Under-occupancy Charge
- Also known as the Bedroom Tax and Spare Room Subsidy.
- Introduced by the coalition government during the worst recession since the 30s amidst much controversy.
- Home owners and occupiers in receipt of welfare benefits and related to accommodation costs were perceived to be subsidised by tax payers to fund spare rooms they did not need and were instead much needed by larger families, whilst saving tax payers the subsidy.
- The charge was not so much a charge but a reduction in any entitlement to benefits otherwise due.
Published: 29 September 2015
Last Updated: 17 November 2021