Story: Douglas Johnson
Many changes in the costs of running a home will take place in April, affecting many people in Burngreave.
Council rents will rise by 4.8%, higher than the rate of wages or benefits. At the same time, many people’s housing benefit will be reduced because of the ‘bedroom tax’ which will affect thousands of people across Sheffield.
Whether in work or not, people receiving housing benefit will have to pay more, typically £13 a week, unless they are overcrowded. For instance, a couple with two teenage daughters living in a 3-bedroom house will have their benefit reduced for having a ‘spare’ room.
Pensioners are exempt from the bedroom tax and the Government has just announced some other concessions for families with disabled children who need their own room, foster carers and people in the armed forces.
Council tax bills are now being issued. Many people will have to pay council tax for the first time, as every household of working age will now have to pay at least 23% of the full bill, regardless of their level of income – an extra £228 for a couple in Band A.