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.
