Overview

This bill aims to amend existing welfare legislation to ensure that individuals receiving Universal Credit or Housing Benefit and residing in social housing are entitled to an extra bedroom if they require overnight care or have caring responsibilities within their household. This entitlement applies only to social housing provided by local housing authorities or registered social landlords.

Description

The Carers Bedroom Entitlement (Social Housing Sector) Bill modifies the Welfare Reform Act 2012. Specifically, it alters sections relating to Housing Costs within Universal Credit and Housing Benefit. The bill adds clauses stating that regulations under these sections cannot reduce housing costs if a household has only one spare bedroom and:

• A carer in the household receives Carer's Allowance; or
• Someone in the household requires overnight care.

The changes apply to social housing provided by local authorities or registered providers (or registered social landlords in Scotland and Wales). The "relevant authority" administering either benefit is responsible for determining eligibility.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending on Housing Benefit and the housing costs element of Universal Credit. The exact financial impact is not specified in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Individuals receiving Universal Credit or Housing Benefit: Those needing an extra bedroom due to caring responsibilities or overnight care needs will benefit from potentially increased financial support towards their housing costs.
• Carers: Those entitled to Carer's Allowance and living with the person they care for may be entitled to an extra bedroom in social housing.
• Individuals requiring overnight care: People needing overnight care will also qualify for the extra bedroom entitlement.
• Local housing authorities and registered social landlords: These bodies will need to adapt their housing allocation policies to comply with the new legislation.

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