Rape Victim Legally Challenges Bedroom Tax

A victim of rape, assault, harassment and stalking has launched a legal challenge against the bedroom tax on the grounds it is ‘discriminatory’. The claimant has issued judicial review proceedings in the High Court against the secretary of state for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith.  Known only as ‘A’ to protect her identity for her safety, the claimant has a specially adapted home with a panic room, and says the new housing benefit regulations are discriminatory and will have devastating consequences for herself and her son.  A and her 10-year-old son, who currently live in a three-bedroom property, are only entitled to receive housing benefit for a two-bedroom property. A’s legal team say that it is not feasible for her to move or take in a lodger.  Read more on Inside Housing.