Overview

This bill aims to amend existing welfare legislation to ensure that individuals in social housing who are carers or require overnight care are entitled to an extra bedroom in their accommodation, regardless of existing bedroom tax rules.

Description

The Carers Bedroom Entitlement (Social Housing Sector) Bill modifies the Welfare Reform Act 2012. It specifically targets the "bedroom tax" rules within both Universal Credit and Housing Benefit. The bill adds clauses to prevent reductions in housing costs (Universal Credit) or Housing Benefit where:

• The claimant lives in social housing (council or housing association property).
• They have only one spare bedroom.
• A person living in the claimant's home either receives Carer's Allowance or needs overnight care.

The amendments ensure that the full housing cost is covered, even if the household technically exceeds the bedroom limit defined in the original legislation. The bill clarifies the definition of "registered provider of social housing" for Scotland and Wales, using the equivalent term "registered social landlord".

Government Spending

The bill will increase government spending on housing benefits and Universal Credit. The exact amount is not specified in the bill itself; it states that any increased expenditure will be met from funds provided by Parliament.

Groups Affected

• Carers: Those receiving Carer's Allowance will be eligible for an additional bedroom, reducing financial strain and improving living conditions.
• Individuals needing overnight care: Those requiring overnight care, and their carers, will also benefit from an additional bedroom.
• Social Housing Tenants: Only tenants in social housing (council or housing association properties) will be covered by this bill.
• UK Government: The bill will lead to increased government expenditure.

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