Oxfam Scotland has announced its support of a proposed change in law to help tenants affected by the so-called 'Bedroom Tax'.

The charity is supporting a petition to the Scottish Parliament by Govan Law Centre that is calling for an amendment to existing housing law.

The amendment would mean rent arrears caused by the so-called 'Bedroom Tax' could not be used as grounds for eviction by social landlords like councils or housing associations.

The new changes to housing benefit mean that, from April, tenants who have a 'spare room' will face a 14% cut in the support they get from the government to hold on to their property.

Those with two 'spare rooms' will face a 25% cut.

Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: "Last year our Humankind Index for Scotland found that an affordable, decent and safe home is the top priority for Scots across the country. But housing benefit cuts will put thousands of people at risk of losing their homes. People on low incomes are already struggling.

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"We recognise that social landlords are being placed in a difficult situation by these housing benefit cuts, but our priority surely has to be to keep families in their homes. The change in the law proposed by Govan Law Centre will help make sure that happens.

"We hope MSPs will support the petition, and we hope the UK Government realises the enormous damage these cuts will have on people."

Govan Law Centre's Principal Solicitor, Mike Dailly, said: "We are delighted that a leading global anti-poverty charity has decided to back our 'No Evictions for Bedroom Tax' petition in the Scottish Parliament.

"Oxfam's support for our Scottish campaign underlines the seriousness of the situation, with the prospect of tens of thousands of low income households in Scotland being threatened with homelessness unless they can find extra money for rent, and many families being pushed into destitution and poverty.

"We believe the Scottish Parliament has devolved powers which could be used to significantly mitigate the adverse impact of these changes to housing benefit, and hope that MSPs will join civic Scotland in supporting our No Evictions campaign".

(IT)