A housing charity has called on Dundee City Council to reassure tenants they will not face eviction if they fall into rent arrears as a result of the “bedroom tax”.
The UK Government’s welfare reforms will result in more than 3,300 householders losing up to 25% of their housing benefit if their homes are deemed to have extra bedrooms.
Earlier this month the council made a promise not to evict tenants who fall into arrears, but Councillor Jimmy Black appeared to roll back on the policy while giving evidence to a Scottish Parliament committee on Tuesday.
The former housing convener admitted “cover against eviction disappears” if a tenant in arrears declines alternative accommodation.
The director of Shelter Scotland, Graeme Brown, said: “Frightened tenants need reassurance that they are not going to lose their homes because of this draconian reform and to know that help is at hand, and social landlords need to know they are not going to go bankrupt.
“Our position is that we’re against eviction for bedroom tax arrears. We can’t comment on the specifics of (Dundee City Council’s position) as it’s not clear what their position is.”
Convener of housing John Alexander said: “We will use all other means to collect arrears, other than eviction, for tenants who are doing all they reasonably can to avoid arrears.”