Bridgnorth tenants turn out for home swap over 'bedroom tax'

The open day was held in Bridgnorth for people living in social housing which is either too big or too small for their needs.

Visitors to the event, in Westgate, were also given advice on how to save money by members of Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing Association, known as Star, Severn Trent and Shropshire Council.

Star took over responsibility for the management of all 4,200 Shropshire Council owned-homes in the Oswestry and Bridgnorth areas last April.

Yesterday's open day followed a similar event in Oswestry on Wednesday.

Martin Whiteleg, senior neighbourhood officer for Star in Bridgnorth, said: "The Oswestry event was very positive and we received lots of good feedback.

"Tenants have brought up a couple of major issues, mainly about how people have been affected by the bedroom tax and the shortfalls they've seen because of it.

"If a person has one spare room they lose 14 per cent of their housing benefits. Two bedrooms is 25 per cent.

"That means their ability to pay rent is reduced so they have to find other income.

"But we are also hearing from families who are struggling with being overcrowded, so hopefully there's a match somewhere that will suit both parties.

"Maybe it's an elderly person whose family has moved out and partner has passed away.

"Despite what some people may think there are many tenants who are willing to give up their houses for those in need."

Shropshire Housing Group, Shrewsbury-based Severnside Housing and representatives from Home Swapper also gave out advice.

A financial inclusions officer gave tenants advice on money while Severn Trent advised how people could save on their water bills.

"We have had a good turnout with about 30 to 40 coming through the doors in the first hour," said Mr Whiteleg.

"A variety of tenants have come in who may want to swap homes with people living at another address.

"We've encouraged them to leave their details so we can match them with other people, making the best use of our housing stock."

Tony Eddowes lives alone in a two-bedroomed bungalow – and said he was losing £12.60 a week in housing benefit due to the bedroom tax.

The 61-year-old, from Newport Road in Shifnal, said managing his finances had become a "struggle" – but that the event in Bridgnorth had been "helpful".

He said: "The whole object of today is learning how to manage your finance better. It has been helpful." Meanwhile, a single father-of-three from Ditton Priors, who did not wish to be named, said he was "stuck between a rock and a hard place" when it came to housing.

"I need to be in Bridgnorth but it's hard to get a council property there," he said.

"I was looking at moving to Kidderminster but I don't want to take away my kids' way of life. Fingers cross something good will come from today."

Chris Shepherd, of Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing, said: "These events are a great opportunity to get the home you need."

Mal Price, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for housing, said: "These events help us ensure that every property is being used to its maximum capacity."