The DWP has laid the Statutory Instrument amending the benefit regulations to do away with the ‘pre 1996 claim’ exemption to the bedroom tax. It is to come into effect on 3 March 2014, making all those exempt liable for the bedroom tax from that date. (It is not retrospective).
As a ‘negative’ Statutory Instrument, it is approved unless a prayer against it is made and a majority vote in at least one House is in favour of the prayer. (Though apparently this doesn’t stop the SI being laid again, and again ).
Caroline Lucas MP – Green Party – has submitted an EDM in the following terms:
‘SOCIAL SECURITY (S.I., 2014, No. 212)
Caroline Lucas
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Housing Benefit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I., 2014, No. 212), dated 4 February 2014, a copy of which was laid before this House on 5 February, be annulled.’
But the odds on a majority vote in either house in support? Not great.