Dear Dame Watkinson MP
I hope this finds you well. I am writing to you about the proposed changes to housing benefit that are commonly being called the ‘spare bedroom tax’.
While I understand that there are no easy solutions to the present economic difficulties, I think that the route the present government are taking to reduce the welfare bill is illogical and will in the end prove to be both morally detrimental and financially costly to the UK as a whole, but especially to the most vulnerable communities.
This is because the ‘tax’ is a subtle but dangerous way of undermining of local community. In my opinion it will have the following effects.
It will reduce community stability
This 'tax' would not be as big an issue if people were able to stay in the same area but the lack of suitable housing stock means that this is not guaranteed. Obviously all communities experience levels of change, but if we are intentionally ‘moving’ people on then we are reducing the sense of local pride and ownership over a local community.
It will increase the pressure on Children
It is well documented that children’s performance levels and behaviour are both affected by moving to a new area. By forcing families to move the bedroom tax will actually add to the pressure on children who are already living in very demanding circumstances.
It will increase the stress felt by people who are already stretched
People in more vulnerable communities typically have higher levels of poor physical health and mental health issues. Again I wonder if this change to housing policy will only make things worse and result in increased pressure on other community resources like doctors and community mental health care teams.
It will reduce the number of socially rich people
Socially rich people are those who have good local support networks, which have taken time to build, and which they have come to rely on. If our social housing policies mean that people will need to move more regularly then we will be reducing the number of people who not only own the community, but who work for it and so contribute to the common good of those who live within it.
It will significantly increase levels of personal debt
Debt per household is already high and this ‘tax’ can only contribute to that problem. Some will not move, because they cannot afford to, and will have to borrow more to supplement the reduction in their housing benefit. Others will move but get into greater debt because moving is expensive and they cannot really afford these costs.
It will lead to a reduction in people's engagement with professionals and support services
In communities like Harold Hill it can take years to help a person or family have the confidence to engage with local professionals, such as GP’s or family support workers. By reducing community stability we reduce the possibility of those who need it most engaging with those who can help. People will slip through the net if they move.
As you can see, I am convinced that the 'spare bedroom tax' will cost the poorest communities dearly.
I’m really not interested in who is to blame for the current financial mess. I am however very concerned about my community and others like it will be effected in the years to come.
As a church leader I’m convinced that part of the church's message of hope is that while life alone is hard, almost impossible, together as a community it can be fun, varied and vibrant. What a shame if this 'tax’ then puts this type of community experience even further beyond the reach of those who are most vulnerable and who most need it.
Yours sincerely
Rev. Rich Shorter
