Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of those affected by the under-occupancy charge, particularly where no alternative accommodation is offered, and what assessment they have made of the impact of that charge on regional poverty disparities, including child poverty.

No specific assessment has been made of households in the social rented sector affected by the Removal of Spare Room Subsidy (RSRS) where alternative accommodation has not been offered, nor of the impact of the RSRS has on regional poverty disparities. The RSRS policy, sometimes known as the under-occupancy charge or bedroom tax, applies where the household is living in a social rented property with more bedrooms than the household’s bedroom entitlement.

Easements to the policy are available to support disabled people and carers, families of disabled children, foster carers, parents who adopt, parents of service personnel and people who have suffered a bereavement. Those unable to meet a shortfall in their rent due to a RSRS deduction can seek a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from their local authority. DHPs can be paid to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.