Cleveland and Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have expressed growing concerns over the financial pressures the current bedroom tax system is having on households across the region.
The analysis of the Government’s recent report on the spare room subsidy – or bedroom tax – has revealed that nationally, a staggering 59% of tenants affected have been unable to meet their basic housing costs since having their benefits reduced.
Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said:
“We predicted that this tax would cause massive problems for some of the most vulnerable in our society. With more welfare reform yet to be implemented the situation will only get worse.
“Many in our communities will struggle to put food on the table or pay their utility bills. As these financial pressures grow we would encourage the use of credit unions and urge those affected to seek trusted financial advice”