Written Question · S4W-22809 · Session 4
Further to the answer to question S4W-22577 by Margaret Burgess on 3 October 2014, whether it will issue guidance to local authorities on c…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-22577 by Margaret Burgess on 3 October 2014, whether it will issue guidance to local authorities on cancelling arrears of the so-called bedroom tax arising in 2013/14.
The answer
The Scottish Government has no plans to issue guidance to local authorities on cancelling arrears arising due to the so-called bedroom tax in 2013-14 or arrears as a result of any other aspect of welfare reform. The management of arrears remains a matter for landlords.
The Scottish Government provided local authorities with £20 million to compensate tenants affected by the bedroom tax through Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) in 2013-14 and £35 million in 2014-15. Local authorities may top up their DHP accounts in the current year to make payments in line with local priorities, including payments in respect of legacy arrears, if they choose to do so. The Department for Work and Pensions are responsible for producing the guidance manual on DHPs.
The Scottish Government provided local authorities with £20 million to compensate tenants affected by the bedroom tax through Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) in 2013-14 and £35 million in 2014-15. Local authorities may top up their DHP accounts in the current year to make payments in line with local priorities, including payments in respect of legacy arrears, if they choose to do so. The Department for Work and Pensions are responsible for producing the guidance manual on DHPs.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-22809 by reference.