Members will be aware of the successful amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill agreed bythe House of Lords. This means that tenants will still be able to claim full housing benefit if they have no more than one spare room or if no other suitable accommodation is available. In April 2011 the Forum raised concerns regarding this with Members of Parliament from across North West, and therefore we are pleased that Lord Best was successful in gaining support for this amendment.
Thereis however growing concern across the sector that this could be overturned when the Bill goes back to the House of Commons, and the Forum, along with others, is working to secure the support of Members of Parliament on this importantissue.
The linked Amendments to Welfare Reforms briefing note has been circulated to all North West Members ofParliament by the North West Houisng Forum, however the Forum are also asking Members to raise this matter through their own organisations.