“Like all other Liberal Democrat councillors I know, I believe that the bedroom tax is mistaken and is so complicated and unfair that it should be scrapped, says CC Bill Winlow. “It seems grossly unfair to all of us that someone should have their rent increased for having an unoccupied bedroom, if there is no alternative accommodation in their immediate locality, but do remember that it does not apply to:

• pensioners
• people in rented accommodation who are not on housing benefit
• people living in properties in shared ownership.
• people with disabled children who need their own room
• disabled people living in adapted properties,
• foster carers
• households with children away serving in the armed forces

Finally there is a Discretionary Payments fund for exceptional cases.  In addition, a “Hardship Fund” has been set up to help with short term unusual situations re Council Tax benefit. Call 906902 or 906903 for more information.