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Pensioners hit by 'bedroom tax'

Some pensioners with spare rooms will be hit by reductions in housing benefit under what critics dub the Government's "bedroom tax", the Department of Work and Pensions said. A ComRes poll reveals most of the British public want to delay the tax.

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What aid is available for those hit by 'bedroom tax'?

The government says that anyone hit by the 'bedroom tax' in April will be able to apply for Discretionary Housing Payments to soften the blow. However, these payments will not be available to everyone.

  • The National Housing Federation says funding for the payments is capped at £30 million and this is not ring-fenced
  • Only foster carers and disabled people are eligible
  • Payments are granted at the discretion of local authorities
  • When the funding is gone, it's gone

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