East Lothian Council’s ‘bedroom tax’ eviction pledge
East Lothian Council Benefit Manager John Cunningham
Assurances have been given that East Lothian Council will work with tenants to ensure no-one is evicted in the wake of impending welfare changes.
Concern was raised that rent arrears will rise as a result of the UK government’s reforms which will hit around 850 council and housing association tenants in a month’s time.
They stand to lose benefit of between £7.50 to around £12 - £13 per week if they are under occupying their homes.
Council leader Willie Innes (Lab) told a full meeting of the council on Tuesday: “Eviction is a last resort.”
He said: “We will be working with our tenants to ensure nobody is evicted and support them through this difficult time.”
He was responding to calls from the SNP group that the council should not take action to evict tenants, affected by the so-called “bedroom tax,” on non-payment grounds.
Councillor Stuart Currie, the SNP’s housing spokesman, feared people could be made homeless.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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