If you want to move to another home in the Buckinghamshire area, you can register with Bucks Home Choice or consider a mutual exchange.
Did you know? We offer a £1,000 cash incentive if you downsize to a home that better suits your bedroom needs by mutually exchanging with another Red Kite tenant.
Please note, if you have any rent arrears, the incentive will be used to pay them off. The same applies to any recharges if the home is not returned as per the Home Return Standard.
This offer is open to all Red Kite tenants, regardless of whether you're affected by the bedroom tax . Downsizing can help reduce your rent payments and energy bills, along with many other benefits.
How underoccupation can affect your benefits - the 'bedroom tax'
If your home has more bedrooms than your household needs, you may be affected by the ‘bedroom tax’ (also known as the spare room subsidy). This is a reduction in the amount of housing benefit or Universal Credit you receive to help pay your rent. The amount you get is based on how many people live in your home and how many bedrooms you are considered to need. If you have a spare bedroom, your benefit is reduced and you’ll need to pay the difference yourself or move to a home that has the appropriate number of rooms for your circumstances. The cut is a fixed percentage of your housing benefit – it will reduce by 14% for one room and by 25% for two or more bedrooms. On average, you will lose £14 - £25 a week.
Under the rules, adult couples are expected to share, and children may be expected to share depending on their age and sex. Even smaller rooms (such as box rooms) may still be counted as bedrooms. There are some exemptions - for example, if you need extra rooms in your home due to a disability or health condition, or require the extra room for a carer.
Has your benefit been affected?
If your benefit has been cut as a result of the bedroom tax and you feel that you can’t afford to make up the difference, you have a number of options:
- We can give you support and advice on things like budgeting and checking if there are any other benefits that you should be claiming. We can also help you to ask the DWP to review your claim if you need an extra room due to a health condition
- You can downsize, which is when you move into a smaller home than you have now. We will try to find a suitable home for you, but you may need to wait until one becomes available. If there is a home that meets your needs, we offer an incentive for moving that can help - see above for details
- The best way for you to find a home that means you won’t have to pay extra is to swap with someone. You can do this by applying for a transfer through the Bucks Home Choice website or by applying for a mutual exchange via HomeSwapper
- You can also apply for discretionary housing payment – this is available from the council’s benefit department to help people who qualify for housing or council tax benefit, but are having trouble paying their rent or council tax. This is a fixed sum of money which is only available until it runs out. DHP can be paid weekly, or can be a lump sum.
Citizens Advice have more information on the bedroom tax. If you think you are under-occupying your home, please call us on 01494 476100 and we will do our best to help you.