Stirling Council is to contact around 850 tenants who will be affected by the new bedroom tax.

It said it has already been in touch with 600 households, with over half saying they will have difficulty paying the shortfall.

Changes to the benefit system were introduced from 1 April. As part of the changes, it was decided to cut housing benefit to those said to have more rooms than deemed necessary.

With many affected by the new under-occupancy charge, the Council has been offering tenants advice and discussing options available to them.

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Stirling Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Violet Weir, said: “We are continuing to work with our tenants to help them understand the impact of the Welfare Reform Act, maximise their income through benefits checks and explain the options available.

"Our housing team has so far contacted people in over 600 affected households, and more than half have said that they will have difficulty paying the shortfall. However this figure can change daily taking into account household changes."

The Council added that it was looking to expand its number of single-bedroom homes, and for tenants wishing to downsize, they would actively help them seek smaller accommodation or to swap homes, if necessary.

Additional housing points will be also be awarded to those affected by the changes and who are seeking a transfer to a smaller property.

(JP/CD)