'bedroom Tax' - Anyone Agree With It?

[Gromit]

The so called 'Bedroom Tax' starts today. Anyone receiving Housing Benefit (HB) who has a spare room will have their HB reduced.

Will it solve the housing shortage?
or
Is it a cynical stealthy way to cut the benefits bill?

[Smowball]

I dont know much about the subject, but I do know that my ex is on benefits and lives alone in a 3 bed house, when there are families in his area desperate for a home.

[friedgreentomato]

mackemgas, the benefits need to be cut - they are costing the country too much.

I have not had a payrise in 4 years yet labour want to give those on benefits a payrise!! Why?

[lcg]

em.....i am surprised that you subscribe to the belief that all 'those' foreigners get housing crap. most actually live in the crappiest, most overcrowded properties in the roughest areas. for facts:
1. people have to have leave to remain in the country in order to get housing.
2. they are assessed in terms of priority just like everyone else.
3. if they are applying as homeless, the rules are even tougher and they are still assessed in priority ONLY.

[emmie]

pasta, and strangely some people are totally unsympathetic about it.
That is of course forgetting the fact that many do work, as Chris pointed out, more people are in work who get help with housing benefits than those who don't work at all.
However one of the knock on effects will be that if those who can't afford to pay the extra, and find themselves having to move to somewhere smaller, this may have to be outside of their town or city, so if they are in work, it will cost them to commute to their work place, so that saves them nothing in the longer term. I wonder that the government doesn't see that.

[emmie]

icg i don't subscribe to anything, not even a paper, however i do believe it because as they say i have seen it with my own eyes. i also have a mate who works for the council, and knows what goes on. I am tired of apologising for being a social housing tenant and that some believe we get something for nothing, we don't.

[anneasquith]

em. im sorry this new benefit has caused you such grief, and many like you.

[emmie]

anne, never mind it will all come out in the wash...

[Smowball]

What do you mean Jordy?

[emmie]

smow, is that the same ex you mentioned before,... having trouble with...
apologies just wanted to know you sorted things out...

[Smowball]

em, its my sons dad - he is a lazy pain in the ar*e!
(am still working on current probs here, but getting there)

You live in London dont you?

[emmie]

so not same bloke? and yes i do.