Lucy Allan MP has called on Telford & Wrekin Council to do more to ensure that it is applying exemptions to the ‘bedroom tax’ where it can.
Lucy Allan MP said: “I have heard from residents concerned that Telford & Wrekin Council aren’t applying the correct exemptions to the bedroom tax, meaning that they are paying more than they need to.
“I have written to Cllr Sahota to urge him to look again at the Council’s policy on this. It’s not right to penalise tenants when there are grounds for an exemption.
In the letter to the leader of the Council, Kuldip Sahota, Lucy Allan said: “Residents have expressed concern that the Council is failing to apply the available ‘Bedroom tax’ exemptions in a number of circumstances. This is creating unnecessary hardship for families in Telford.
“There are established grounds for judicial exemption when a spare room measures less than 70sq ft. However, I am advised that Telford & Wrekin Council charges ‘bedroom tax’ on rooms with as little as 50sq ft and which cannot accommodate bedroom furniture. I urge you to review this policy and undertake a reclassification of all those homes affected.
“There is judicial exemption where a resident has partial custody of a child who occasionally stays in the property. Again it has been brought to my attention that residents in our area are not being granted exemptions in these circumstances.
“I should be most grateful for your comments. I look forward to discussing how we can together ensure that Telford residents receive all exemptions to which they are legally entitled.”