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

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

North Northamptonshire Council
£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer x 2

Hounslow London Borough Council
£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI Chelmsford

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI ChelmsfordFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£77136 - £88230 per annum
Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs.As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chel England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner