Minister Pledges to Review Foster Carer 'Bedroom Tax'

The minister for children and families has pledged to review housing benefit changes that will leave some foster carers out of pocket.  Edward Timpson told delegates at the National Children and Adults Services Conference he is planning to speak to the DWP about the so-called bedroom tax.  The minister said he was aware that the changes could have a negative impact on foster carers, adding that he is working with the charity the Fostering Network to try and achieve exemptions for foster carers using spare rooms for foster children. “We managed to make some progress in the changes that were made to make foster carers one of the groups that would benefit from the housing discretionary budget,” Timpson said. “But there is still some concern that won’t go far enough in every situation.”  Read more on the Children and Young People Now website.