Housing – Parliamentary Written Answer

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which groups he proposes will be exempt from changes being applied to the underoccupancy penalty; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Webb: The under-occupancy reduction only applies to working age social sector tenants. However, people living in non-mainstream properties (for example mobile homes) and temporary or supported exempt accommodation will not be subject to a restriction.  Rather than exempting specific groups of claimant we are adding a further £30 million a year from 2013-14 to the discretionary housing payment fund that is administered by local authorities. This is aimed primarily at two groups, people in significantly adapted accommodation and foster carers.