How bedroom tax affects those on domestic violence protection scheme

One in 20 of those on the sanctuary scheme, which creates a safe room within a property to protect those at risk of domestic violence, have been forced to pay the bedroom tax according to FOI responses from 79 local authorities

Almost one in 20 households using the sanctuary scheme, which creates a safe room or “sanctuary” within a property to protect those at risk of domestic violence,have been affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy.

Figures obtained by a freedom of information (FOI) request to 79 Local Authorities show that since last year, 281 households have been affected, with an average loss of £14 per week expected.

The figures vary widely depending on the local authority. In North Tyneside, 25% of the 109 households using the sanctuary scheme have been affected by the bedroom tax.

The sanctuary scheme aims to enable householders at risk of violence to remain safely in their own home by installing a ‘sanctuary’ within the home and providing support to the household.

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