The Bedroom tax that was introduced in 2013, affects those tenants who are under-occupying a tenancy and are getting assistance in paying their rent either through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. If you have 1 additional bedroom your HB or the rent element of UC will be reduced by 14%, and if you have 2 spare bedrooms then this will result in a 25% reduction. To offset this the Scottish Government, through West Dunbartonshire Council, continues to provide discretionary housing payments, (DHP), to cover the shortfall. This payment has to be applied for separately and for those on UC they must also complete a Council Tax benefit form. This payment will continue for as long as the Scottish Government and West Dunbartonshire Council fund DHP. If however this funding stops then those tenants who are under-occupying and receiving benefits will have to make up the shortfall.
If you think you will be affected by the Housing Benefit cut you can downsize to a smaller home. Moving house to a new property with the right number of bedrooms for you means you won't be affected by the cut and HomeSwapper can help you find a swap with someone who needs somewhere bigger to live.
For more information on the Welfare Reform Act you can visit:
DCLG - http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/
Shelter - Changes to housing benefit and local housing allowance (LHA)
Direct Gov - Directgov Benefits adviser
