200 ask for help in Powys after 'bedroom tax' introduced
More than 200 people asked Powys County Council for financial help with housing costs in the first month after the introduction of the "bedroom tax", it has been revealed.
Figures released by the council show that 1,229 people lost allowances in Powys, and from April to May this year, 223 requested help in Powys – double that of last year.
As a result of changes to housing benefits, people have had their payments worked out by how much space they are deemed to need, leaving many people with a shortfall between their benefits and the cost of their rent if they are deemed to have spare bedrooms.
In some cases discretionary housing payments can be paid by local councils to applicants for up to 18 months, but often they are for periods of three to six months.
Plaid Cymru AM Simon Thomas has claimed that although not all applications for discretionary housing payments have been made as a result of the bedroom tax, it has led to more pressure being put on local authorities.
He said: "I am concerned that this action by the Government will lead to a costly legacy for the people of Powys. As with most cuts imposed by Westminster, Wales is set to suffer disproportionately due to our high number of housing benefit and disability living claimants."
