Bedroom tax

Question 1

How it works?

Answer 1

If tenants in council or housing association homes are deemed to have one spare room, the amount of rent eligible for housing benefit will be cut by 14%.

Question 2

Motives

Answer 2

To encourage people to downsize to smaller properties, which helps to cut the £23bn annual bill for housing benefits.

Question 3

Advantages

• Incentivise work

Answer 3

Incentivise work because with almost 1,000 benefit claimants, one in five of those affected had looked to earn more money to offset the loss.

Question 4

Disadvantages

Answer 4

Those affected faced being forced to move long distances to find a property, or move into the private sector, where rents could be higher because the bedroom tax does not affect private sector tenants who are already subject to certain rules.

Question 5

Advantage

• Overcrowded families

Answer 5

It frees up living space for overcrowded families, and encourages people to get jobs.

Question 6

Advantage

• Accommodation abailable

Answer 6

Making more of the accommodation available to those who wanted social housing

Question 7

Savings that the government predicts under the bedroom tax

Answer 7

The government predicts that savings to the taxpayer will amount to £505m in 2013-2014, and £540m in the year after.

Question 8

Advantage

• Easing waiting list

Answer 8

It helps the 1.7m people on the social housing waiting list.

Question 9

Disadvantage

• Smaller homes

Answer 9

In some areas there is a shortage of smaller homes, which is causing problems to many.

Question 10

Disadvantage

•Higher rent and longer distnance

Answer 10

Those affected face being forced to move long distances to find a property, or move into the private sector, where rents could be higher. This is because the bedroom tax does not affect private sector tenants who are already subject to certain rules.

Question 11

Success

• Equality (welfare state principle)

Answer 11

Welfare claimants of pension age have enjoyed relatively generous treatment under the Coalition compared to those of working age. The bedroom tax thus bring about intergenerational fairness

Question 12

Failures of the bed room tax

• Neglecting rights

Answer 12

Neglecting the rights as a disabled person and the right to a family life

Question 13

Failures of the bed room tax

• Its criteria for disabled

Answer 13

Claimants might felt being discriminated against because they were subject to regulations made for the able-bodied.

Question 14

Bed room tax affecting the living standards

Answer 14

Three quarters of those affected by the bedroom tax said they have had to cut back on food. 46% said they had to cut back on heating, and 33% on travel.

Question 15

How is welfare cut addressing pension poverty?

Answer 15

Welfare cuts since 2010 have targeted people of working age while protecting the income of older people.

Question 16

Example of welfare cut addressing pension poverty

Answer 16

For instance, the state pension has been subjected to a triple lock since 2010, ensuring it rises each year by the higher of inflation, average earnings or a minimum of 2.5%.

Question 17

Success

• Incentive work

Answer 17

With almost 1,000 benefit claimants, one in five of those affected had looked to earn more money to offset the loss.