1.  As a review of the Housing Allocation Policy was undertaken less than six months ago, there is no need to carry out another review.  The actions taken to assist residents in downsizing to smaller accommodation was noted;

2.  The Council will continue to do all it can within the Council’s legal powers to minimise the impact of spare room subsidy on families where there maybe short term absences and also people with disabilities where additional bedrooms may be required due to a person’s disabilities;

3.  The Leader of the Council will write to the Ministers of Housing and Work and Pensions setting out the facts and experiences in Maidstone arising from the spare room subsidy policy and send a copy to the LGA; and

4.  The Leader will also provide feedback at the next full Council meeting in December under the ‘Current Issues’ agenda item.

Members considered the Reference from Council relating to a Motion – Bedroom Tax.

DECISION MADE:

1.  As a review of the Housing Allocation Policy was undertaken less than six months ago, there is no need to carry out another review.  The actions taken to assist residents in downsizing to smaller accommodation was noted;

2.  The Council will continue to do all it can within the Council’s legal powers to minimise the impact of spare room subsidy on families where there maybe short term absences and also people with disabilities where additional bedrooms may be required due to a person’s disabilities;

3.  The Leader of the Council will write to the Ministers of Housing and Work and Pensions setting out the facts and experiences in Maidstone arising from the spare room subsidy policy and send a copy to the LGA; and

4.  The Leader will also provide feedback at the next full Council meeting in December under the ‘Current Issues’ agenda item.

For further information regarding this decision, please follow this link:

http://services.maidstone.gov.uk/meetings/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?AIId=19285