worse one.[/QUOTE]
Move into a more suitable house, leaving your large house for someone who actually needs the space?
Living off the state isn't meant to be comfortable, it's meant to keep you alive until you can get a job.
[QUOTE=The mouse;43882542]Will you people stop acting like this is direct attack on the poor. What the fuck would a government gain by attacking the voter base of whom they are most reliant on, quit pretending that there are a group of shadowy tories who sit upon a mountaintop mansion thinking of ways to fuck with the poor.
Firstly it isn't a tax, people on Housing benefit will have their benefits decreased if they have more rooms than they need as an incentive for them to leave for a house more suited to them. Secondly there are many people who need a house that can support their family, when there are couples who have 4 bedroom houses it doesn't make sense for them to retain that house when other people need it more.
The problem is that it has been poorly implemented due to the lack of definition as to what a spare room is and whether it's necessary and the completely irrational backlash by most people.[/QUOTE]
Most of the people affected usually vote Labour. There isn't even enough 1 and 2 bedroom flats/houses, the whole reason there are people with extra bedrooms in the first place is because councils had to put them there due to a huge 1 and 2 bedroom properties shortage. People are stuck in an unbreakable cycle of debt, they can't move because there isn't enough properties available, and when there is one available they're in so much debt they couldn't afford to move even if they wanted to.
[QUOTE=mdeceiver79;43882607]Moving is expensive and stressful. People who have lived in that house for years are being told to move or pay more. They might not be in a position where thye can pay more, they might need that room for medical stuff (lots of stuff about disabled people getting screwed over by this) moving house might mean they lose their job.
It was a dumb fucking move by the tories when they should just raise taxes on the rich and close all the loopholes big business use to avoid tax.[/QUOTE]
gee moving house when you aren't working, what a stressful situation
Several people in my own street have being forced out of their homes and in to crappy accommodation because they could not pay the tax. They where good neighbours too.
All this tax does is put people is a worse situation.
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882623]Move into a more suitable house, leaving your large house for someone who actually needs the space?
Living off the state isn't meant to be comfortable, it's meant to keep you alive until you can get a job.[/QUOTE]
People aren't living off the state.
You can get housing benefit even if you have a job. Read a little more before spewing dumb assumptions.
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882623]
Living off the state isn't meant to be comfortable, it's meant to keep you alive until you can get a job.[/QUOTE]
What about the people who cant do anything but live off the state? What about people who cant work? Should they be forced to live in uncomfortable situations? Is that what your saying.
[QUOTE=mdeceiver79;43882647]People aren't living off the state.
You can get housing benefit even if you have a job. Read a little more before spewing dumb assumptions.[/QUOTE]
There's no reason to be on housing benefit if you're not in education or a single parent.
[QUOTE=TheCreeper;43882658]What about the people who cant do anything but live off the state? What about people who cant work?[/QUOTE]
That's different - I'm not against people who can't work claiming. That's part of what I believe my taxes should go to. What annoys me is people who are too lazy to work taking my hard earned money.
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882665]There's no reason to be on housing benefit if you're not in education or a single parent.[/QUOTE]
What a goofy thing to say.
[QUOTE=Big Dumb American;43882675]What a goofy thing to say.[/QUOTE]
It's not hard to find a shitty minimum wage job that keeps the bills paid until you find something you'd rather do; and if it seems hard, you're doing it wrong.
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882629]gee moving house when you aren't working, what a stressful situation[/QUOTE]
When you're actively looking for a job is actually is :rolleyes:
They're purposely screwing over people trying to get back on their feet, while the lazy bastards are barely affected by it.
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882684]It's not hard to find a shitty minimum wage job that keeps the bills paid until you find something you'd rather do; and if it seems hard, you're doing it wrong.[/QUOTE]
swapping jobs or working a shitty job while looking for a better one is even more stressful.
[I]"oh hey, lets make life a living nightmare for those out of luck"[/I]
[QUOTE=O Cheerios O;43882686]When you're actively looking for a job is actually is :rolleyes:
They're purposely screwing over people trying to get back on their feet, while the lazy bastards are barely affected by it.[/QUOTE]
How, exactly? I moved while working full time with a second part time job and in full time education without a car.
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882692]How, exactly? I moved while working full time with a second part time job and in full time education without a car.[/QUOTE]
Not everyone has your mental state.
Some have a harder time juggling many things at once, which often are the reason they're bummed out in the first place.
Also there's this thing called stress & depression, you should try it before you open your mouth regarding it.
[QUOTE=Flapadar;43882665]There's no reason to be on housing benefit if you're not in education or a single parent.
[/QUOTE]
Yes there is. Jobs don't pay well at the moment. Petrol/public transport prices are sky rocketing. People with degrees are only able to be minimum wage jobs. Support is needed by the poor right now.
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