Legislation Update: Bedroom tax delayed for social sector claimants in NI

New regulations have been issued delaying the introduction of the social sector size criteria, or ‘bedroom tax’, for housing benefit claimants in Northern Ireland.

The Housing Benefit (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 (SR.No.326/2016) means that the bedroom tax will now come into effect on 23rd January 2017. The new regulations revoke the Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 which had provided for a commencement date of 2nd January 2017.

The regulations allow for a claimant’s housing benefit to be reduced by:

• 14 per cent they are deemed to be under-occupying by one bedroom, and
• 25 per cent deduction for under-occupying by two bedrooms

The regulations also allow for some exemptions from the bedroom tax.

The Department for Communities has also issued a memo on this change.

Housing Rights will be running a training course on the various welfare reform measures, including the bedroom tax, and their impact on housing. Email [email protected] to book your place.