Lords Debates Affordable Housing

Members of the Lords have discussed the availability of affordable housing in the United Kingdom and the impact of the under-occupancy charge. The debate centred on the effects of the under-occupancy charge, or 'bedroom tax', since its introduction six months ago. Members drew attention to the mismatch between types of accommodation available in different geographical areas and the difficulty of achieving the stated policy objective of addressing overcrowding by tackling under-occupancy. Members also considered the impact of the under-occupancy charge within the broader housing and economic context. The problem of a shortage of alternative accommodation for those willing to downsize was discussed. Read more on the Parliament website.