Law to close ‘bedroom tax loopholes’ passes final hurdle in Assembly

Legislation aimed at shielding families in Northern Ireland from loopholes in the bedroom tax has passed its final hurdle in the Stormont Assembly.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey’s Welfare Supplementary Payment (Amendment) Regulations means that mitigation payments will be available to more people who currently have their benefits reduced because of the bedroom tax and benefit cap.

She said around 260 families will receive average payments of £480 a year regardless of whether or not they have moved home and continue to under-occupy.

It is due to take effect from Thursday.

Ms Hargey said changes to the benefit cap will also extend protection for families with children by simplifying the qualifying conditions.

“Many families who are currently not fully protected will see their payments increase with an estimated 640 households – that are currently losing an average of £49 per week – becoming eligible for mitigation payments,” she said.