MP vows flexibility over bedroom tax

WELFARE Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has promised to consider introducing more flexibility in his controversial bedroom tax.

The Conservative minister gave the commitment in a meeting with representatives from Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).

Mr Duncan Smith, who credits a visit to Glasgow with helping to form his political opinions, also did not rule out allowing the city extra time to deal with some of the impacts of his reforms.

GHA is one of the biggest social landlords in Europe and estimates that it faces finding new homes, which it does not have, for around 6000 households.

Under the so- called “bedroom tax”, thousands of tenants will face cuts to their housing benefit if they have a spare room.

Charities warn the move will force many to leave their homes.

Representatives from the GHA held a meeting with Mr Duncan Smith in London yesterday and said the talks had been constructive. Martin Armstrong, the group chief executive of Wheatley, which includes the GHA, said Mr Duncan Smith told them he would look at issues around “flexibility”.