The Leader of Renfrewshire Council has called on the Scottish government to help prevent tenants being evicted for rent arrears as a result of cuts to housing benefit.

Mark Macmillan says ministers should use devolved powers on housing legislation to protect council tenants affected by the new 'bedroom tax' in April.

"Many councils and welfare organisations have warned that the benefit changes being introduced by the UK government will have a significant impact on some of the poorest people in our communities," he said.

"However, the Scottish government has the opportunity to protect those tenants who are at risk of losing their tenancies because they are losing out on part of their housing benefit.

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"Making use of the devolved authority on housing legislation would allow ministers to introduce legislation which would prevent tenants being evicted because of rent arrears arising directly from the bedroom tax.

"Such legislation would help to protect the thousands across Scotland who will be affected by this benefit cut."

The new changes mean households with a total number of bedrooms classed as 'more than they need' will lose part of their weekly benefit.

In Renfrewshire alone, 1,800 council tenants will be affected by the bedroom tax.

Renfrewshire Council says the impact of cuts in benefits will take £22m out of the local economy.

"I know many people and organisations are concerned about the fairness and the practicality of these changes," added Councillor Macmillan.

"The vast majority of council tenants in Renfrewshire won’t have an option to downsize their accommodation as most of our housing includes two or more bedrooms.

"I hope the Scottish Government will act and legislate to give those people the support they need and deserve."

(IT)