Scottish government takes control of DHPs

Control of Discretionary Housing Payments Devolved

Members of the Scottish Parliament have previously taken measures to offset the effect of the Bedroom Tax – the reduction in housing benefit paid to social housing tenants deemed to be occupying a property larger than they need.

However, they were prevented from providing full relief, because of a cap on the amount of money that can be put into Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs), which is the mechanism for repaying tenants for the Housing Benefit they have lost.

Scotland Act 2016 devolves control of DHPs to Holyrood

Social security minister, Jeane Freeman, said:

“We have taken action to make sure DHPs are available to all households affected by the Bedroom Tax so no one has to pay it, and have committed to abolishing it as soon as practically possible.

“We have also increased the funding available in the first year we have had responsibility for DHPs to nearly £58m, as we want to protect low income families and households from the worst effects of the UK Government’s welfare cuts.

“When all of the powers over social security are devolved, the Scottish Government will have control of 15% of social security spend in Scotland. The transfer of these powers is not a simple inheritance, we are working in partnership with the people of Scotland to deliver social security in a different way – one that is rights-based, fairer and respectful.”

Bedroom tax background

Two-thirds of households affected by the measure include someone with a disability. They often find it impossible to move to somewhere smaller, because of the chronic shortage of accessible homes. In many cases, the “spare” bedroom is actually used – to store bulky equipment, perhaps, or because disability requires a couple to sleep separately, or to have a carer sleep over sometimes.

The amount of housing benefit that can be lost is:

• 14% if you have one spare bedroom
• 25% if you have two or more spare bedrooms

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