William Eichler 08 December 2015

‘Bedroom tax’ causing children 'emotional distress and affecting education'

The effects of benefit cuts—in particular, the ‘bedroom tax’—are causing children emotional distress and affecting concentration at school, according to a new study.

In the first piece of research to examine the impact of the controversial policy, education specialists at the University of Manchester found the ‘bedroom tax’, alongside other cuts in benefits, has a negative impact on pupils’ ability to concentrate.

The study discovered that the reduction in housing benefit that hits those with ‘spare rooms’ was forcing children to share bedrooms. This means that many youngsters don’t have a quiet place for homework or undisturbed sleep.

The change in housing benefits, which was introduced in April 2013, has also made afterschool and extra-currciular activities unaffordable to some parents.

The controversial ‘bedroom tax’ is a reduction in housing benefit payments of an average £11-a-week (£572-a-year) for those with one ‘spare’ bedroom and more for those with two.

The study carried out in depth research with a small group of parents, schools and community organisations over a 16-month period and will be published by the Manchester Institute of Education.

Professor Ruth Lupton, from The University of Manchester, said: ‘The findings of this study confirm a wider picture emerging from research which points to the bedroom tax failing to meet its original aims while contributing to significant hardship among low-income families.’

Professor Lupton continued: ‘Our study suggests that the pressure put on families by this cut in benefits may also be working contrary to other policies that are intended to support child wellbeing and educational achievement, diminishing their effectiveness.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£57072 - £58072 per annum
We are looking for qualified and HCPC registered Educational Psychologists or Year 3 Trainee Educational Psychologists to join our thriving, progressi England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Senior Educational Psychologist

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£66555 - £67555 per annum
As a result of internal promotions within our service we are looking for committed Senior Educational Psychologists to join us in our work to shape th England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Principal Accountant

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Durham County Council is the largest council in the North East, we have a budget of around £1.3 billion which helps us provide services to more than 5 Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Mechanical Foreman

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
A vacancy has arisen within Building and Facilities Management for a Mechanical Foreman working full time 37 hours.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    Within a co Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Occupational Health Physiotherapist

Durham County Council
£40,777 to £45,091 p.a. (Grade 11)
An exciting opportunity has arisen with Durham County Council to join our well established ‘in house’ Occupational Health Service in making a positiv Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner