Councillor fears bedroom tax will hit hundreds (From Haringey Independent)

Councillor Joe Goldberg fears bedroom tax will hit hundreds in Haringey

5:28pm Friday 15th February 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

A councillor fears a new government tax cut will hit hundreds of people in the borough.

Cabinet member Joe Goldberg has attacked the Government for its cut to housing benefit for people who have a spare room in their home.

The ‘bedroom tax’, as the measure has been called, will mean some people will have to leave their homes or face cuts to their income.

Councillor Joe Goldberg: “The bedroom tax is arguably one of the most perverse cuts coming from this coalition - it will place a punitive burden on some of very lowest paid families at the worst possible time.

“Foster carers will lose money for the bedrooms of children they care for, while families with disabled children will also be hit particularly hard.

“An extra shortfall of £70 a month will be a huge worry for many of these families already struggling to make ends meet.”

It is estimated 1,233 council tenants and 565 housing association tenants in Haringey will face a 14 per cent cut to their housing benefit.

“There are huge uncertainties around whether people will be able to downsize and find alternative, affordable accommodation.

“As a council we will do everything we can to support those affected, including working with landlords and looking at Home swaps and exchanges"

“With the number of families affected, there’s clearly a limit to what we can do to mitigate the impact of this truly dreadful policy.”