Foster parents and forces families to be exempt from 'bedroom tax' (From Free Press Series)

Foster parents and forces families to be exempt from 'bedroom tax'

7:48pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News

THE government has made changes to its controversial "bedroom tax" meaning some groups will be exempt from the charge.

Foster carers and parents of armed forces personnel will not now face housing benefit deductions if they have spare rooms.

Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, gave new guidance to local authorities about the payments available for social housing tenants.

He said foster parents can have one spare room, regardless if a child has been placed with them, if they have fostered a child or been approved to do so within the past 12 months.

Members of the armed forces who live with their parents will be regarded as occupying their room while away on operations.