Growing North-South Divide over Impact of Welfare Reforms

A new survey by three national council housing organisations, which together represent over 1.3 million council properties, has discovered a growing north-south divide over the impact of welfare reforms. The survey found that tenants in the North of England are more likely to be affected by the bedroom tax (13% compared to 5% in London) and also to be in rent arrears (7% compared to 2% in the capital).  Although nationally the percentage of households in rent arrears and the percentage of tenants affected by the under-occupation penalty and in arrears are falling, the north of England is experiencing worse outcomes compared to other regions.  Read more on the Housing Excellence website.