The motions submitted by Councillors for debate at this meeting are set out in the attached report.

12.9 Motion regarding the Bedroom Tax

Councillor Rania Khan moved and Councillor Aminur Khan seconded the motion as printed on the agenda.

Councillor John Pierce moved and Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded an amendment to the motion:-

“Under ‘This Council notes that’:

Add a bullet point which reads:

Some Councils around the country are investigating the redesignation of homes, where practical, in a bid to stop residents being penalised for living in ‘under-occupied’ homes.”

Under ‘This Council resolves’:

Add a bullet point which reads:

To call upon the Mayor to investigate the cost of redesignating homes, where possible, and the impact that this would have on the Housing Revenue Account and the Council's ability to build new homes in the future, and to report back to Council at its next ordinary meeting.”

The amendment was put to the vote and was agreed.

The motion as so amended was then put to the vote and was agreed.

DECISION

This Council notes that:

-          On April 2 2013 another of the Government’s Welfare Changes came into effect.

-          The Bedroom Tax is a reduction in Housing Benefit to households in Council and Housing Association properties, who are deemed to have extra bedrooms.

-          Households will lose 14% of their rent if they have 1 extra bedroom and 25% of their rent if they have 2 or more extra bedrooms.

-          The Bedroom Tax will affect thousands of residents in Tower Hamlets.

-          Last month the government U-turn exempted Foster Carers, families of disabled siblings and families of service men and women from the tax.

-          The Government’s own figures suggest that 420,000 disabled adults will be affected by this tax.

-          The Council has launched a Prepare and Act Now Campaign to ensure that residents are aware of all the welfare changes and can seek advice and assistance from the Council and third sector organisations. Five events were held across the borough where residents could speak to Housing staff, Benefit Team staff, Skillsmatch and JCP staff, as well as staff from third sector advice agencies. There are a further four events planned during the summer. 

-          Some Councils around the country are investigating the redesignation of homes, where practical, in a bid to stop residents being penalised for living in ‘under-occupied’

This Council believes that:

-          The government’s U-turn demonstrates that this is a misguided policy

-          These measures will have an adverse and disproportionate effect on Tower Hamlets residents, especially those already living on a low income.

-          The Bedroom Tax disproportionately affects disabled residents, many of whom need an additional bedroom for medical reasons as well as due to large medical equipment and supplies.

-          These measures will increase poverty, and reduce the ability for residents to adequately heat their homes and feed and clothe their children. 

This Council resolves:

-          To lobby against the coalition’s policies which clearly have a discriminatory affect on the residents of Tower Hamlets. 

-          To call on the government to also except disabled  ...  view the full decision text for item 12