Benefits

The more assiduous readers amongst you will remember my posts earlier in the year about what has become universally known as the “bedroom tax”.

We are now getting into week nine of the new rent benefit rules. The impact has been so far limited but like the Poll Tax before it I think this one is a slow burner and the impact will be greatest next year and just before the next election as social housing landlords run out of patience with the wont pays and start evictions. That is unless the various legal challenges started in the High Court earlier this month don’t neuter the welfare reform changes.

In my organisation arrears of rent are just under 1/4 million up on this time last year. Last year was the first time for over 5 years that rent arrears increased. Surprisingly perhaps, some people are paying, some all of it, some alternate weeks.Of course, it's not just about benefit changes, the economy is suffering and those on the margins- the minimum hours employees, the ones in low paid retail jobs, the cleaners etc are suffering.

Our void rates are also up as people move back in with family or to share or to , ironically , more expensive smaller Private rented in the area.

I have said before I don’t have  a problem with the principle.Able bodied people of working age should be working not claiming benefits long term. It’s just that as the tenure of last resort that it has become for many, especially since the Right To Buy, the majority of social housing tenants aren’t fit and able bodied and can work.