Cube Housing Association offers support to tenants

Mar 8 2013 by Lorraine Waddell, Lennox Herald

Cube Housing Association is trying to force changes to the ‘unfair’ bedroom tax.

The organisation, which has 101 affected tenants in West Dunbartonshire, is working with partners to try and lobby against the welfare reforms which will see people penalised for having a spare room in their property.

Chief executive of the association, Lynn McCulloch explained: “We are continuing to work closely with our partners and stakeholders to press for changes to this unfair legislation.

“We are doing everything we can to help those who will be affected by welfare reforms.

“We are talking to everyone affected by the bedroom tax and offering as much support and advice as we can.

“We’ve also set up a special helpline and have a team of specialist money and benefits advisors on hand to give advice. It’s free from landlines on 0800 597 3777.

“Customers calling from mobile phones can call at cheaper rates on 0141 444 0110.” Of 236 one and two-bedroom homes which Cube has in West Dunbartonshire, only two are currently available for rent meaning that there is little opportunity for tenants to downsize in a bid to avoid being penalised.

To help tenants cope with the changes, the organisation has been engaging with all of its affected customers.

Ms McCulloch added: “Staff have been contacting all tenants who will be directly affected by the impact of under-occupation and explaining what their options are to lessen the impact.

“Tenants are also being encouraged to look at mutual exchanges and to sign up to the UK’s largest online home exchange scheme, HomeSwapper.

“A team of welfare benefits advisors, money advisors and fuel advisors are also on hand to give tenants personal advice on benefits, budgeting and managing their money.

“Advisors are also on hand to help people claim all of the benefits they are due.”