Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
25/03/2013

Councils 'Not Responsible' For Bedroom Tax

Councils have hit out at the "extreme and ill thought-out" bedroom tax, and urged the public not to blame them when the change comes into effect.

According to the BBC, the councils added that they would try to protect the most vulnerable once the welfare reform comes into force on 1st April.

The UK government has said it would provide councils with £150m to help those in need, but David O'Neill, of council governing body Cosla, was not satisfied with the reforms.

Mr O'Neill said: "Make no mistake here - no blame whatsoever can be put at the door of Scotland's councils for either introducing these measures or for the devastating impact that this legislation is about to have on our communities."

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

He added that Cosla could "not stand idly by and allow local government's reputation and the credibility of individual councils to take the hit for this because these welfare changes are not of our doing".

The reforms include changes to housing benefit, that will result in council and housing association tenants having their benefits cut if they are deemed to have a spare bedroom.

Mr O'Neill did admit there was a need for some change to the current welfare system, but explained: "I am simply pointing out to those who will be hardest hit by these changes that it is not their local council to blame.

"Indeed, councils are going to be hit themselves with the double whammy of the massive increase in people seeking our help at a time of diminishing resources. The huge damage it will do to our communities is not something that Cosla can support, and nor should others.

"The UK Government is transferring cost and responsibility for the needs of people on benefit on to local government."

(JP)

Latest Construction News

03/05/2024

The Wheatley Group has been given planning permission from Glasgow City Council to convert the 1930s B-listed Bellgrove Hotel into 14 modern, energy-efficient and affordable flats – eight of which will be wheelchair accessible. Permission has also been granted for a further 56 flats to be built on ...
03/05/2024

Renewable energy leader Drax has announced that it will invest £80 million in a major refurbishment of its iconic 'Hollow Mountain' Cruachan pumped storage hydro power station in Scotland. Global hydropower technology supplier ANDRITZ has been appointed as the main contractor for the Cruachan ...
03/05/2024

Clark Contracts has welcomed the news that the former Dalmarnock Purifier Studios, now branded as EastWorks, has been awarded the Refurbished/Recycled workplace award at the prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards 2024. The 120-year-old former purifier shed, owned by Clyde Gateway, ...
03/05/2024

Stirling Council has launched a public consultation to shape future developments at the Viewforth and Burghmuir Road areas. The new draft framework and planning brief for Viewforth and Burghmuir covers a key area of the city centre that includes the Viewforth site, existing council buildings, ...
03/05/2024

Morrison Community Care (CCG) Holdco has secured planning permission or its latest project in South Queensferry, marking its third consecutive success. Forming part of a wider 44-hectare masterplan that will include 980 new homes, a primary school and commercial premises on Builyon Road, south of ...
03/05/2024

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have carried out a review of the last two years of the Community Regeneration Funding Programme, ahead of agreeing changes to how the 2024/25 programme will be delivered. Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Following a successful two ...
03/05/2024

Perth and Kinross Council and partners are set to progress community-led projects aimed at revitalising homes and improving rural transport links, following a winning bid for Innovate UK Pathfinder Places funding. Funding of £150,000 has been secured following a successful Phase 1 Pathfinder ...
03/05/2024

SGN engineers working on the H100 Fife project have helped support the Methilhill Community Children's Initiative (MCCI) by building an eco-toilet in the charity's learning garden. MCCI provides a safe and engaging space for local children to participate in various outdoor activities, including ...
03/05/2024

SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation, has published a draft of its 2024 election manifesto detailing six strategic policy proposals designed to support its members and the broader plumbing and heating profession. Once finalised, the manifesto will be central to ...
03/05/2024

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published their 2024-25 Annual Operating Plan, detailing how they will protect and improve Scotland's environment over the next 12 months. The publication follows the launch of a new Corporate Plan at the end of March, which set out the ...
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood LtdMaterials Market LtdToner Damp Proofing SuppliesNo HydroBurnside Plant Hire LtdKattrak International Hidromek SalesScotdeck LtdThe Big Block Co LtdSafe Access (Highland) Ltd.
Terms and Conditions
2024/05/07 00:12:30