5,270 in Plymouth will lose hundreds of pounds in benefits under new rules
THOUSANDS of families in Plymouth are set to be hundreds of pounds worse off under Government moves to slash the housing benefit bill, leading to warnings of debt and evictions.
Official analysis of housing benefit cutbacks show that 5,270 claimants in the city face losing out financially.
-
It shows more than 2,000 would be £520 a year worse off, while about the same number of recipients in Plymouth would be more than £600 out of pocket.
The detailed analysis by the Department for Work and Pensions revealed that across the country, almost one million households would be affected.
The Government says the cuts are necessary as the cost to the taxpayer of housing benefit expenditure is now £20billion — double that of a decade ago.
The changes include capping the amount of housing benefit allowance, pegging the amount of support to the bottom third of rents in the claimant's borough and removing a £15 incentive paid to families seeking cheaper accommodation.
People face having to either fork out extra cash to make up the difference themselves, persuade their landlords to accept reduced rent, or leave to find a cheaper property.
The National Housing Federation, said: "Almost 100 per cent of claimants will be worse off. There's a very real risk that these cuts will push hundreds of thousands of people into poverty, debt and even on to the streets if they end up evicted."
57 Comments
View all
by Old Fella, Plymouth
Monday, September 06 2010, 9:11PM
“Vinnie Garstroke, Plymouth,
Hatred and mistrust has to be in existence for extremists politicians to exploit. The simple facts are that many of the comments here demonstrate a level of intolerance that would have delighted any of the propaganda ministers of any of the extremist governments that dogged the mid part of the 20th century.
It is all to easy to blame government for all the things you claim in your comment but I note that you link escalating benefit bills with immigration, surely not a balanced piece of logic and a perfect demonstration of the raw materials for political manipulation!.
Old Fella”
by Will, Plymouth
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:45PM
“It makes me so angry to see all people who claim JSA lumbered under the "work shy scum" label. People who place this label on others have obviously never been unlucky enough to be in a position where they need to claim benefits.
My partner was made redundant last Summer and decided to do some re-training for a year to help broaden her employment horizons. Now she has finished this training, she has had to start claiming JSA. She has always worked before and hates being stuck at home all day. She would much prefer to be out working. Unfortunately there aren't many employment prospects around here, and despite having applied for upwards of 80 jobs, she is considered over qualified for the majority of them and doesn't even get a look in.
There was also a comment about the fortnightly payments being "tax free" earlier on in this discussion. They are tax free because they total an amount that is well below taxable earnings.
I agree that there are a percentage of people that see JSA and other benefits of the system as a free ride, but please don't tar all people with the same brush. Some people hate having to claim benefits, but are left with no other choice!”
by rob5gt, plymouth
Sunday, September 05 2010, 10:28PM
“Dont worry Plymouth, The Hearld's picture shows there is no need to worry as we are all set to lose 3p !”
by nigel, cornwall
Sunday, September 05 2010, 9:56PM
“now i know where my 4000 a year tax goes, i rather give it to help the heros rather than some layabout”
by Pete, Ivybridge
Sunday, September 05 2010, 8:11PM
“very frustrated
Ring up your local college/uni and explain you want to become a nurse. Ask what access courses they run (these enable you eventually to get on a proper nursing course). It's worth a phone call and they may suggest your other options. If you really want a job or career then ask ask many colleges you can and listen carefully to their advice. Get yourself out of the rut you are presently in.
Good Luck!.”