Research To Examine Impact Of The ‘Bedroom Tax’ On Children And Their Education

In the first piece of research to examine the impact of the controversial welfare policy on children and their education, the University of Manchester found that the introduction of the so-called ‘bedroom tax’, alongside other cuts in benefits, was having an adverse effect on pupils’ ability to learn and concentrate, with the emotional distress caused by poverty taking its toll on schoolwork. It also found that forcing children to share bedrooms – required under the government changes which reduce housing benefit for those judged to have ‘spare rooms’- was having a negative impact on schooling by leaving youngsters without a quiet place for homework or undisturbed sleep. It also made afterschool and extra-curricular activities or playdates with friends unaffordable to some parents. Download the report from the University of Manchester website.