Hundreds of households in South Leeds face having their benefits slashed from 7 November as the Government’s ‘benefits cap’ is extended.
About 250 households in Leeds are capped under the current limit of £26,000 per year, but next month the cap will be lowered to £20,000. These households face losing a further £60-£80 per week.
Leeds City Council estimate that a further 1,150 households will be affected, but campaign group Hands Off Our Homes say it’s more likely to be 1,800.
Leeds City Council has supported families affected so far through their Discretionary Housing Payment scheme. This funding, which also supports tenants hit by the Bedroom Tax, is already under pressure and the lower benefit cap could see it unable to support everyone in need.
John Davies from Hands Off Our Homes said:
“We want to hear from people who have received letters telling them their benefit is to be cut. If you are concerned, we want you to know that we are concerned too.
“We will do what we can support families and continue our campaign to reverse these cruel benefit cuts.”
To contact Hands Off Our Homes call or text: 07504 017322; email: handsoffourhomes@gmail.com, or find them on Facebook.
If you are a Council tenant, Housing Benefit surgeries are held every Tuesday 1:30-3:30pm at St George’s Centre, Middleton and every Thursday 1:30-3:30pm at Navigation House, Stourton. If you are a Council tenant in Belle Isle contact BITMO on (0113) 378 2190.
