Housing benefit bill: MPs warn that 'bedroom tax' will hit poorest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Plans to slash the housing benefit bill partly by the introduction of the so-called bedroom tax could have a "severe impact" on the income of Britain's poorest people, MPs warn the Government today.
Two million people are expected to be affected by reductions in housing benefit of up to 25 per cent for tenants judged to be living in properties too large for them.
The Commons Public Accounts Committee said the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could not predict the impact of the changes on claimants or on the housing supply. "Even small reductions can have a severe impact," it said.
The DWP responded: "It is absolutely necessary we get that spending under control."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments