Property: Under-occupancy Charge

Debate between Baroness Hussein-Ece and Lord Freud

Tuesday 2nd July 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Freud]

My Lords, as I have said, the early indications are that there is quite a lot of variation around the country. There are clearly some estates with genuine difficulties and we need to watch the situation very closely.

[Baroness Hussein-Ece]

My Lords, are there not still anomalies with children with disabilities being exempt and yet, when a child with a long-term condition reaches 18, suddenly the rules change and the family becomes liable for this tax?

[Lord Freud]

My Lords, we rely very heavily on discretionary housing payments to ensure that we have a way of dealing with the difficulties and challenges faced by particular groups and families. That is the way we have chosen. Local authorities can look at the particular circumstances and apply those funds as appropriate.